Ch. 641..650

Chapter 641

Strange Coincidence

The doctor confirmed that Austin's fever had gone down and he was fine now. After having a bowl of soup, Austin finally fell asleep, exhausted from crying and battling the fever earlier.

I stayed by his side, singing a soft lullaby and gently caressing his head until I was sure he was deeply asleep. Once satisfied, I pulled the blanket up to his chin, kissed his forehead tenderly, and began to leave the room.

"Selena," Zander's voice stopped me as I turned. He had been sitting quietly in a chair, watching us the entire time. "Are you leaving?"

"Uh, yeah. Austin's asleep now, so I think I should go," I murmured hesitantly.

"Wait," he said, getting up from his chair. "Come with me. I need to show you something."

Curious, I followed him as he walked to Austin's cupboard. He opened it and began searching through its contents with purpose.

I stood behind him, watching with growing curiosity. "What are you doing?" I finally asked, tilting my head. "Just give me a minute," he replied without looking back, still rifling through the neatly arranged shelves. Then he presented a scarf from the cupboard and showed it to me.

"Is this yours?" he asked, and I immediately recognized it.

Yes, it was mine-Zander had brought it as a gift when he traveled to the West. It was made of the finest silk and handcrafted with care.

But how had it remained here when everything else that belonged to me had disappeared? What did this mean? And what should I take from it?

*Zander*

I watched as Selena's face lost its color when her eyes landed on the scarf. I knew it belonged to her; her scent still lingered faintly on the silk despite how old it was.

Suddenly, everything began to make sense. Everything she had said was the truth-she was my wife, and we had been married. But I had forgotten her. How had this happened? I couldn't recall her from my past, no matter how hard I tried. That was the most baffling part of all. It wasn't just me everyone else seemed to have forgotten her too.

It wasn't normal. I had never heard of something like this happening. What had occurred that made her leave us and erased her from all our memories? The answers could only come from her.

"Selena," I said, breaking the silence that had stretched between us. "I know this is yours, and I believe you. I trust everything you've told me about our marriage."

Her beautiful hazel eyes lifted to meet mine, and I caught a flicker of hope in them. "But what I don't understand," I said, my voice steady yet probing, "is what made you leave us and go to the Lunar Realm?"

Her expression shifted, a flicker of nervousness crossing her face, but she didn't say anything. I couldn't stop now-I needed answers.

"Alright, maybe you had your reasons for leaving," I continued, my tone softening just slightly, "but why don't we remember anything about you?"

She looked away, her silence louder than any explanation she could have given. She was definitely hiding something.

"What's going on, mate?" I pressed, my voice dropping to almost a whisper. "What are you hiding? Please, just tell me."

I held her shoulders gently but firmly, turning her to face me, my eyes searching hers.

"Tell me, Selena," I insisted, my voice steady yet urgent.

She hesitated, her lips parting as if to finally reveal the truth. "Zander, I had to leave because..."

vel

But before she could finish, a sharp knock on the door interrupted her, making her jolt as if startled from trance. Her wide eyes flickered toward the door, and without another word, she quickly stepped away from me, heading to answer it.

The door opened to reveal the High Priestess standing there, her presence commanding and serene. Behind her stood an omega, who lowered her gaze respectfully and spoke in a regretful tone.

"Alpha, Luna," the omega began, bowing deeply. "I tried my best to stop the High Priestess, but she insisted on seeing the Luna immediately."

I nodded and motioned for the

omega to leave. My eyes shifted to the High Priestess, who was watching Selena intently, as if trying to communicate silently through her gazet struck me how she always seemed to interrupt Selena at the exact moment she was about to reveal something important.

Even though Selena was no longer in the Lunar Realm, the High Priestess still managed to interfere. It couldn't just be a coincidence.

Of course, I respected the High

Priestess deeply. She was a woman of immense power, a true devotee of the goddess, and held an important position in our world. But something about her unsettled me-something that felt off.

My instincts had never failed me before, and they were telling me now that there was more to her than met the eye.

Chapter 642

Limited Time

"What brings you here so urgently, High Priestess?" I asked, my voice laced with the authority of the Alpha King of the North.

"I have come to take Selena back to the Lunar Realm," she replied calmly, her tone betraying no emotion. "That's not possible. She is my mate and she will stay with me," I stated firmly, my eyes narrowing as I observed her closely. For a brief moment, her composed face shifted, revealing a flicker of something unspoken a different emotion.

Ignoring me entirely, she turned toward Selena, her focus unwavering. "Selena, you have stayed here longer than necessary. Your people need you. Please return with me."

Her words were polite, but the command in her tone was unmistakable, making my frown deepen. No matter that Selena was her daughter, the High Priestess had no authority over her. Selena wasn't just anyone she was the queen of the Lunar Realm, a goddess in her own right.

But Selena remained calm, her gaze steady as she looked at the sleeping Auston. She gestured for me to step out, and I followed her lead without a word. She slipped out after me, quietly shutting the door behind her.

While the rest of us were caught up in arguments and trying to win, she was just worried about not disturbing Austin's sleep.

"Mother, Austin just had a fever and is still vulnerable. I can't leave him like that," Selena said politely, but her voice was firm and filled with conviction.

I smirked, recalling how she had reacted earlier. The moment she learned Austin was sick, she had practically flown to his side, panic written all over her face. Her worry had been unmatched-far beyond anything I'd seen from anyone else in that room.

Yes, Blair and Anne cared for Austin. My mother, too, loved him dearly. But Selena? Her anxiety, her fear, her unrelenting demand to fix the situation-those were the instincts of a mother.

