When Addison heard of Zion's impending return, she devoted herself to preparing an elaborate welcome banquet. Although her marriage to Zion had originally been one of convenience, rooted in her deep gratitude to the former Alpha who had saved her life, she had since fallen for Zion. His powerful presence, charismatic leadership, and striking appearance had won her over, and from the moment she offered herself as his mate, she had accepted him wholeheartedly as her Alpha and mate.

The long-awaited return of Zion and his warriors was met with celebration. Pack members gathered at the borders, eager to welcome their hero, Alpha, and his brave fighters. Addison, too, stood among them, filled with anticipation and genuine happiness at seeing Zion again. But as the pack caught sight of their Alpha, the largest of the wolves approaching with fur as dark as midnight, Addison’s heart froze—on his back sat a pregnant woman. 

For werewolves, it was well-known that only mates were allowed to ride in their wolf form, and seeing this woman there, visibly expecting, spoke volumes. Addison’s heart tightened painfully, yet she fought to maintain her composure, choosing to receive Zion and his entourage with a warm and gracious smile. Despite her efforts, Zion dismissed her completely, his attention solely on the woman as he tenderly guided her from his back and into the heart of their home.

When all was said and done, but Addison still received nothing but contempt and hatred, she decided to leave. But why did Zion react so strongly?
...

"Then let's dissolve our mate bond and reject each other! That way, you can make Claire your official Luna!" Her chest rose and fell violently, her breaths ragged with fury.

"Who said you could leave? You are MINE!" Zion turned feral and took Addison back to their chambers and ravaged her for three days and three nights...

"I'll make sure you're tied to this bed, and your legs are so weak you won’t even be able to stand," Zion snarled, pinning her down. His dark eyes flickered with gold, a clear sign that his wolf was watching her from just beneath the surface.
...
Because they never truly tried to understand each other, their relationship was filled with misunderstandings. Zion, blinded by his petty pride and desire for revenge, refused to defend himself. He wanted Addison to pay for what he believed she owed him, but that very resentment became his own downfall. Addison, on the other hand, couldn’t wait forever for him to let go of his hatred and pain. She was ready to walk away.

But when she finally disappeared from his world, Zion lost his mind. He turned his own pack upside down in a desperate bid to avenge the abuse and torture she had suffered. Yet it was too late—she was gone. And worst of all, he never had the chance to tell her the truth: the pup in the other woman's belly wasn’t his.

He couldn’t openly reveal it either, because that woman held a special status they couldn’t afford to offend. Zion had sent Addison away to protect her from being killed, but his pride had cost him everything. Hurting her became his greatest regret—one that overshadowed even the death of his father, the former Alpha.

But the Moon Goddess had other plans. Their paths crossed once again.

And then, Zion saw her. No, them. Addison had a son. No—she had sons. There was another one.

Regret clawed at him. He had once taunted her, wanting to break her, but now all he wanted was to make amends—to reclaim the family he had lost. But how? The gap between them was wider than ever. She wasn’t someone he could simply walk up to anymore.

Would he ever get the chance to fix what he had broken? Or would Addison choose the mate her father, the Alpha King, had picked for her? After all, she wasn’t just anyone—she was the Alpha King’s only daughter, destined to be the first female Alpha King in history.

The Alpha King furrowed his brows. Too many things weren't adding up—and others were starting to notice as well. 


It was clear that the situation was far more complicated than it appeared, and they needed to proceed with extreme caution. At the same time, they had to keep the incident strictly confidential and ensure Addison remained hidden for now.


He immediately sent a mindlink to his Royal Beta."Inform one of the Convoys that was close to head to the Midnight River Pack and quietly assess the situation there. And keep the princess's return a secret—no one must find out. Make sure the rest of the Royal Convoy doesn't suspect anything unusual. Report everything directly to me."


For now, all he could do was wait for the report from the Royal Convoy sent to the Midnight River Pack. It seemed that the root of all these anomalies originated there, and he was determined to uncover the truth.


Chapter 40 - Chapter 40 A Curse?