Nora Ashwood have a forbidden romantic relationship with Gavin Stormclaw, the alpha's son, due to their respective statuses as she is an omega and he is a noble. But their fairy tale is abruptly cut short when Nora is accused of stealing from the Luna and banished from the pack for life. It is far from her landmarks that she discovers that she is pregnant and brings triplets into the world. Six years later, Nora is trying to forget Gavin whom she does not forgive for having abandoned her to her fate, while rebuilding a new path in this hostile territory. But her triplets are kidnapped and she has no choice but to come back to the pack and asks for Gavin's help. What a surprise when she finds out he's become the alpha and he is involved in an arranged marriage.
Chapter 1 Love in the Shadows.
My pulse quickened as Gavin's strong arms enveloped me, pulling me close in his secluded chambers, far from the pack's watchful gaze.
"Don't worry," Gavin murmured reassuringly, his breath warm against my neck. "We're safe here."
I relaxed into his embrace, finding comfort in his presence. Despite the risks that came with our forbidden love as an omega and the alpha's son, nothing mattered in this stolen moment of connection.
Gavin's touch traced down my spine delicately, sending a tingle down my back. I met his intense gaze, losing myself in the depth of his green eyes. He leaned in slowly, his lips meeting mine in a deep, passionate kiss."
Just as I indulged to the tranquility of the moment, a sound from the hallway snapped me back to reality. "Gavin, someone's coming!" I whispered urgently.
But Gavin smiled calmly. "Relax, my love. No one ever ventures here at this hour."
I tried to calm my racing heart, fearing the consequences if we were discovered. A romantic entanglement with the alpha's son could cost me everything as an omega, even my mere existence.
Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a familiar figure. "Gavin, my dear!" The Luna Elara exclaimed in surprise.
Quickly thinking on my feet, I grabbed a cloth and pretended to tidy up, while Gavin mirrored my actions, projecting an air of nonchalance.
"Mother," he greeted evenly. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
"I've come to discuss the guest list for my birthday celebration," Luna Elara stated, her eyes scanning the room. "I need your input on who to invite."
Gavin nodded smoothly. "Of course, Mother. I'll have that list to you by the end of the day."
Satisfied, Luna Elara briefly glanced at us before departing the way she came. As soon as she left, Gavin and I exhaled deeply, relief flooding us both.
"That was a close call," I whispered, still in shock from the near miss.
But to my surprise Gavin had already recovered from this and he drew me near once more. "I love you so much."
"I... I love you too, Maybe even more than you love me. But we must..."
He cut me off gently, holding my chin with his Indes finger and placing his thumb on my lips, his eyes filled with a blend of affection and concern. "We must exercise caution, my love. I couldn't bear it if something were to happen to you."
I nodded in agreement, finding freedom in his embrace. With Gavin by my side, I felt fortified to confront any challenge ahead.
Our relationship was complicated by our differing statuses. As an Omega, we wete born and died at the bottom of the ladder, unable to rise. We Omegas were marked by our shifted forms. Sometimes unable to howl, we were smaller and weaker, often with short hair, or even none at all. The latter with no hair were called "barebacks", and were seen as disreputable and faced total rejection and isolation. So, after a lifetime of bullying, many either became rogues or resorted to questionable methods to grow hair in their wolf forms.
In contrast, the Nobles were stronger and taller, even the females. Their fur was thick, shiny, and beautiful, and their howls were soft, soothing songs. To prevent any mixing, it was decided centuries ago to clearly differentiate Omegas from Nobles, as some of the Omega's traits could be passed on when they bred together.
The next day, while meticulously attending to my duties in one of the palace's expansive corridors, I suddenly sensed a commanding presence behind me.
"Excuse me, what is your name?" asked a figure whose authority was unmistakable, making me acutely aware of my place as an omega and a low-ranking servant. It was the Luna Elara, for whom refinement and delicacy were just second nature.
"M-my name is Nora, your Highness." I stammered, bowing deeply in deference.
To my surprise, Elara's demeanor softened slightly. "Nora... You seem dedicated to your tasks. I am seeking a new attendant in my close circle. Would you be interested?"
I was taken aback. Serving Gavin's esteemed mother would be an opportunity I couldn't pass up, despite the risks it posed to my personal life. "I would be honored, your Highness." I managed to say with composure.
The Luna nodded approvingly. "Very well. Report to my chambers very early tomorrow morning to begin."
As the Luna Elara glided away with the grace of royalty, her gown sweeping silently over the polished floors, I stood frozen in place. My heart raced in my chest, and a thousand thoughts swirled through my mind. Had she seen through me? Was this some kind of test? Or could it really be the opportunity it seemed-an impossible chance to be closer to Gavin without suspicion?
The air felt too thin in the corridor, my breath unsteady as I watched Elara disappear from sight. What just happened? And what would Gavin think when I told him?
Later that evening, I hurried to share the news with him. His face lit up with joy upon hearing my newfound opportunity.
"Nora, this is... incredible!" he exclaimed, pulling me close. "Now you'll have access to more parts of the palace and we can see each other more often!"
I shared his enthusiasm, though a hint of apprehension lingered. Being so close to authority would undoubtedly bring challenges.
As we embraced, I cherished the moment, savoring the feeling of his arms around me. In that instance, nothing else mattered but our bond and the forbidden feelings that we had for each other.
In the following days, I shared the recent events with my closest friend, Shelby, in a secluded nook of the pack's garden where we often convened. She listened attentively, her brow furrowed with worry as I recounted the near encounter with the Luna and her unexpected offer.
"I'm happy for you. An opportunity like this almost never presents itself in an omega's life. And I can see how happy you are to share this love with Gavin." Shelby said, her eyes lit with joy as she stroked my shoulder, thought her expression quickly changed to a mix of worry and concern. "But are you certain it's safe, Nora?" She asked softly, her eyes darting around to make sure no one was within earshot. "You know what could happen if they find out."
I nodded, understanding her concern all too well. "I know, Shelby. But Gavin... he makes everything feel worth the risk. I can't walk away from him, not now."
Shelby sighed deeply, her fingers twisting nervously in the folds of her apron. "Just promise me you'll be careful. Getting involved with the alpha's son... it's dangerous. If anyone catches wind of this, you're the only one who'll pay the price."
"I know, I know," I reassured her. "But I'll be careful, I promise. Gavin and I both will."
Despite her evident worry, Shelby's lips curled into a small smile. She had been with me through thick and thin, always by my side, protecting me when she could. "Well, as long as he makes you happy," she said softly. "I can't help but be happy for you. Just don't forget what's at stake."
I feit a wave of gratitude for her loyalty. "Thank you, Shelby. For everything. You always look out for me."
"Of course I do, Nora. You're not just a friend to me anymore. You're like my sister." She said shaking her head with a gentle laugh.
As we prepared to part ways, a tinge of sadness tugged at me. It would be at least a week before we could meet again due to Shelby's exhausting duties on the royal plantations. We both knew the distance our work placed between us, yet that never weakened our bond.
"Take care of yourself," Shelby said as she stood, brushing the dirt off her skirts. "And don't hesitate to come to me if anything happens."
"I will," I promised, watching her retreat back toward the manor, her words still echoing in my mind.