In that moment, I had no doubt she was truly Austin's mother. No one else could have fought the entire room the way she had, coldly scolding everyone, including me, the Alpha King.

"Selena, he has his father and an entire family to care for him," the High Priestess said, her tone calm but unyielding. "But your realm is without its queen. Without a ruler, the land risks falling into chaos and disorder.'

Her gaze locked onto Selena's with an intensity that seemed almost magnetic. "The time is approaching, and you know that," she whispered, her tone laden with meaning. I couldn't help but sense there was a hidden message woven into her words.

Time is approaching? What time? And why was it so urgent for her to return? The cryptic statement lingered in my mind, sparking unease.

I turned to Selena, watching her face closely. Her conflict was plain as day, her hazel eyes swirling with emotions she was struggling to contain. It was clear she was torn between her duty and her love for our

son.

Unable to stand by any longer, I stepped forward, placing myself between Selena and her mother, effectively breaking whatever spell the High Priestess was trying to weave around my mate.

"Selena isn't going anywhere. She's promised our son she wouldn't leave his side," I declared firmly, standing in defense of my mate.

The High Priestess, usually composed, now showed a flicker of frustration, her cool demeanor cracking. "How could you do something like this, Selena?" she snapped, her voice rising with agitation.

I couldn't hide my amusement.

"She's the queen, and as queen, she can decide where she wants to stay," I argued, meeting the High Priestess's gaze with challenge.

"Yes, Mother," Selena interjected. "I don't want to leave my son alone. If it's necessary, I can manage traveling between realms and bring Austin with me."

The High Priestess's expression

darkened, her yoice sharp with insistence. "Selena, we have discussed this! And stop saying Austin is your son. He is Alpha Zander's son," she stated, her words brimming with an underlying tension that only fueled my growing belief that Selena was Austin's mother.

Her gaze hardened as she continued, "You cannot bring anyone from this realm into the Lunar Realm. That was decided long ago."

Her words only confirmed what I had begun to suspect-there was far more to this than she was letting

on.

"But I've already entered the Lunar Realm," I countered with a victorious smirk.

“That was a breach, Alpha King," the High Priestess' responded, her tone sharp with anger. "The Lunar Realm is a place only gods and goddesses may enter and stay. No ordinary beings are allowed," she added with pride, as though reminding me of some sacred rule.

"Hmm," I muttered, undeterred. "In that case, I won't let Selena go."

It was clear now-an unspoken war had begun. I would not accept defeat, no matter what.

I watched with satisfaction as the High Priestess's anger flared. Her grip on her Moon Staff tightened, her eyes flashing with intensity. But before she could respond, Selena stepped forward, standing between us. "Zander, please let me speak with Mother," Selena said, her voice calm yet firm. I hesitated but nodded reluctantly.

Selena turned to face the High Priestess. "Mother, once Austin is fully recovered," she said looking at his closed room. "I will return to the Lunar Realm. But until then, I won't leave his side. He needs me, and my powers can help him recover faster."

Her words left no room for argument. The decision was made.

I

So, I had very limited time until Austin would be fully recovered, and Selena would leave. I needed to find

the missing piece of this puzzle to keep our family intact, to make sure we could stay together before the time ran out.

Chapter 643

The Calm Before The Storm

*Selena*

"Selena, can we talk in private?" Mother demanded, her tone firm but not unkind. I understood her

urgency. With Zander's commanding alpha aura practically suffocating the space, it was hard for anyone to stand their ground, let alone defy his orders.

I saw Zander's jaw tighten, a clear sign he was about to deny her again. Before he could say something that would spark another round of arguments, I spoke up quickly.

"Mother, why don't we go to the garden and talk there? I can show you my favorite flowers and plants," I suggested with a smile, keeping my tone light. Zander couldn't really object to that without seeming unreasonable, and all he could do was let out a resigned sigh.

"Austin's asleep," I added, turning to Zander. "Why don't you rest for a bit too? I'll be back soon." Without waiting for any objections, I took Mother's hand and led her toward the pack house's beautiful garden. The vibrant colors of the flowers and the fluttering butterflies instantly lifted my mood. Walking through the familiar paths, I couldn't help but think of how Zander used to join me on morning strolls here. I'd loved those peaceful moments... back when things were simpler. Back when everything was normal. When we were finally alone, Mother turned to face me, her expression leaving no doubt about her disapproval. "Selena, defying the Moon Goddess's wish is dangerous. You wouldn't want to face her anger if you understood the consequences," she warned, her voice stern and unwavering.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my tone respectful despite the frustration bubbling inside me. "Mother, I am not defying the Goddess's will," I said calmly. "I'm doing everything I can to protect the Lunar Realm and the world.

I paused, my voice softening as desperation crept in. "But I can't ignore the fact that my child is sick and needs me. I can't be selfish and leave him alone like this." My voice cracked slightly, and I hoped-just hoped-she might understand.

But deep down, I knew she wouldn't. Empathy wasn't something she'd ever shown me. She had always put her duties above everything else, including me, her own daughter. But I wasn't like her. I had a heart that loved and cared deeply for my family, and no divine duty could ever change that.

"Selena, I'm leaving now, but remember, time is slipping," she said in her usual calm tone. "We must complete the process before everything slips out of our hands."

"Process?" I repeated, my brows furrowing deeply in confusion. I'd heard her mention it countless times before, but she had never explained what it truly meant. "What process, Mother? Why don't you just tell me about it in detail?" I pressed as I tried to break through her endless veil of cryptic hints.

