\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Chapter 98 of \u201cWhen Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown,\u201d Bella emerges from her bedroom, sensing a palpable tension in the air. Millie is excitedly waiting in the living area, but it is Troy\u2019s intense presence that captures Bella\u2019s attention. Troy\u2019s expression conveys a mix of anger and worry, which leads him to confront Bella about her reckless decision to venture into the forest alone. His protective instincts as the Alpha of the pack surface, and he expresses his fear of failing in his duty to keep her safe, even going so far as to suggest stepping down from his position.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bella, unfazed by Troy\u2019s outburst, responds with a light-hearted tone, challenging his dramatic reaction. She reassures him that she acted with purpose, having successfully brought Scott back from a precarious situation. Their exchange reveals a deeper bond, as Bella insists that Troy did not fail her and that he should not consider resigning over her choices. Their playful banter softens the tension, and Troy\u2019s stern demeanor begins to crack, ultimately leading to a moment of shared understanding and affection.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
After resolving the immediate crisis, Bella and Millie excitedly head out for wedding dress shopping. Bella opts for a simple yet elegant dress that reflects her desire to feel authentic and true to herself, contrasting with the elaborate expectations of her royal status. As they discuss wedding traditions and preparations, Bella\u2019s heart swells with love and anticipation, especially as she envisions her future with Scott and their children. However, the mood shifts when she learns that Scott has gone to meet someone, causing her anxiety to rise as she recalls past traumas.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter culminates in a mix of excitement and worry as Bella prepares for the wedding while grappling with the traditional separation from her groom the night before. Despite her frustration with the customs, she finds comfort in her love for Scott, and their connection remains strong even through the distance. The chapter closes with Bella reassuring Scott of her love, highlighting the emotional depth of their relationship amid the chaos of impending wedding plans and familial responsibilities.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**<\/p>\n
**Chapter 98**<\/p>\n
**Bella**<\/p>\n
As I stepped out of the bedroom, a sudden awareness washed over me\u2014something was amiss. The air crackled with a tension that suggested I was not alone.<\/p>\n
Millie stood in the living area, her excitement barely contained. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her chest, and her eyes sparkled with an infectious enthusiasm that was hard to ignore.<\/p>\n
However, it was Troy\u2019s presence that truly halted me in my tracks. He was there too, and the expression on his face sent a jolt of apprehension through me. His jaw was set tight, shoulders squared, and his eyes blazed with an intensity that could ignite a fire. It was as if someone had deeply offended his lineage, and he was prepared to defend it with a ferocity that left me momentarily speechless.<\/p>\n
For a fleeting moment, I wondered if I had unwittingly triggered yet another crisis, but before I could dwell on that thought, he strode toward me with determined strides that echoed his urgency.<\/p>\n
When he reached me, his frustration erupted like a volcano. \u201cWhat were you thinking?\u201d he demanded, his voice a tempest of panic and anger. \u201cDo you have any idea how reckless that was? Venturing into the forest alone? Without any protection? Without informing anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n
I blinked, unfazed by his outburst. \u201cGood morning to you too, Troy,\u201d I replied, my tone light.<\/p>\n
But he was relentless. \u201cI am the Alpha of this pack,\u201d he continued, his voice rising in pitch, reverberating with authority. \u201cYour safety is my responsibility. If anything had happened to you, it would have weighed heavily on my conscience. My failure.\u201d His chest heaved as he took a deep breath, the gravity of his words hanging in the air. \u201cAnd because I failed to prevent this, I will be stepping down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Millie gasped softly, her surprise palpable.<\/p>\n
I stared at him, my gaze unwavering. For what felt like an eternity, I simply looked at him, processing the weight of his declaration. Then, rubbing my forehead in exasperation, I sighed. \u201cIs everyone in this pack this dramatic, or is it just a prerequisite for leadership?\u201d<\/p>\n
Millie stifled a laugh, quickly transforming it into a cough.<\/p>\n
Troy\u2019s jaw tightened further, his irritation palpable. \u201cThis is not a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d I replied, maintaining my calm demeanor, even as my lips threatened to curl into a smile. \u201cBut let\u2019s recap the situation. I went into the forest, found Scott, and brought him back. Everyone is alive, and the forest is\u2026 well, mostly still standing.\u201d I waved my hand dismissively, as if to brush away the concern. \u201cAll\u2019s well that ends well.\u201d<\/p>\n
He opened his mouth to argue, but I stepped closer, placing a finger gently against his chest. \u201cAnd you are not stepping down. Ever. You didn\u2019t fail me. I made the choice to act. I had to bring your king back from the brink of madness that I inadvertently caused. I had to bring my mate back. So\u2026 that\u2019s a win in my book.\u201d<\/p>\n
