Chapter Twenty-six

Lord Edvin had been right; I was a finer rider than most of the women. My prowess at horse riding also raised my value in the eyes of the people. Lord Edvin was gracious enough to introduce me to key persons who mattered in the Shadowclaw pack. I realized that aside from the malicious gossip that was prevalent about me, none of them actually knew me. It was a refreshing experience indeed but I did not miss the looks of envy and disdain from Lady Nydia’s friends.

“Who would have thought that just a month ago you were terrified of horses,” remarked Tyler after I had won every competition I had registered to participate in.

“I must thank you for teaching me to ride a horse, the past month has been wonderful,” I said, letting the joy I felt pass through my voice. If I am honest, the last month has been the best time of my life. Horse riding had completely taken my attention and I found I had very little time or energy to think about Dagen.

“You are welcome, Lady Regina. I shall be right back,” something had clearly caught Tyler’s interest and I was by myself once more but I was happy.

“Here they come. Brace yourself,” Raven nudged me and when I raised my head I saw Lady Nydia’s friends headed my way.

“What do you think you’re doing?” one of them asked me as though confronting me for doing something terrible.

“Having fun,” I replied without missing a beat.

“This is fun to you? You shamelessly fool around with Lord Tyler and if that were not enough, Lord Edvin too?” another quipped.

“Excuse me,” I said, trying to brush past them but they obstructed my way.

“You’re not leaving here until you tell us what your deal is with Lord Edvin,” one of them said, her eyes holding venom.

“Why does it matter to you?” I asked with a scoff.

“Because he is mine,” came her reply. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lord Edvin grinning from ear to ear while talking to a beautiful woman.

“It doesn’t look like it,” I said with a sneer on my face. Lord Edvin’s aura would not suit someone like her.

“Just leave Lord Edvin be or else…”

“That is the woman you should be worried about and I would advise that you stop bothering me except if you want to die,” I said before forcefully pulling away from the group.

Aside from running into Lady Nydia’s friends, I was having the time of my life but good things did not last forever. A week later Lady Nydia returned to the palace.

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Dagen's POV.


I had made my decision for the good of all parties involved, myself in particular. I loved Nydia but having Regina around made me confused but not anymore. I was going to do exactly as I had said. Once Regina had given birth I would take my prized heir away from her and end her life.

“Dagen?” Nydia’s soft voice brought me out of my reverie. I put a smile on my face as I turned to face her.

“My love?”

“Do you not think we should return to the palace? We have been away for very long,” she said, concerned, heavy in her voice.

“There is no need to worry about the pack, dear. Lord Edvin returned a week ago. He will take care of things in the pack,” came my response. The key to the success of my pack was simple; I only worked with capable hands so that even in my absence things continued to run smoothly.

“About that, I received word that he was seen in public with Regina. He was seen introducing her to some high-ranking persons in the pack,” Nydia informed me.

“What does it matter?” I asked nonchalantly.

“It looks like Regina has forgotten her place, she’s nothing more than…”

“Regina cannot take your place, Nydia. Whether it be in the pack or in my heart,” I assured her.

“I am certain of my place in your heart but if I am to be your Luna after her death I believe I should return to the palace to put an end to malicious rumors,” she spoke with such passion it told me she was deeply worried about something.

“Malicious rumors, you say?”

“Yes, Regina has made it her mission to destroy my good reputation,” she voiced.

“That will not do, perhaps we should return today,” I said because she looked ready to leave. I could tell that her mind was elsewhere. I was unaware as to what Regina had done to tarnish Nydia’s image but it must be serious to see Nydia this troubled.

“We should and the sooner you get her pregnant, the better for us,” said Nydia.

“You have been stalling, haven’t you?” Kane’s voice surfaced.

“Stalking what, you idiot?” I asked harshly.

“Stalling with Regina, you do not want her to get pregnant just yet so you can delay…”

“Shut up already! I am stalling nothing. I just do not want to be with her,” came my response.

“That is a lie and you know it,” Kane retorted.

“Dagen? You seem lost in thoughts, is something the matter?” I was grateful for Nydia’s interruption.

“Nothing is…” when had Nydia taken off her clothes?

She winked at me seductively and I chuckled as I drew near to her. I began to plant kisses on her neck and her soft moan encouraged me. I cupped her left breast in my hand and began to softly knead her nipple. Her cries of pleasure hardened me and I could wait no longer to take her. I pushed her beneath me and thrust myself inside her.

Her soft hands were wrapped around my neck as though holding desperately onto life; her breath had become erratic as though she was running a marathon; and her eyes were filled with wantonness.