But her expression remained calm, her face an unreadable mask. "You will know when the time comes," she replied evenly.

What kind of answer was that? My frustration grew as I scowled at her, but she simply turned and began walking away. Her voice echoed through the garden as she disappeared into the air, her parting words heavy with hidden meaning. "Remember, Selena, your purpose is bigger than these materialistic emotions.

I sighed and I stood there for a moment, staring at the empty space where she had just been, my mind swirling with unanswered questions.

Needing a moment to gather my

thoughts, I decided to wander deeper into the garden. The sprawling greenery stretched out endlessly, leading to the royal garden near the lake. The stillness of the place felt like a balm for my restless mind. Seeking solace in the embrace of nature and the gentle whispers of the lake, I walked toward it, hoping the calm waters might offer some clarity-or at least a fleeting sense of peace.

This place was truly

heaven-undoubtedly the most beautiful treasure of the Moonglow Pack. It brought me a deep sense of peace and relief, a sanctuary where the weight of my worries seemed to ease even if just for a while. The melodic chirping of birds returning home as evening descended, and the sight of small animals venturing to the lake for water, was a serene display of nature's harmony.

I sat by the lake, dipping my fingers into the cool water, trailing them aimlessly to disrupt my reflection. It was a small, childish act, but one I cherished. Here, in this haven, I could just be myself.

As I savored the tranquility of my favorite place, my gaze wandered, drawn to the breathtaking view. The setting sun cast a golden glow across the sky, its rays painting shadows of the trees and hills onto the shimmering lake. The beauty was captivating, but then something unusual caught my attention. Movement. Quick and deliberate.

My head snapped toward the

direction, my eyes narrowing as I

focused on the figure moving swiftly. It took only a moment to recognize him-Zander, his long black leather coat billowing bekind him as he moved urgently through the trees. The sight sent a ripple of unease through my calm breaking the spell of serenity around me.

Chapter 644

No Proof

Where was he going like this? Was he hiding from someone? I had never seen him dressed like that— heck, I'd never even seen him walk like that! Something about it felt off, like it didn't fit the scenario at all. I got up quickly and left the royal garden. He was navigating through the pack's forest, and I followed him, my curiosity overriding my better judgment. But as I trailed him, I lost sight of him in the maze of trees. Stopping in the middle of the forest, I tried to figure out where he could have gone.

Then, I felt it—a presence behind me. Before I could fully turn to see who it was, a pair of hands grabbed me from behind.

"Are you stalking me, mate?" a low growl rumbled in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"Zander?!" I asked, frowning as I tried to process his sudden appearance. "What are you doing here?"

He released me, and I quickly spun around to face him. My eyes scanned him, noting how different he looked today.

"It's my pack, and I can do whatever I want," Zander said arrogantly. "But why are you wandering around like this, mate? It's not safe for you."

His words barely registered, though. My attention was elsewhere.

"Zander, what happened to your eyes?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. His once bright blue eyes were now completely dark, like the endless night. The sight was shocking for me.

"What happened to my eyes?" he echoed, not sounding surprised in the slightest. Instead, he smirked, and that only deepened my unease.

"They're dark now. How is that even possible?" I countered, my voice edged with disbelief.

"Really?" he said, his tone amused. Then, as he blinked and reopened his eyes, they appeared blue

again but it wasn't the same vibrant shade I knew so well.

"Is it normal now?" he asked with a faint grin, but I instinctively took a step back, putting some distance between us. His touch had felt... wrong, unfamiliar.

I studied him intently, my chest tightening with apprehension. Who was this man?

This wasn't my Zander Blake.

"Who are you?" I snapped, my voice sharp as I glared at him. His smirk deepened, dripping with an unsettling confidence.

"What's wrong with you, Selena?" he chuckled, the sound low and sinister. "I'm Zander Blake. The Alpha king and your mate."

"No, you're not," I shot back, refusing to believe his words.

"Have you lost your mind, mate?" he taunted, tilting his head as if he found my defiance amusing.

"No," I countered, my voice steady. "I know exactly who you are."

"Alright," he snorted, folding his arms. "Then tell me, who am I?"

"You're not my mate," I said firmly, narrowing my eyes at him. "You're the Dark Alpha."

"The Dark Alpha?" he repeated, laughing mockingly. "Do you think about him so much that you're now seeing him in me?"

"No," I hissed, my conviction

unshaken. The pieces had clicked into place. He was the same Dark Alpha I had seen in my vision, the one shrouded in darkness. My instincts screamed it was him. And now, he was here, right in front of me. This was my chance to capture him and bring him to the Alpha King.

"Come with me, and I'll prove to you that I'm Zander Blake," he said, stepping closer. Before I could react,

his hand clamped around mine, and he started pulling me forward.

Panic surged through me. His grip felt unfamiliar-nothing like Zander's touch.

"No!" I shouted, digging my heels into the ground and yanking my hand free. "You're coming with me to the pack house. We'll settle this there and find out once and for all who you really are!"

He smiled, shaking his head. "You're truly stubborn," he said, a sly grin playing on his lips.

Before I could reply with a sharp retort, Blair's loud voice echoed through the forest, pulling my attention away.

"Selena, where are you?!"

I turned toward the source of her voice and spotted Blair emerging from the far corner of the forest. "Blair!" I called out, relief flooding me. Finally, someone who could confirm I wasn't imagining things.

But when I turned back to confront

the Dark Alpha, he was gone. As if he had vanished into thin air. My heart sank, confusion and

frustration battling within me

around, searching frantically but

there was no trace of him.

