Thirty minutes later l was laid down on a narrow wooden jetty, shifted back from wolf to human. Staring up at the moonlit sky, the water gently lapping away I felt a sense of peace wash over me. Surrounded by high pine trees that gently swayed with the breeze I kept telling myself the Birazzi surname wasn't going to define me. So what if my bloodline was tied to the Fates, I'd not been brought up with their ways, I didn't meddle with people's futures even I'd have wanted to. An exhausted sigh left my body, cool in my running gear with one hand hanging off the edge of the jetty, sensing the cool, rhythmic pulse of the water. "Hey," an angry voice barked, making me out my skin, "what are you doing this far from the castle?" My eyes flicked away from the stars and landed on the hulking figure of Bram Romanov. He stood with his hands on his hips, black boots, tan trousers, black open shirt displaying a wide chest. He stood a metre away from me and whilst I scrambled up to my feet his d
It’s only been a month since I first came across this girl and she is ruining me. I should have known from watching that fight with Caleb she was something else. The Fates never warned me that I would fall for her even though she isn’t meant to be mine. That’s why people don’t trust the Fates, they only tell you so much of the truth. It drives men insane trying to pick apart the meaning in their words. Hydra growled at my negativity, /she seeks you out every time doesn’t she?/ I can’t allow myself to believe her heart is involved, I argue back. She doesn’t know me really, only the accusations, she might have got caught up in the heat of the moment a few weeks ago. When Bram offers her the Luna throne, when their mate bond is established, I will be beyond gutted. I might as well allow myself to turn rogue even though that would be against my promise to father. Hydra growled even more aggressively at the idea of betraying him, we won’t go rogue whilst we remain undetected in White For
Days passed and yet I still couldn’t wrap my head around everything. Alpha Bram being convinced we were mates, the certainty everyone held that Alpha Alexander was a murderer. The fact Alexander wanted Bram to be my mate! Finally, the fact I was apparently connected to the Fates all formed a soupy mess in my mind. Could I reject him? If I did would he be violent, or damage me, keep me at his side anyway, would I even care if I was banished? The only thing that scared me was the knowledge that you can die from rejecting a mate, the pain being so intense it can kill you and your wolf because you’re going against what the Moon Goddess herself has intended. If I did reject him would Alexander be disappointed in me too, he asked me to follow this through for the Pack. At least I was still being trained up for the security team. It would appear Bram had kept his part of the discussion quiet as agreed. The big difference today was that I was finally getting some dance lessons. Ivan, Kyra,
I clutched the note to my chest, how was I meant to know where he would be, it had all been coincidence so far surely. Fyre murmured something that had been bubbling away at me for weeks, /aren’t you meant to be a Fate, course you can find him if you try hard enough./ I lay on the bed, his note clasped in my hands and closed my eyes, hoping for any kind of inspiration. Images and memories from childhood float by randomly, Beta Dawes, Celeste, Runa, my ruby dress, finding out I was coming here it all floated in front of my eyes. I tried to concentrate, see if anything would emerge, a great big clue or hint but there was nothing. A frustrated growl of annoyance escaped me, still clutching the note I got off the bed and stormed out of my room for a walk. Maybe fresh air would help. I went down the stairs of the castle, weaving through the corridors to the ground floor, through the great grey-stone foyer covered in hanging flags, stomping out towards the edge of the castle walls. I nee
He broke away after a few minutes causing me to almost growl at him in frustration “Hel…”, forcing the pulsing heat within me to increase unbearably. “I’m not trying to change the plan I promise,” I urged stroking his face and teasing his hair through my fingers “I just want time off from it right now," planting little kisses on his neck. “It’s dangerous to mess with the plans of the Fates," he said sternly but as I nibbled his neck more a groan of pleasure escaped and his hands started moving down from my face feeling the full length of my body until he grabbed my ass towards him greedily, as if unleashed. “I’ll be so good after this I swear, I won’t disrupt a thing,” I whispered sweetly, the wetness and heat building inside me was getting desperate, I needed touching, grabbing and teasing immediately. “Mmph you are not good, I know that much,” and he grabbed me up high into his arms, my legs wrapped around his waist how I knew he liked. A little squeak of pleasure escaped me as