His fierce glare wavered, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. \u201cYou could have died,\u201d he snapped, his voice barely concealing the worry that lay beneath.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I didn\u2019t,\u201d I countered, my voice steady. \u201cAnd I was fully aware of what I was doing.\u201d Troy looked as if he was about to launch into another argument, but I gently interrupted him. \u201cYou didn\u2019t fail me. You protected me to the best of your ability. And if you ever think about resigning over something like this again, I\u2019ll personally assign you to flower-arranging duty for every wedding in the pack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Millie snorted, unable to contain her amusement.<\/p>\n
I leaned back, satisfied with my small victory. \u201cSee? Crisis resolved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite himself, Troy\u2019s lips twitched, the corners of his mouth betraying a hint of a smile. Finally, he let out a sharp exhale and turned his face away. But when he looked back, the faintest trace of a smile lingered, and he cleared his throat, bowing his head slightly. \u201cAs you command, my Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood,\u201d I said, waving him off with a playful gesture. \u201cNow go be useful. There\u2019s a wedding tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a reluctant smile, he shook his head before departing.<\/p>\n
I clapped my hands together, feeling a surge of excitement. \u201cGreat! Now that we\u2019ve wrapped up the guilt spiral, Millie\u2014take me wedding dress shopping!\u201d<\/p>\n
Millie squealed, her voice ringing with joy, so loud I half-expected the wolves outside to hear her. \u201cOh my goddess, finally! I know exactly where to take you!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be right back,\u201d I said, turning toward the bedroom, but paused to glance back at Troy. \u201cYou should probably go prepare for the wedding. It\u2019s tomorrow, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n
He shook his head, now smiling openly. \u201cScott already told me.\u201d<\/p>\n
I frowned, curiosity piqued. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWolves can mind-link,\u201d Troy replied casually.<\/p>\n
That revelation caught my attention immediately. \u201cWait\u2014so you can communicate without phones?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d he confirmed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd my children?\u201d I asked, my heart racing with both excitement and concern.<\/p>\n
He nodded thoughtfully. \u201cSoon. Their senses will develop. Living among humans has delayed it, but it will come.\u201d<\/p>\n
The thought thrilled and terrified me in equal measure. Once Troy left, I slipped back into the bedroom.<\/p>\n
Scott was sprawled across the bed, sound asleep and completely naked. His wet hair clung to his face, droplets of water still clinging to his skin as he lay there like the most carefree king in existence. I sighed, shaking my head fondly. \u201cThe King is sleeping,\u201d I murmured to myself.<\/p>\n
I grabbed my purse and made my way out before the temptation to crawl back into bed became too strong. After letting Cindy and Nancy know I was heading out, Millie and I drove to the pack\u2019s market. The boutique she led me to was elegant and understated, filled with soft silks and warm lighting that made everything feel inviting. As I ran my fingers over the dresses, memories tugged at my heartstrings.<\/p>\n
The first wedding dress I ever bought had been an elaborate affair\u2014heavy and ornate, designed for a future that now felt like a distant fantasy. This time, however, I craved simplicity. I chose a soft silk dress with clean lines and a delicate short veil that would just brush my cheeks.<\/p>\n
Millie frowned at my selection. \u201cYou\u2019re the Queen. You could buy the entire store if you wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want something honest,\u201d I replied firmly. \u201cI want to feel like myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
She studied me for a moment, her expression softening into a smile. \u201cThat\u2019s why he loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n
On our way back, Millie excitedly detailed the wedding rituals\u2014moon blessings, vows exchanged under the goddess\u2019s light, and the presence of the entire pack. I listened, my heart swelling with love and anticipation, knowing I needed to begin crafting my vows. But when we returned home, Scott was nowhere to be found.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s gone to meet Cass,\u201d Cindy informed me quietly.<\/p>\n
A knot formed in my stomach as the image of Tasha hanging lifelessly flashed through my mind. Sensing my distress, Millie squeezed my hand reassuringly. \u201cHe\u2019s taking care of it. You don\u2019t need to carry that burden.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moments later, the kids burst into the room, their excitement palpable as they eagerly planned their flower duties. I scooped them up in my arms, hugging them tightly and breathing in their familiar scents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want him as my daddy forever,\u201d Ryan declared, his eyes wide with sincerity.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo do I,\u201d Emma chimed in, her voice filled with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo do I!\u201d I winked at them, my heart swelling with joy.<\/p>\n