Blair quickly ran toward me.

"Blair, did you see him too?" I asked breathlessly as she approached closer. I was desperate for her to validate what I'd just witnessed.

She stopped in front of me, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about, Selena? There's no one here-just you."

"No, he was here a moment ago," I insisted.

"Maybe I missed him," Blair said, her tone laced with disappointment. "When I heard your voice and came over, I only found you standing here alone."

I felt my chest tighten.

Oh, Goddess, what was that? It couldn't have been my imagination. He was real. I knew he was real.

Blair's curiosity broke through my swirling thoughts. "By the way, who was he?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as she studied me.

I stared at her helplessly, unsure of how to respond. Without proof, how could I explain?

Chapter 645

Where Is He?

I shook my head before turning to her and asking, "Where is Zander?"

"He would be in the pack house," she said, but she sounded uncertain. "Why? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I replied, waving my hand dismissively. "Why did you come here?" I asked, suddenly realizing her presence here was unexpected.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot," Blaire said, lightly slapping her forehead. "Austin woke up, and he wasn't eating dinner, so I came here to look for you," she answered.

But I wasn't entirely convinced by her answer. "Here? How did you know I'd be here?" I asked, raising my brows in question.

"When I didn't find you in the pack house, I asked one of the omegas, and she told me she saw you heading toward the lakeside while she was carrying herbs from the royal garden. Then I searched everywhere until I found you here," she explained, and now it made sense.

"But who was that man you were talking about?" she asked again, her curiosity evident.

I hesitated for a moment before shrugging it off. "Ah, nothing, probably just my imagination," I said lightly, trying to steer the conversation away. "Let's head back to the pack house. My son must be hungry."

Blair smiled warmly. "You really love Austin as if he's your own son, don't you?"

I returned her smile but chose not to respond. How could I possibly explain to her that Austin was, in fact, my son? She wouldn't believe me anyway.

She led me to the pack house through a shortcut. When we arrived, the dining hall was bustling with activity, but I couldn't spot Zander among them. As I scanned the room, Maddox walked over to Blair. "You haven't eaten yet?" Blair asked her mate sweetly.

"How could I eat without you?" Maddox replied, his words making Blair's cheeks flush pink.

Leaning closer to Blair, I whispered, "Blair, you stay here and have dinner with Maddox. I'll take care of Austin and make sure he eats properly."

She nodded appreciatively, and I could see how much they wanted to be together. After all, it hadn't been long since they were married.

"By the way, is Zander in his room?" I asked Maddox before leaving them alone.

"No, he's not even in the pack house," he replied, and his words made me frown. I glanced at Blair, who had assured me earlier that Zander would be here.

"I didn't know," she said quickly, her tone defensive. "I just assumed he'd be in the pack house since I didn't see him leave."

"Yeah, I thought the same," Maddox

agreed, backing her up. "But when I needed his advice on a matter, I tried to mind-link him and couldn't get through he had blocked all the mind-links. So I went to check kis room, but he wasn't there. I even looked in his study, but he's not in the pack house," he explained, his expression reflecting mild concern.

"Then where could he have gone?" I muttered under my breath, my mind still replaying the strange encounter with the man who had an uncanny resemblance to Zander.

"Don't worry, he'll be fine," Maddox said, attempting to comfort me. "He's always been like this, especially since the deaths of the pack members started happening without explanation. Maybe he just needed some time alone," he reasoned.

The mention of those unusual deaths sent a chill down my spine. Coupled with my encounter with the Dark Alpha, it all felt too connected. But what was the link to Zander?

My heart sank under the weight of suspicion. I silently prayed to the goddess that my fears were unfounded and that Zander wasn't who I dreaded he might be.

I went to Austin, who was cranky

from recovering from a fever and weakness. He was hungry too. As an alpha's blood ran through his veins, he had regained some strength, but for a pup his age, it would still fake time to recover fully. When he saw me, his mood brightened, and he agreed happily when I offered to feed him by hand.

After dinner, Austin and I talked for a while, and then I read him a bedtime story. He fell asleep halfway through, and I tucked him in carefully. As I glanced at the clock, I realized it was well past ten at night, and Zander still hadn't returned.

Arena was anxious too. She told me

she couldn't reach Lyon

either-Zander had blocked all the

connections. But why would he do something like that? Arena

comforted me, reassuring me that Zander was the invincible Alpha King and would be harmless. Still, the unease in my heart wouldn't go away.

The whole pack house was dark, and everyone had gone to bed in their respective rooms. Only the night guards on their rounds and I were still awake. I sat at the dining table, resting my head in my hands, waiting for my mate to return.

After a while, my sleep was broken, and I realized I had drifted off while waiting for him. I lifted my head and was shocked to see who had come home at this late hour.

Chapter 646

Back To Square One

All traces of sleep vanished as I glared at him with suspicion. He hesitated, and it was clear from his expression that he hadn't expected me to catch him here.

Sensing that he wanted to walk past me and dodge the unspoken questions in my eyes, I quickly got up from my chair and hurried toward him.

"Father?!" I blurted out by mistake, and he furrowed his brows, looking at me in confusion. "I mean, Alpha Albert," I corrected quickly, trying to cover my slip. "Where are you coming from at this late hour?" I asked, watching as an unpleasant expression crossed his face. It was obvious he didn't like being questioned. "And who are you to question me, by the way?" he snapped sharply, his tone laced with irritation.

