Chapter 22Alucard's presence alone was enough to stir a whirlwind of emotions within me. Hatred, hurt, longing—all tangled together in a complex web that threatened to ensnare me once more. His forest-green eyes, so familiar yet now so distant, bore into mine, their intensity causing my heart to race.Alpha King Azarius, on the other hand, exuded an air of regal authority that demanded respect. His demeanor was composed, his gaze assessing as it swept over me. It was evident that he was a ruler accustomed to command and obedience.For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable. I fought to steady myself, to regain control over the maelstrom of feelings that threatened to consume me. With a measured breath, I composed myself and stepped forward, my chin lifted in a show of confidence."Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness," I greeted with a polite curtsy, my tone respectful yet reserved. "What a surprise to find you both here."Alpha King Azarius inclined his head
Chapter 23I tried to struggle against his hold, but Alucard was so strong that he even pinned my hands on each side of me. His closed eyes spoke of his intense focus, his intention clear as his lips sought an entry into my mouth. In a desperate bid for freedom, I sank my teeth into his lower lip, hoping to force him to release me. Yet, his determination prevailed, and as his ardor intensified, I found myself reluctantly closing my eyes, the heat of the moment overwhelming my defenses. I was trapped, caught in the whirlwind of his insistent and consuming kiss.That was when I dropped my guard, returning the equal fervor of his kiss. When Alucard thought that he already coaxed me, he placed my arms to cling to his neck, earning a moan from me as my fingers were clutching the strands of his hair when our kiss deepened. I could feel the longing he was pouring into our kiss with a mix of dominating each other, neither of us was backing down. His hands had started to wander around my body
Chapter 24Directing my attention back to my guests, I led them to Crimson Cove, a property belonging to the House of Bellwood. We held possession of half of the beach, while the remainder was either owned or potentially up for sale by the royal lycan family.Since ours were private, no one could enter the vicinity of our property. This would make me at ease to wear swimwear that could reveal my skin. If others would think that my bathing attire would be inappropriate, then so be it. Edison and Jaromir did not mind it. So, I invited Evelina to wear what I was wearing when I was in the Waevalon Kingdom."You look gorgeous, Evelina!" I giggled when I was tugging her hand, who looked shy as we were both wearing reduction of coverage where our arms, legs, and back were exposed. "A-Are you certain that no one is going to come here? And what will Jaromir say? What if he does not like it?" "Rest assured, there's no need to worry. As I mentioned, we hold ownership of half of this beach. No
Chapter 25My heart clenched, a mixture of emotions overwhelming me. Anger, fear, and a fierce protectiveness surged within me. I couldn't let Alucard manipulate my triplets, couldn't let him invade their lives or claim any influence over them.As I stared at him, my gaze locked onto his, determination blazed in my eyes. Alucard's eyes were shimmering with triumphantness. This was a battle I was determined to win, a challenge I would rise to face. I wouldn't let Alucard's tactics defeat me. My triplets deserved a life free from his manipulation, and I would do whatever it took to ensure that."Stay away from them!" I marched in their direction to instill my authority. I even had to step forward and use my body to block Alucard's vision, who was eyeing our triplets. "Lulu, Lumie, Richie, go inside." I turned at them when they were not moving. Frustration began to arise in me. "Now!" "But Mommy..." they paused and saw how earnest I was, Lumiere hastily took the hands of his brother and
Chapter 26"Mother, did you just forsake me?" I confronted my mother in her chamber. There was no way that I was not going to leave until I knew her answer. I did not think Mother would do such a thing by helping Alucard meet my children. All this time, I thought she understood me and was my ally because of my history with him. But hearing those words from Alucard... I felt like it tore half of my body from the betrayal.Mother relieved a sigh and set aside her embroidery tools. "I did not forsake you, Faya." Her tender gaze pierced in my direction. "I am only helping the man who has been longing to see his children. That is all."Mother's gentle and delicate tone seemed to permeate my senses. I was torn between persisting in confronting her, raising my voice, or simply retreating and facing these matters on my own."I don't understand your logic, Mother. The man you just aided in gaining access to our territory is the same man who rejected our mate bond!" My frustration surged throu
Chapter 27"Your Serene Grace," Palmer reported promptly when I summoned him this morning in my chamber to discuss Alucard's whereabouts, "they've established a camp close to the western borders of the Crimson Cove."I excused my servants and then addressed Palmer directly, saying, "Inform him that I wish to have a conversation, but not here. I'd like to meet in their camp."Palmer bowed his head. "Your wish is my command, Your Serene Grace."When he disappeared from my sight, I could only look at my reflection dressed in a luxurious tunic and trousers. I was really prepared for today to speak with him as I already knew what decision I should make. "Mommy, where are you going?" I looked behind me and saw that it was Lumiere. He just woke up and was yawning. His habit was always going to my chamber to wake me up or see if I was still sleeping."I need to settle some business, sweetie. Mommy will be right back." I carried him into my arms before bestowing him a kiss on his forehead. "
Chapter 28For the next couple of days, I had prepared my triplets for meeting their father. I carefully explained in simple terms why it took me so long for them to tell the truth. I had to tell them that something had happened in the past, so we had to be separated. I became honest that our mate bond was already severed, and their father rejected me.If I wouldn't do that, they would just still ask that question. They would eventually know the truth, so they might as well tell them as soon as possible."Mommy, did Daddy not like you? That is why he rejected you?" Liutrich asked innocently when I was tucking them in my bed. I couldn't help but feel a pang in my heart as Liutrich's innocent question hung in the air. I sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at my three children, all of them waiting for an answer.I brushed a lock of hair away from Liutrich's forehead and gave him a soft smile. "No, sweetie, it's not that Daddy didn't like me," I explained gently. "Sometimes, grown-u
Chapter 29Alucard and my triplets only spent their time the whole morning chitchatting and playing, but it was interrupted when he was summoned to the royal palace because of an emergency meeting conducted by Alpha King Azarius. I could have sworn I watched how the thrill in their faces collapsed upon learning that, but Alucard was quick to manage to mend things."Fret not. Since this is our official meeting, our next meeting would be a blast," Alucard said as he had them in his lap. "You three and our Mommy would stay in the Calbourne Citadel... I promise that I have cleared my schedule for all of you."My eyes widened in horror at his words. What did he mean that I would be staying in his castle, too? We only talked that the triplets would stay with them, but I wouldn't be included in sleeping.When I tried to catch Alucard's gaze, he was not heeding me. That added frustration to what I was feeling.He even ignored me even from the time he was bidding farewell to them. I was in dis