Chapter 89\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013Liora\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
The preparation for the Shadowclaw\u2019s Alpha was exhausting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u2019d been giving instructions for hours, making sure everything was in place.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everything had to be perfect.\u00a0<\/p>\n
61\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Alpha of Shadowclaw was an important guest to Draven and my mate wanted him to be properly welcomed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I was halfway through instructing a maid on table arrangements when the courier burst through the doors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLuna Liora, a sealed urgent message from the Alpha Lord of the Northern Territories.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My heart skipped.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draven had refused to answer the Alpha Lord\u2019s earlier pressure. He was sceptical about the alliance and rightfully cautious.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He claimed he wanted to investigate things further before joining hands with the alpha lord.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But we both knew the north was growing stronger, hungrier\u2026 ambitious.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draven wasn\u2019t in the estate, he had gone hunting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He told me the alpha of Shadowclaw loved bush meat and he wanted to impress him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t know Draven was close with the Alpha. I didn\u2019t get a chance to ask him before he left.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So I stepped forward to the courier.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGive it here.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment I saw the seal, something cold slid down my spine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I broke it, unfolded the parchment and my heart dropped.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha James Vance urges the Silvermoon pack to confirm their allegiance within the next twenty-four hours -Before the northern campaign begins. Otherwise, the offer will be drawn and it will be your loss\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I read it again, and again until I was sure he meant every word.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I could practically hear Draven\u2019s voice in my head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLiora, neutrality keeps us safe. We don\u2019t commit unless the gains outweigh the bloodshed.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
But this\u2026 this was an opportunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:44 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 89\u00a0<\/p>\n
A throne-level alliance. We could get power, territory expansion and influence from this.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everything Shadowclaw had lacked since his parents stepped down.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And everything Draven deserved.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My breath shook as I whispered, \u201cThis could change everything for us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u17e4\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked around at the bustling kitchen. Everything in this pack has been the same for years, the only difference is that Kaia wasn\u2019t luna anymore.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadowclaw had been stagnant, strong, respected, but unmoving.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draven was made for more and I would help him get what he deserves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I swallowed hard, then decided before fear could stop me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I dipped my quill, signed the scroll with Draven\u2019s crest, and sealed it shut.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShadowclaw will join.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The courier bowed with relief then left.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When the door closed behind him, the weight of what I\u2019d done hit me, but I kept breathing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I did it for us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Draven, our future and the baby we are expecting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We will give him a better future and this is a perfect chance to do so.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He wouldn\u2019t be angry\u2026 right?\u00a0<\/p>\n
I wiped my hands on my apron and waited around anxiously.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Draven comes back, I will explain to him. I\u2019m sure he will understand why I did what I did.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Soon, Draven returned with a wild rabbit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLiora, look what I caught\u201d he waved it in front of me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is such a huge catch, how did you do it?\u201d I asked, trying to calm my nerves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you I was a good hunter, but you didn\u2019t believe me. Now, do you take me seriously?\u201d Draven said, chuckling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then, he came up to me and kissed my lips, I kissed him back, savouring everything.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t believe you because you didn\u2019t catch anything for me before\u201d I replied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter this, I will take you to the hunting games to watch how alphas compete in hunting games and whoever\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:45 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 89\u00a0<\/p>\n
61\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
comes back with the biggest catch is the winner\u201d Draven said, and I was feeling giddy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my, this is so exciting. I can\u2019t wait to go to the games with you\u201d I said, hugging him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMe neither,\u201d he said and kissed my hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGo get ready, the omega will make the steak. Everything else is ready\u201d I said, and Draven looked relieved.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, baby, this means a lot,\u201d Draven said and went upstairs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I wanted to tell him the truth but I couldn\u2019t afford to ruin his mood right before he welcomed an important guest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
About twenty minutes later, a warrior burst inside.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy Lady, Alpha Theo of Shadowclaw pack has arrived! With two of his men!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I blinked, Alpha Theo was already here? That was so fast\u00a0<\/p>\n
And before I could get my acts together.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A familiar voice filled the doorway, deep and steady.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLiora.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draven strode in, tall, commanding, the air around him crackling with dominance. His gaze landed on me, and only me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He smiled. And guilt stabbed my stomach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He had already freshened up and changed. He smelled good, and I wanted to shamefully devour him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But we unfortunately have guests.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTheo and his men will be our guests for the day,\u201d Draven said. \u201cI want him treated with full honour.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everyone scrambled to obey.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I tried to speak, I wanted to tell him what I did for our pack and us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But Theo entered next with his men and we went to welcome him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome, Alpha Theo\u201d Draven greets, offering a handshake. They shook and Draven turned to me. \u201cThis is my wife and Luna, Liora Bourne\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome to our pack, Alpha Theo Ashford, we are happy you could make it\u201d I greeted, smiling brightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for having me,\u201d The alpha answered. \u201cAnd you are one gorgeous woman, I must say.\u201d he looked at Draven and asked. \u201cHow did you pull such a gorgeous woman?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
And we burst into laughter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:45 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 89\u00a0<\/p>\n
The alpha is a sweetmouthed man and nice too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He wasn\u2019t rigid like I thought he would be, thank goodness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe my luck was brighter on doom day,\u201d my mate answered. \u201cI was just lucky, nothing more\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI can see, you are one lucky bastard. Haha\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
We led him to sit and Draven immediately shifted into Alpha-host mode.\u00a0<\/p>\n
61\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
The omegas flocked around them with trays. The Warriors arrived for greetings. The estate buzzed with activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I opened my mouth,\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDraven-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He gently touched my waist, leaning in so only I could hear.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLater,\u201d he murmured. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk later. For now, let me welcome our guest.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
We just sat and had lunch with Alpha Theo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We had so much that Theo turned out to be the talkative type.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd here is your speciality, I got this especially for you\u201d Draven said and the maid came out with the bush meat stake.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid set the steak down and left.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo\u2019s eyes daggled on the meat in disbelief.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is this?\u201d he asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBush meat steak,\u201d Draven mouthed and they laughed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is insane, I didn\u2019t know you could do such a thing for me. Thank you\u201d Theo said, and shook hands with\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draven.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I realised he must really like bush meat a lot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha Theo, would you like to have a taste?\u201d I asked, offering to help him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, sure,\u201d he nodded.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I cut into the meat and left a huge chunk on his plate and he looked at it with utmost attention.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI will remember this special treatment, Alpha Draven\u201d Theo said to Draven, exchanging glances.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nothing. Haha\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:45 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 89\u00a0<\/p>\n
After eating, the maids served us desserts. Then, I left Alpha Theo and Draven alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Im, sure they had a lot to talk about in private.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I felt uneasy after returning to my room but I convinced myself that I did the right thing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u2019m sure Draven would understand, it\u2019s nothing to worry about.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked down, touching my baby bump.\u00a0<\/p>\n
61\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBaby, mummy will do anything for you. You are my whole world, so hurry up and come to us soon\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I went shopping for baby clothes with Seraphine days ago. I wanted to be prepared for when I give birth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Draven couldn\u2019t wait to hold our pup in his arms, more reason why I think he wouldn\u2019t be offended about me putting our pup\u2019s future into consideration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I will just inform him later, it\u2019s nothing crazy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
AD\u00a0<\/p>\n
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18:45 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 90\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadows Follow Lonely Minds \u2014 Christopher Harris 89 Chapter 89\u00a0 \u2013Liora\u2013\u00a0 The preparation for the Shadowclaw\u2019s Alpha was exhausting.\u00a0 I\u2019d […]<\/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":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27334","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-nightshade-heir-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27334","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=27334"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27334\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}