I sighed, keeping my composure. "I am Alpha Zander's mate and the Luna of this pack," I replied firmly, meeting his gaze without flinching.

"Dream on, Selena. Only my daughter will be the Luna of this pack, and you will be thrown out," Alpha Albert declared with such confidence that it made me momentarily question my own beliefs.

Wow. He still had that effect on me. But instead of feeling intimidated, I was both amused and curious. How could he be so certain I would be removed from the pack when my mate seemed utterly obsessed with me?

"We'll see about that," I replied with a casual shrug. "But for now, I am the Luna, and I have every right to question you, Alpha Albert, especially since you're a guest in my pack."

For a moment, he looked taken aback by my words. But the surprise quickly faded, replaced by the familiar scowl that seemed permanently etched on his face.

"I went out for a run," he answered, surprising me by actually responding without further argument.

"I need you to submit your running track," I demanded, holding my palm out firmly. In an Alpha's territory, a wolf's track from their run could be shared simply by touching the Alpha or Luna's palm, allowing them to access the path taken.

To my suspicion, he looked startled by my request.

"I don't owe you any explanation," he retorted sharply, "but I still told you everything. It's offensive for you to ask me for proof when I'm a guest of Alpha Zander."

I wasn't about to fall for his deflection. "The track, Alpha Albert," I repeated, this time more sternly.

His face darkened with anger, and his hands clenched at his sides as if he were fighting an internal battle. He looked conflicted.

"Come on, it's not that difficult," I huffed, my suspicion growing with every passing second. Something was definitely off. He was hiding something, and I was now certain of it.

My Alpha King mate was too preoccupied with his own matters to properly investigate his so-called guests, some of whom were proving to be more dangerous than known enemies.

"You don't have to give her any

proof, Father a voice came from

behind me, causing me to release a breath in defeat. It was Anne! Since my memory had been wiped from this world, she seemed to hate me the most. However, I understood the reason behind her resentment.

"I'll talk to Zander in the morning, and I know he'll understand if I explain everything to him," she said to

her father, but her words were clearly meant to taunt me indirectly.

I was now conflicted-should I let them go, or should I continue questioning Alpha Albert and try to uncover the secrets he was hiding?

But seeing how annoyed Anne was with me, I decided it was best not to escalate the argument further. Yet, letting him go without getting more answers wasn't part of my plan.

"Alright, Alpha Albert. You can go and rest for the night. We'll talk in the morning," I said, picking up a glass of water.

"You seem very tired," I said, holding out the glass toward him. "Have some water."

He narrowed his eyes at me, probably weighing the harmlessness of taking the water. Eventually, he lifted his hand to take the glass. stepped closer but stumbled, and the glass fell from my hand just as he was about to grab it. I had to catch his hand to save myself from falling.

"Oh, sorry, Alpha Albert," I muttered, glancing at the shattered glass and spilled water on the floor. "I'll pour you another glass."

"No need," Anne scowled. "Father, let's go." She snatched his hand away from mine and led him toward the eastern wing of the first floor, where the guest rooms for special royal guests were located.

I watched them leave, then looked

down at my palm. My eyes gleamed with the information I had just gathered from Alpha Albert. I had caught his lie. He hadn't gone for a run, which meant there was nothing in his track. Since he hadn't shifted and let his wolf run, I couldn't track him that way either. So where had he gone at this time of night? I was back to square one.

Chapter 647

Unbeatable Team

Another worry was that Zander hadn't returned yet. Perhaps he didn't plan to return tonight. I sighed in disappointment and went back to my room. Before heading there, I checked on Austin, who was sleeping soundly.

I changed into a nightgown and lay on my side of the bed. Sleep was far away from my overworked mind, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop thinking about the strange coincidences and unusual events.

The Dark Alpha was a problem, but I couldn't ignore the feeling that Damon's name was connected to all of this. He wouldn't have stayed hidden for so long without some ill intention. I needed to track his location. But how?

Jasper Shadowborne, his half-brother!

Yes, Jasper was the new vampire king, and he might help me. But how would I convince him to help me find Damon Shadowborne if he had also forgotten me?

I closed my eyes, trying to focus on planning my next move. Somewhere along the way, exhaustion won, and I drifted off without realizing it. My sleep was interrupted when the morning sun streamed through the gaps in the curtain, warming my face. I winced and shifted slightly, only to feel Zander's arm wrapped securely around my waist.

When had he returned?

Annoyance bubbled up inside me. I wanted to wake him up and demand an explanation for disappearing without a word, but before I could act, the door burst open.

Austin barreled into the room like a whirlwind, leaping onto the bed and landing right between us. He wriggled around, shoving Zander's arm off me as if staking his claim.

"Dad, let go of my mom!" he whined, his small hands pushing Zander further away. "Only I can hold her." Zander cracked one eye open, staring at our son before turning his gaze to me. A lazy grin spread across his face. "Your mom is my mate, son. I'm allowed to hold her."

I stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. Did he seriously just say that? Austin, all of three years old, crossed his arms and huffed dramatically, clearly unimpressed.

"No, she's my mom and you won't hold her!" Austin shot back, his little voice filled with conviction.

Zander chuckled softly, reaching over to ruffle Austin's hair. Meanwhile, I just lay there, caught between amusement and disbelief.

"Come on, son. She's your mom and my mate. Let's hold her together," Zander said with a mischievous grin.

Before Austin could protest, Zander's long arm reached over him, pulling me into his embrace and effectively trapping Austin between us.

"Mom!" Austin squealed, wriggling against Zander's grip. His tiny hands pushed at his dad, but Zander's strength held firm.

