ALPHA JAMES POV 

I was surprised when I received a message from Akayla asking me to meet her at the edge of the woods. I hadn't seen or heard from her since the night she told me about Rosella’s pregnancy, and I wondered what she could want from me now.

Despite my reservations, I found myself making my way towards the meeting spot, my heart racing with anticipation and anxiety. These few days have made my choices clearer and I know I’ve been playing myself. 

I don’t want the throne again, I know the chances of Rosella leaving Julian for me are low. Not even low, it’s non-existent. I always...