That night with Alexander has changed everything, it’s now only two days before the Ball but my head has finally stopped spinning. I am in love with the wrong brother, but I know that Alexander isn’t going to abandon me when Bram claims me. I understand we may never be that intimate again, but I can handle that fact if he might still hold me in those arms occasionally, and let me inhale that rich, spiced scent. I promised him I wouldn’t disrupt the plan of the Fates so I’ve made my bed, I can’t go chasing after someone who doesn’t want to be mine. Deep down however I know, that night together in the woods has unlocked a hidden piece of my soul, it wasn’t all animalistic lust, I just didn’t realise it at the time. Fyre has changed too, I initially laughed at her retreating from me into a post-orgasmic slumber, but she didn’t wake for a full thirty-six hours. The fear at possibly losing her had me terrified, I hid in the library and tried to find anything that would help guide her b
Finally, the day of the ball and my eighteenth birthday arrives. Kyra and Bella banged on the door as soon as dawn broke, demanding to be let in with a small cake and some books they had bought for me. I could have cried with gratitude for their kindness to me as we all climbed on top of my bed like children. “Are you going to avoid touching any boys tonight, wait till the dance of connection?” Kyra asked, poking me in the ribs gently. “I don’t make a huge habit of touching boys anyway you know” I exclaimed playfully, “it’s not active until the full moon is up anyway, I can still go to training and everything as normal.” “Noo!” Bella exclaimed, “what if you got a busted nose or something before the ball? Honestly Helena you absolutely baffle me” and snickered.
Once everyone had been welcomed into the room the grand doors were partially closed and the pronouncements were made. The room stood to attention as Alpha Romanov, the only man wearing a cloak took to the raised stage area and seated himself in his throne. His eyes seemed to meet mine for a beat too long, making my breath catch in my chest. Alpha Beta was welcomed next, and he was responsible for introductions. “Good Evening Gentleman, Ladies and guests from outside the White Forest Pack. We invite you to our tremendous White Forest Full Moon Ball, this is a time for merriment and fun as well as helping to celebrate the eighteenth birthdays of the three beautiful ladies stood here” gesturing at us with a wide hand “Beta’s Helena Dawes, Raven Simonivo and Sophie Linksy are attending for the first time, Happy Birthday ladies” and he raised a glass of champagne to us “And strength and glory to
Finally the orchestra started up. Myself and Alexander were surrounded by a crowd of similarly interest people, all waiting to see if a match would be made tonight. Azalea took the hands of her first partner and I saw a little flicker of emotion cross her face. They gently twirled and I saw her duck her head down shyly at the compliment she was receiving. She danced delicately and lightly, her feet barely seeming to touch the ground as the pace of the dance increased to its full drama. Suddenly they swapped and she was in the arms of Drake, her partner from earlier. He looked disappointed, as well he might for Azalea was a shining star in that room tonight. My eyes darted over to Ivan and he was dancing very politely with a tall brunette, but no match. His face was flushed red and his eyes were sparkling wildly, I don’t think I had ever seen him this e
Helena POV After quickly smartening myself up in the bathroom I rejoined Alexander in the corridor. Although I'd fixed up my hair and smoothed out my dress there was no way to hide the happy glow on my face. Alexander was the same, the stern look he'd made a constant feature had finally melted. His forehead was softer and more gentle. He was still the most masculine being I'd ever encountered but he was finally allowing himself to be happy. Holding my hand lightly we stepped back into the ballroom everything seemed lighter and brighter. Moonlight beamed through the uncovered windows, the opportunity for mating was approaching. A few more dances remained before the dance of connection. Before us the swell of couples twirling around us was delightful. The colours of the women's dresses, the music, the merry clinking of
Blinding lights hit me once more, in front of me a drunk, angry and unrecognisable Alexander staggered into view. He seemed to be on a cobbled streetl, the bright lights of a packed tavern displayed behind.He was dishevelled and bearded, dressed all in black as I had first known him. His air was so different to the man I knew, depressed, angry and broken as he fell to the floor in a drunken sloppy mess. Noises broke into my awareness, three men surrounded Alexander and taunted him. They recognised him and mocked him with shouts of murderer, scum and pushed him to the ground. My heart ached at the torment as they started kicking his ribs and head. After what felt like forever he suddenly lashed out wildly, shifting into his massive black wolf form and attacked the three men. Guttural screams ripped across the vision in waves maki