"Zander, let us go!" I protested, trying to free myself, but it was no use. My Alpha mate was much stronger, and he wasn't about to let me win so easily.

Let me handle this,' Arena whispered

in my mind. Her energy surged through me, her strength amplifying mine as we worked together. With a determined smirk, I shifted my stance and exerted a powerful push, ten times stronger than before.

Zander's eyes widened as he stumbled back, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden burst of strength. Austin used the opportunity to scramble out of his grasp, his laughter ringing through the room like a victory bell.

"That's not fair, mate," Zander growled, his eyes narrowing at me, though his lips twitched with the beginnings of a grin.

"Everything is fair when it's for my baby boy," I said, grinning back as Arena hummed in approval. Austin grinned triumphantly, throwing his little arms around my neck.

"Mom wins!" he declared, making me giggle.

Zander crossed his arms, shaking his head with mock defeat. "You've got backup, huh? Two against one isn't very fair."

"Yes, Mom and son make the best team, Alpha," I teased, my tone light and playful as I pressed a kiss to Austin's cheek.

Zander's chuckle was low and warm, his eyes softening as he looked at us. "I guess I'll just have to try harder next time."

Austin grinned, clearly pleased with our victory, and snuggled closer to me. "You'll never win, Dad."

Zander raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smirk. "We'll see about that, little man. Don't get too comfortable with your winning streak."

"Mom!" Austin turned to me, his eyes wide and pleading for backup.

I pulled him into my embrace, stroking his hair as I grinned at Zander. "Don't worry, sweetheart. Dad's just jealous of our unbeatable team Don't mind him-he's just being a sore loser," I teased, flashing Zander a mocking smile.

His smirk deepened, his amusement clear in the way his blue eyes

sparkled. "Alright, I admit defeat," he said with exaggerated resignation holding his hands up in mock

surrender. "Now go and check if breakfast is ready," he instructed Austin, his tone light but firm.

"Okay!" Austin chirped, sliding off the bed with the energy only a three-year-old could muster. He darted out of the room, the door creaking slightly as he pushed it closed behind him before racing down the stairs toward the kitchen.

The moment the door clicked shut, I turned to Zander, my glare sharp enough to pierce through him. He met my gaze but didn't flinch.

"Now that we're alone," I began, my tone colder than I intended, "where were you the whole night, Alpha Zander Blake?"

The accusation in my voice made his brows draw together. A hint of frustration flashed in his eyes, but I wasn't about to back down so easily. Crossing my arms, I held my ground, silently daring him to lie to me.

Chapter 648

Typical Alpha

"I am an Alpha, and this is my pack," he replied coolly, his tone calm but unapologetic. "I have many responsibilities to handle, and I don't need to ask anyone's permission every time."

His nonchalant response only fueled my anger.

Arrogant, self-absorbed Alpha King!

I huffed internally, biting back a sharp retort.

"So, you mean to tell me you don't feel the need to let your mate know you won't be coming home for an entire night?" I countered, my voice laced with annoyance. "If you're so self-absorbed and wrapped up in your precious duties, Alpha King, maybe I have no reason to stay here. Perhaps I should return to my realm," I threatened, throwing his arrogance right back at him.

Zander's eyes widened slightly, the weight of my words crashing into him. For a moment, he looked as if reality had hit him square in the chest.

Of course, two can play this game of arrogance, Alpha.

I tilted my chin up, meeting his now-conflicted gaze with unwavering defiance.

"I was on night patrol," he finally admitted, his voice softer now, as though trying to pacify me. "I came home early this morning."

I let out a dry snort, unimpressed by his explanation. Now he seemed to realize the cost of his aloofness. "But no one knew about it," I snapped, my frustration evident. "Even your beta had no idea where you went. You blocked his mindlink too!" My tone was sharp, accusing. I was ready for a fight.

Zander averted his gaze, a clear sign he wasn't planning to tell me the whole truth.

"How can you be so irresponsible, Zander Blake?" I pressed, my anger bubbling over. "What if someone needed you while you were gone, with no way to reach you? What if I needed you?" My voice softened at the end, the weight of my unspoken worries sinking in. I had wanted to discuss something critical about his pack, but he hadn't been there.

"You needed me?" His eyes widened with realization, and for a moment, his usual confidence faltered. "What's wrong? Did something happen to you?"

I let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through my hair. What was the point of discussing it? I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he wasn't being honest with me.

What if he's the Dark Alpha? The thought crossed my mind again, unbidden and unwelcome. If he was hiding something so big, would confronting him even help? Would he tell me the truth?

I glanced at him, searching for answers in his expression, but his stoic face gave nothing away. No. He wouldn't tell me.

But I needed to gauge his reaction.

"So, you don't remember meeting

me near the royal forest?” I asked, my tone laced with subtle manipulation. My eyes stayed locked on his face, and I didn't miss

the way his expression

хал?

shifted-confusion first, then the faint widening of his eyes, betraying a flicker of fear before he quickly masked it.

"I wasn't in the royal forest, Selena," he replied, his voice cold and guarded. He stepped closer, grabbing my elbow and pulling me gently but firmly toward him. "Who did you see? And what did he do to you?" "How can you say it wasn't you when the man I met looked exactly like you?" I countered, my voice steady but challenging.

Zander's jaw clenched, his grip tightening slightly. "Never go near the forest again," he warned, his tone sharp. "Stay in the pack house. Strange things are happening in the territory, and I'm investigating them." With that, he abruptly released me and stood, crossing the room to grab his T-shirt. He threw it on in one smooth motion and headed toward the door.

