Slowly peeling my gloves off alongside the other thirty women dancing tonight I felt empty. Finding my mate should have been one of the greatest, most fulfilling surprises of my life but I was heading towards mine with shackles. I had to go allow myself to form a mate bond with a man I could not stand. To run away now would be breaking a promise to the man I loved. Maybe my training with the Fates would enable me to eventually prove Alexander’s innocence and bring him back to where he belonged, that would at least make this sacrifice worthwhile. Taking a deep breath to centre myself I gave my head a little shake and rolled my shoulders.
“It’s not a sparring session Helena!” Kyra laughed, “you’re getting ready for battle there, it’s meant to be fun”
“Sorry Kyra I know, ignore me” and we shared a hug as Bella came to join us, her e
When I woke, I kept my eyes clamped shut but I could feel the silken sheets of Bram’s bed underneath me, so I knew I hadn’t dreamt the outcome of the Ball. I needed to think things through as quickly as possible. My first instinct was to run as fast as I could to the forest and try to find Alexander, but Fyre scoffed at my immaturity. We are in a real situation here, this is going to need analysing. Let’s boil this down, what does Bram want from us if not the mate bond? I don’t know, I cried back to Fyre, it’s all insane. Think, Fyre urged, nobody else can protect us now. What does Bram want? He wants the prophecy fulfilled, he wants a Fate for a Luna. Right, Fyre concurred.
The monotony of Bram’s suite was making me low even with all my possessions in there. It had been several days, and all my body wanted to do was run and stretch out all the emotions that were building up inside me. I desperately wanted to talk to Kyra and Ivan as well, it was too painful to wonder what rumours had been spread about me. Mated to Alpha Bram then not seen for three days, they’ll be laughing at how he’s broken me in the bedroom, how he’s so massive I can’t walk now, and I knew Bram would be actively stoking any rumours like that. The few hours I have spent with him have only convinced me further that he isn’t anything compared to his brother.We dine together in silence in the evening then he takes himself into the study and I read in the chair by the window. It wouldn’t surprise me if he snuck out of the study, he’s that quiet but
A servant came and fetched us for supper, like naughty school children being presented to the headmaster we travelled down the corridors, the tension building. I’d chosen to wear my green dress from the other night with Alexander, twinned with a boring cardigan to look more suitable and cover my healing wrists. My hair flowed down past my shoulders in luxurious brown ringlets that gave me a boost of confidence. Bram had a deep forest green shirt paired with his black cloak and a twinned gold and silver brooch. I admired the intricate embroidery of wolves and forestry as we walked, “why do you have such a different cloak to everyone else, is it a tradition?” I asked in a friendly tone. “Because I can” he said firmly and my amazement at his ego continued. He grabbed my hand in a facade of affection and we strolled together, passin
Fyre spun in my head delighted to be near his wolf again I completely forgot my troubles. “What are you doing here then,” I whispered teasingly, putting my hand on my hip mockingly. “Well, if you must know I was planning to leave you some more flowers and disappear, but you’ve gone and ruined my plan with your underhand Fate ways." He grinned back quietly, slowly taking a step in from the balcony towards me allowing my eyes to look him up and down. His black shirt and trousers smothered in his floor length black cape as normal. “I am not a Fate as you well know …and just what were you thinking about the past hour may I ask,” I whispered, my voice breaking into a husky tone as I tried to keep quiet. “Memories,” was his quick retort, the smallest smile breaking from his lips. “I was in the middle of eating dinner with your father!” I whispered and a bass laugh broke from him, it was so deep and gravelly it seemed to vibrate across the floor making me smile whilst gesturing wildly to
The journey to the village of the Fates lasted several days, we had to camp out for two nights in the cars as we travelled across rural abandoned plains. I remained in absolute silence, refusing to speak to Bram or any of the thug Beta’s that accompanied us. As soon as we got back to Silver City, I would be confessing all to Alpha Romanov, and beg to reject the arrangement, I was just Bram’s imaginary fortune-telling golden ticket. I cursed myself for not realising sooner that Bram knew about Alexander, he’d mentioned the curtains in the ballroom during the dance of connection and he would obviously know his brother’s scent. Perhaps the flowers were the final straw, if he knew they’d come from Alexander in my room. Perhaps he’s just a nasty thug Fyre growled who needs putting in place. I hoped with all my being that Alexander was safe, that Bram hadn't made it impossible for him to fi
I have been running for pretty much three days straight now, thankfully my massive black wolf form was strong enough to cover the distance. Though I know I can’t keep pace with their cars, I have been making up the ground while they rest at night. Hydra keeps me focused; I know I am only a few hours behind their location in the village now. Regardless of how exhausted I am, we shall be near her. I didn’t ask her about it the other night, but I saw her wrists that night, green fading from purple. My disgust for Bram bubbled under the surface for doing that to her, they must have been livid in colour originally to still be fading hours later. It took every ounce of strength not to rip Bram’s throat out there and then when I heard breaking glass and her delicate arm flop lifelessly out of the balcony gating. Hydra bayed in anger at the idea someone dare to harm Helena, the centre point of my b
The best sleep I’d had in a week meant I woke just as dawn rose and the light trickled across my bedspread. Positive energy raced through my mind for the first time since the ball. There was no sign of Bram, my door remained securely locked. The only danger was perhaps one of the bodyguards would be on shift, ready to lurk around every move I made until dusk. I quietly got washed and dressed, a close-fitting grey long sleeved tunic over dark black leggings with my dark boots. It wasn’t Luna appropriate, but I didn’t care today. Fyre whirled with excitement at the prospect of finding out more about our history. Just who were the Birazzi’s and where was my future leading me. My dreams remained the same, I was just relieved that Alexander was part of them again. I tested our connection and was thrilled to find a weak pulse, he was s
The path leads me far away from the village until I was surrounded by nothing but fields and long grass. It felt like a never-ending road, doubt started creeping in as to whether I was just going round in circles when I felt a presence. Fearing it was Bram or his Beta’s I jumped off the path into the high grass, waiting to see who was approaching. Finally a tall, broad-shouldered figure cloaked in black strode past me. The scent of woods and spice was immediate. I quickly cried out “Alexander!” as I bolted upright in the long grass a few metres away from him. He stopped in his tracks and turned round steadily, my eyes must have been blazing with gold to him as I looked him up and down, savouring his image in the bright light of day. Alexander remained silent, his muscular body tense but looking straight at me. Suddenly his eyes
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