He looked immaculate in his crisp white shirt and dark trousers and he strode confidently through the crowd. His hair was still a shaggy wild mid length, slight stubble and those dark eyes were constantly trained on me. I felt him look me up and down admiring my dress and I gave him a smile. "Alpha Alexander" Ivan nodded with respect. Alexander kissed me on the cheek softly and then graciously offered his hand in greeting to Ivan. "Ivan good evening, thank you for making sure Helena didn't miss out on the dancing in my absence" he said kindly. "Of course, it is a privilege to dance with Luna Helena" Ivan replied. I was so proud of him not being the jealous ape some mates were with their partners. He offered me his arm and with another nod to Ivan we moved to another bit of the dancefloor "ask Azalea to dance!" I mouthed as we separated and he gave me a shy grin back. Finally back in Ale
The past few weeks have been a blur. Once more I find myself stood behind that huge wooden door leading into the ballroom. But it's for a whole new Full Moon Ball. Beside me are Kyra and Azalea and I know out in the other half of the room is Alexander. Whilst we wait for the bugle call I allow my mind to wander, reflecting on the past few weeks. After the night we were mated we had to leave for a week to accompany Alpha Brandon and Luna Holly to Five Lakes to help oversee the transfer of members to the pack. Five Lakes was thankfully not resistant to being taken over by Dawning Star. The appetite for war was not strong like the previous generation. Caleb and Jack had tried to create a fierce, loyal army by force, missing the crucial element of respect and loyalty. Through my suggestion Beta Dawes was made the highest Beta o
I woke up in the middle of the night entwined with Alexander. Under the blankets our naked bodies lay together, and I couldn't help smiling and clasping him closer to me, his big arm was draped over my shoulder, trailing over my chest, his hand resting on my stomach. I had no idea what time it was but I had to get to the bathroom, I gently peeled myself out of his hold trying not to wake him. Easing myself out of the huge four poster bed as I walked towards the bathroom door I saw my heels and dress discarded on the floor. Flashbacks to earlier in the evening made me blush. I'd let Fyre take over and she'd given me the the confidence to be sensual, tease and flirt with Alexander as I'd only dared to dream of before. In the bright lights of the bathroom mirror as I freshened up I couldn't believe how I'd begged him to take m
She was an absolute torture. Just seeing her across the dancefloor talking to anyone else made my soul ache. She was so enticing, glowing in that purple dress, the necklace I'd picked made it clear how much she belonged as a Luna. Those loose brown curls highlighting her frame and shaping her face. She was a queen amongst slaves and every person in the room gave her the respect she deserved. Finally I could take no more, seeing her stood next to my father we locked eyes and hers flashed gold driving Hydra skywards. I'd done a couple of hours at this party surely there was no more. We definitely needed to skip the dance of connection for my jealousy would not endure her being grasped and twirled by all those other men. Her plump lips expanded into a smile and I wondered if she could tell what I was thinking. My cock had ached pain
The rest of the ball seemed to pass by in a blur, after greeting Alpha Romanov again I met Alpha Brandon and the lovely Luna Holly again. A group of Alpha’s from further regions approached Alexander and Alpha Brandon and he gently released me from him arm and asked if I cared to catch up with my friends. I gave him a grateful nod and sought out Ivan, Kyra and Calvin. Ivan and Calvin looked smart in their white shirts but Kyra was stunning in her pink tulle ballgown. “I had a feeling this was going to a big night so I went for the biggest dress I have!” “You really did!” as we clinked our champagne flutes together and smiled. Kyra swept me up in a warm hug, “how is Alexander then, how long have you known him? You two were just too sweet on that dancefloor. You could see him trying not to smile but he didn’t fool me!” she chattered
“We need to go” he sighed, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. I did the same to him, running my hand through his hair felt so natural, like we’d been together for years and we shared a small smile. We walked down the corridor together, alone apart from a few servants scurrying as everyone else had already attended the bugle call and gathered downstairs. My hand was wrapped around his arm and I felt like I could probably float at this point I was that happy. I gave him arm a gentle squeeze and felt proud at being on his arm. Looking up at his face as we neared the gathered crowds I felt him tense and his jaw set back to firm. “Three years away hasn’t made you any less of a prince or a gentleman you know.” "Hmmm" was his only response. We reached the original ballroom entrance, just a few steps away from the gathered crowd and Alpha Romanov. We could hear his speech midway through, annou