"Alpha, you can't just leave a conversation unfinished like this," I called out, exasperation thick in my voice.

He paused at the doorway, glancing back at me with a mixture of

impatience and something

unreadable in his eyes. "Mate, wort

continue this later. I just realized there's something urgent I need to handle," he said before disappearing out the door.

I rolled my eyes, letting out a huff of frustration. Typical Alpha male ego. He couldn't possibly admit the truth or show even a hint of vulnerability in front of his mate.

But something about his reaction

struck me. He wasn't shocked to hear about a strange presence in his pack-it was as if he already knew as though he'd known this

mysterious figure forever. The 1.11€

he left the room abruptly, avoiding my questions and shutting down the conversation, only solidified my suspicions.

What I feared might actually be true. Zander could be linked to the Dark Alpha. How else could I explain his evasiveness, his cold demeanor, or the flicker of fear in his eyes when I confronted him?

This wasn't over-not by a long shot. I'd get to the bottom of this, one way or another. Whatever secrets he was hiding, I was determined to uncover them. Even if it meant facing the truth I didn't want to believe. Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a notification. A new text. My heart brimmed with new hope when I saw the sender's name Jasper Shadowborne.

I had messaged him before I fell asleep last night, but I didn't expect a reply anytime soon. Yet here it was. At least one lead was moving in the right direction.

Maybe, just maybe, I could uncover the truth and piece together this tangled web of secrets.

And with any luck, I'd find many more paths to unravel this mystery-before the world ended.

I hope so. I have to.

Chapter 649

New Alliances

*Zander*

'Maddox, set a high alert around the entire pack, especially near the lake and the forest,' I commanded my Beta through the mindlink as I shifted into my wolf form, letting Lyon take over.

We ran tirelessly for hours, scanning every inch of the pack's borders. The wind rushed past us, carrying no unfamiliar scent, no sign of intrusion. Frustration clawed at my chest as the search turned up empty. Not a trace of him.

There was no word from Maddox either. Finally, I shifted back into my human form, panting heavily as I surveyed my surroundings. The woods stood silent, almost eerily so, as if mocking my efforts.

'Maddox, did you find anything?' I asked as I mindlinked my Beta.

'No, Alpha,' he replied promptly. 'We haven't detected anything or anyone suspicious.'

I frowned, wiping the sweat from my brow. 'Did you check all the surveillance footage from the past three or four days?'

'Yes, Alpha. We've gone through everything thoroughly,' Maddox assured me. Then, after a brief pause, he added, 'By the way, what's going on? Is something wrong?'

I hesitated for a moment before answering. 'Nothing concrete. I just have this...feeling. Something bad is about to happen.'

There was a beat of silence, then I continued, my tone firm. 'Keep the alert level high, and double the patrols even during the day.'

'Understood, Alpha,' Maddox replied without question.

As our connection faded, I exhaled deeply, trying to calm the unease curling in my chest.

I could feel him. He was here. Somewhere. But no matter how hard I searched, I couldn't see him.

Goddess, how could I defeat him like this? How could I protect my people...and my mate?

The thought of Selena twisted the knife deeper. He hadn't hesitated to appear before her, unafraid of crossing that line. How could I possibly explain this to her?

Frustrated, I ran my hands through my damp hair, slick with sweat, cursing loudly into the silence around me. "FUCK!!!"

'When are you going to tell Selena the truth?' Lyon's voice echoed in my mind, calm but probing.

'I don't know, Lyon,' I admitted, my frustration evident. The truth was, I had no idea how or when to tell her about the darkest secret of my life.

No one knew. Not even my own mother.

How could I possibly explain this to Selena without shattering everything we had? Would she hate me for keeping this from her? Would she leave me once she knew the truth I'd hidden not just from her, but from the entire world?

For the first time in years, I felt a pang of something unfamiliar: fear. Fear of losing her, of failing her, of being the monster she might see me as when the truth finally came to light.

But I couldn't hold it in forever. That much, I knew.

'Zander, I can feel it. Our mate is no longer within the pack's territory,' Lyon growled with urgency, his voice sharp and tense in my mind.

My heart raced at the possibility that my worst fears were coming true.

'Did she leave?' I muttered, though the answer seemed obvious.

'We need to find her before she falls into trouble,' Lyon urged, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and worry.

Without wasting another second, I

shifted into my wolf form, my body adapting effortlessly. Lyon immediately took the lead, his instincts sharp and unyielding.

Trusting him completely, I bol

in

the direction he guided me every muscle in my body coiled with the desperate need to find her.

*Selena*

"Why did you insist I meet you here, outside the Moonglow pack boundaries?" Jasper Shadowborne, the Vampire King, asked, his tone both curious and irritated. His crimson eyes scrutinized me with suspicion as we stood in the eerie stillness of the forest.

"King Jasper," I began, keeping my voice calm and composed, "I summoned you here to discuss a matter that could be mutually beneficial for both of us."

His brow furrowed, his expression shifting to one of confusion. "And what matter would that be?"

I took a step closer, holding his gaze

าวน

firmly. "Your half-brother, Damon Shadowborne, has been missing, and you didn't even try to locate him?! Do you honestly believe he's sittingudly somewhere, content with his exile? Don't you think he's plotting his revenge and scheming to take back what he considers rightfully his?"

"What do you mean?" Jasper frowned, his eyes narrowing in displeasure. "The Vampire Kingdom belongs

to me. I am its true ruler and rightful heir." His voice was sharp, edged with offense.