As evening descended, the pack buzzed with excitement, the air thick with anticipation. Later, Millie insisted on manicures and pedicures, a pre-wedding tradition. But as night fell and Scott still hadn\u2019t returned, a wave of anxiety settled deep in my chest.<\/p>\n
My worry sharpened as I approached Chidy, who was busy preparing dinner while Nancy chatted with her in the kitchen. \u201cWhy hasn\u2019t he come?\u201d I asked, my voice laced with concern.<\/p>\n
That was when Nancy calmly interjected, \u201cHe won\u2019t be meeting you tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d I exclaimed, disbelief flooding my voice.<\/p>\n
She smiled serenely, her demeanor calm. \u201cIt\u2019s tradition, Bella. No groom sees his bride the day before the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous,\u201d I shot back, frustration bubbling within me.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo is destiny,\u201d she replied, her eyes softening with affection. \u201cYour mother would have done the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her words silenced me, the weight of her sentiment pressing down. But just then, a deafening roar echoed through the air outside, shaking the very walls of the house.<\/p>\n
Millie rolled her eyes, entering the kitchen with a knowing smile. \u201cOur King is throwing a tantrum. He says he\u2019ll kill the witch if she doesn\u2019t allow him to meet his bride.\u201d<\/p>\n
I walked into the living room, my cheeks flushing as another roar rattled the doors and windows. Taking a deep breath, I pulled out my phone, dialing his number. He picked up on the first ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cBella,\u201d Scott\u2019s voice came through, raw and filled with frustration.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow, baby,\u201d I said softly.<\/p>\n
He growled low in his throat. \u201cI don\u2019t like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know. Nancy is doing it for my mom,\u201d I whispered, trying to soothe him. \u201cBut I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
A heavy silence followed, and then he replied in a softer tone, \u201cI love you too. Can\u2019t wait to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the quiet aftermath of a tumultuous day, I found myself standing at the precipice of a new chapter, one filled with the promise of love and unity. The tension between Troy and me had transformed into a mutual understanding, a bond forged in the fires of concern and care. Our playful banter masked the depth of our emotions, but beneath the surface lay a profound respect for each other\u2019s choices and roles within our pack. I had stepped into the forest alone, driven by a fierce determination to reclaim what was lost, and in doing so, I had inadvertently reminded Troy of his own strength and purpose. As I prepared for my wedding, I felt the weight of my decisions settle comfortably on my shoulders, knowing that love, in all its complexities, was worth every risk I had taken.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet, as the night deepened and the anticipation of tomorrow loomed, I couldn\u2019t shake the undercurrent of anxiety that accompanied the joy. The roar of Scott outside echoed my own heart\u2019s tumult, a reminder of the stakes involved in our union. Tradition sought to keep us apart, but love demanded we bridge the gap. I felt the weight of my children\u2019s hopes resting on my heart, their innocent declarations of wanting Scott as their forever father igniting a fierce resolve within me. With every passing moment, I understood that this wedding was not merely a celebration of love; it was a testament to the resilience of our bond, the strength of our family, and the unyielding power of destiny. As I closed my eyes, I embraced the unknown, ready to step into a future that promised both challenges and unbounded joy.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the sun rises on the day of Bella and Scott\u2019s wedding, the air is thick with anticipation and unspoken tension. The festivities are set to begin, but lingering doubts and unresolved conflicts threaten to cast a shadow over the joyous occasion. With Troy\u2019s fierce protectiveness and Scott\u2019s mounting frustrations, Bella will have to navigate the complexities of love and leadership within the pack. Will she find a way to ease Scott\u2019s worries while ensuring that the wedding goes off without a hitch? The stakes are higher than ever, and the delicate balance of their relationships will be put to the test.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Moreover, the wedding itself promises to be a spectacle filled with traditional rituals and emotional vows, but unexpected surprises lurk just beneath the surface. As Bella prepares to step into her role as Queen, she must confront the deeper implications of her choices and the weight of her new responsibilities. With the arrival of guests from other packs and the potential for unforeseen challenges, the day could unfold in ways that no one anticipates. Will Bella\u2019s determination and love be enough to hold everything together, or will the secrets that the midnight winds carry threaten to unravel her carefully laid plans? Readers will be on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how love, loyalty, and destiny intertwine in this pivotal chapter of Bella\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 98 When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 98 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-new-world-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23063"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23063\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}