Forty-One*Rafe"What are you doing, Rafe?" Rafael demanded as soon as he saw me dressing up in my chambers. "You can't seriously be planning to go after the girl. Don't you think what you are trying to do is unnecessary and a step too far?"I tightened the last strap on my leather armor. "Of course, I am. Freya is in danger. I have to save her."Rafael shook his head. "She escaped the palace walls of her own volition. The Sunshade pack is treacherous territory, even for you. It's far too risky."My jaw clenched. I knew he was right - it would be perilous to confront the rival pack alone on their own lands. But images of Freya, scared and alone, possibly hurt or worse, kept flashing through my mind.I met my Gamma's stern gaze. "I hear your counsel, Rafael, but I cannot abandon her. Not when her life may be at stake.""What is this girl to you? Why endanger yourself for her?" He searched my face, trying to understand.I squared my shoulders, hand gripping the hilt of my sword. "She is

Forty three*Freya*My heart pounded as Rafe's intense gaze locked onto mine. The air between us felt electric, charged with a longing so powerful it stole my breath away. I ached to confess the truth I'd been holding back—that I wasn't truly one of his kind. His brow furrowed slightly in concern. "Tell me, Freya." He urged.I took a deep breath. It was now or never. "The reason I ran away... it wasn't because of you. It was because of Kelly, my stepsister. She found out my secret and threatened to tell you if I didn't leave the palace" "What secret is that?" He asked. I took a deep breath, my whole body beaded with thick sweat.After a heavy pause, the words finally tumbled out. "Kelly...she threatened to tell you I'm wolfless if I didn't leave you." My stepsister's cruelty still stung. "I couldn't let her manipulate me anymore, so I fled your palace."Rafe's brow furrowed, those piercing eyes searching my face. "Why didn't you just tell me?" I fought back tears at the hurt lacin

Forty Five*Rafe*I gazed at Freya's soft curves and delicate features as she slept peacefully beside me, the light caressing her bare skin. Memories of our passionate lovemaking were still fresh in my mind - the feel of her silky body pressed against mine, her nails digging into my back as she gasped my name over and over in ecstasy. In this blissful moment, nothing else mattered except the amazing connection we shared. Careful not to wake her, I placed a tender kiss on Freya's forehead before slipping out of bed. Pulling on some clothes, I silently exited the room, closing the door with a quiet click. The private jet had landed while we were...occupied, and I could hear my crew and security detail preparing to disembark. I made my way to the front of the plane where Connor was overseeing the unloading. He glanced up as I approached, a sly grin spreading across his face."Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," Connor quipped. "I was beginning to think

Forty seven*Freya* The more I tried to move my body out of the water, the more it seemed to pull me in. "Help!" I screamed, my voice cracking. "Someone help me! Grace! Anyone!" But deep down, I knew no one could hear me, I was utterly alone in this strange, terrifying place, far from any chance of rescue. I sagged back into the water, tears of fear and frustration stinging my eyes. I had to find a way out of this nightmare, but I had no idea how. All I could do was pray that somehow, I would wake up soon. I tried to slap myself to wake up but it didn't work. I grabbed my hair and pulled hard but I didn't feel any difference apart from the pain of dragging my hair. Suddenly, I felt a sharp tug on my leg, and before I could even scream, the water swallowed me whole. The icy liquid filled my nose and mouth as I thrashed and fought against the invisible force dragging me under. My lungs burned, desperate for air, but there was none to be found. Only the murky depths of the stream and

Forty nine*Freya* His lips hovered just above mine, teasing, testing, playing. He knew how badly I wanted to kiss him and he reveled in it. He grinned devilishly, taking in my disheveled state. My breath hitched as Rafe's gaze burned into mine, the air crackling with an almost tangible tension. The anticipation of his touch sent shivers down my spine, teasing my senses and igniting a fire within me. Slowly, achingly so, he leaned in, a hunger in his eyes that mirrored my own. His strong, warm hands found their way around my waist, gripping softly but firmly, He pulled my body against his. Heat radiated from him, and his musky scent intoxicated my senses, leaving me dizzy with desire. I needed him so badly!A soft moan escaped as our lips finally met, a press of warmth and need. Rafe's lips were everything I wanted and more, we explored each other's mouths, our tongues dancing a sensual waltz. My fingers found their way up and tangled in his hair, pulling him even closer, not wanti