"Don't be offended, King Jasper," I coaxed, keeping my tone gentle yet firm. "I know you're a great king. Under your rule, peace has been maintained between vampires and the other communities. But Damon is unpredictable and vicious, He won't sit idly by, content with his losses. You and I both know he's the type to plan in shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."

Jasper's expression softened slightly, though his pride remained evident.

"So, I need your help," I continued. "Together, we can locate him, defeat him, and ensure the safety of

both your kingdom and my people from whatever dark plans he's concocting."

For a moment, he studied me, his features thoughtful. Then he nodded, his stance relaxing. "You're right.

I'll help you. begin the hunt immediately, and my vampires will track him down before he has the chance to strike."

"Good," I said with a small smile, relief washing over me.

But suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled, my balance slipping. Before I

could fall, Jasper moved with inhuman speed, steadying me with a firm grip.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice as he peered into my face.

Before I could answer, a deafening roar tore through the stillness of the forest.

"Get your hands off my mate and step back!"

I turned my head, my heart racing as Zander emerged from the shadows, his eyes blazing with fury, his wolf dangerously close to the surface.

Chapter 650

Congratulations!

*Zander*

When I finally located my mate, the fear that had consumed me was instantly replaced by scorching anger. Every drop of blood in my body boiled as the sight before me ignited a fury I couldn't suppress. Selena was in the arms of the Vampire King.

"What the hell is going on?" I growled, my voice a deadly warning as I stormed forward, glaring daggers at the wicked vampire. I snatched Selena away from Jasper Shadowborne and held her protectively in my embrace.

She looked pale, her face glistening with sweat, a clear sign that something wasn't right.

"Selena," I murmured, my voice softening with concern as I gently caressed her face. "What's wrong, mate?"

Her eyelids fluttered open briefly, her gaze meeting mine for a fleeting moment before they closed again, her body growing limp in my arms.

"What have you done to her?" I thundered, my fury directed squarely at Jasper. My voice echoed with the promise of war-if anything had happened to Selena, no force in existence would stop me from bringing devastation upon him.

"I didn't do anything to her!" Jasper protested, raising his hands in surrender. "We were just talking, and she suddenly collapsed, looking as though she was unwell."

"Only you were with her when she went unconscious, and you're saying you're innocent?" I hissed, my voice dripping with rage. My eyes burned into his, daring him to lie. "What were you doing here alone with her? If anything happens to my mate, I won't let you get away so easily, Vampire King."

Jasper took a deep breath, his expression shifting to one of composure. "We can fight later. Right now, her health comes first," he replied firmly. "Take her to the hospital and wait for her to wake up. Only she can tell you what was going on here."

Lyon, my wolf, growled his reluctant agreement in my mind. 'He's right. The safety and health of our mate must come first.'

My anger simmered, but I knew they were right. Without wasting another second, I gently lifted Selena into my arms, cradling her limp form close to my chest. Every step fueled by desperation, I ran at lightning-fast speed, racing to the pack's hospital.

I had mind-linked the pack's doctor on the way, instructing them to be prepared. By the time I arrived, they had already made all the necessary arrangements. The moment we reached, they took Selena straight into the examination room, shutting the door and forcing me to stay outside.

My beta and gamma arrived soon after, as I instructed them through mindlink to take Jasper

Shadowborne with them, and there was no way I was letting him leave until Selena woke up and cleared everything.

As the examination room door closed, I turned sharply toward Jasper, stalking toward him with dangerous intent.

"Now speak-what were you doing with my mate alone, outside my pack's territory?" I demanded, my voice heavy with authority and anger.

"She called me to meet her there," he said calmly, but his words only made me growl in disbelief. "Bullshit!" I snapped, refusing to believe him.

"It's the truth," he insisted, meeting my glare evenly. "She wanted to talk to me about my half-brother, Damon Shadowborne."

At his words, my scowl deepened. "Why would she ask about that cunning, evil vampire?" I asked, suspicion lacing my voice.

"She said she believes he might be planning something dangerous for all the shifters and the paranormal community. She thought we should team up to find him and stop his plans," he revealed, his tone measured but firm.

I clenched my fists, dumbfounded. If Selena needed help, why the hell didn't she come to me? Why did she go to a vampire king, someone she barely knew? She had become increasingly hard to trust.

Why do you have to be like this, my mate? I cried in my heart, the pain of uncertainty gnawing at me.

Suddenly, the door to the examination room swung open. I rushed toward it, leaving Jasper and everything else behind.

"How is she?" I asked, panic lacing my voice.

"She's fine, Alpha," the pack doctor

replied calmly. "Luna is alright. But it

seems she hasn't been taking

proper care of herself. She's been neglecting her health, not eating properly, and not getting enough sleep. Her blood sugar and blood pressure were both low, which caused her to faint."

Oh, Goddess, it was my fault. I had forced her to stay with me in my pack, and I hadn't taken proper care

of her.

"Will she be alright, doctor?" I asked, fear creeping into my words.

"Yes, she'll be fine, but you need to be extra cautious, Alpha," the doctor warned. "If she doesn't take care of herself, it could be harmful for both the pup and the Luna."

The doctor's words froze me in place.

"Pup? What do you mean?" I frowned, trying to make sense of what I was hearing.

The doctor's face shifted from confusion to realization. "Oh, you didn't know. Luna is pregnant, Alpha. Congratulations!" He said, his voice tinged with

grin.

Pregnant?! My mate was pregnant?! With whose child?