Azalea was waiting for me at the edge of the village, she ran towards me as she saw me approach, a kind light shining from her eyes. “Welcome back Luna Helena, can I get you anything?”. I couldn’t help smiling back at her despite the nerves clanging within my chest.
“I would love a bath and a change of clothing please, it has been an eventful morning Azalea. Is Alpha Bram on site?”
“He left a couple of hours ago ma’am. But he went down the other path.”
“The other path?”
Azalea smiled and dropped her voice to a whisper as we walked back to the guest house. “There are multiple routes to the Fates, to ensure privacy we never send people on the same one”
Another two days passed before we arrived home, it was late at night, but I knew there would be another supper with Alpha Romanov to endure. Every night whilst Azalea slept soundly, I tried to see if I could connect with Alexander, but he was never close enough. He was keeping to his word and not taking any more chances. I wondered if Azalea knew everything already. Despite all our chat and pleasantries I had not mentioned him, there was nobody in the world I could trust with his name yet. We had made separate camps each night, so I hadn’t truly seen him since the village as Azalea and I had retreated straight after eating each night. As soon as the convoy of myself, Bram, Azalea, Klaus, Braxton and a few other Beta’s disembarked outside the front of the castle where a small collection of people had gathered to welcome us a small woman in regal uniform approached Bram with a note. “Helena,
As the heavy duty jeep trundled away from Five Lakes Jack and Caleb sat in silence together. They both wore relaxed jeans and button-down shirts in differing shades of blue highlighting their mossy brown eyes. Jack wore a black eye-patch, daring anyone to stare at his disfigurement. There had already been several instances where his rage had boiled over against those he felt were judging him. Caleb had almost not brought him along, but his father had insisted that they stick together. Two strong Alpha Brothers would make a much better impression than one. Jack was still a physically impressive specimen, especially since they had spent the past month fully engrossed in physical training. Neither of them could put their fingers on what had caused the change in attitude but suddenly the urge to spar, attack and learn combination moves became an all-consuming focus.
Alpha Romanov paced his royal suite unable to sleep. The commitment ceremony was only two days away and whilst Helena and Bram were putting on a good display, he knew it couldn't last. There had been dinners and meetings amongst the Beta’s and they certainly had everyone convinced now. However his youngest son was too volatile to truly treat her as an equal. He couldn’t put his finger on why Helena was persisting with the fruitless match, she didn’t seem power-hungry like some of the women he had seen dealing with Bram, but she undoubtedly had an agenda. His room was rich and luxuriously furnished with wooden panelling, ornate paintings, and plush furniture yet Alpha Romanov paced like a caged animal. His silvery eyes glinted in the candlelight as he tossed his cloak onto his sofa; his full muscular physique could be glimpsed through his shirt including the rippling lines of scars that he'd
It’s been a strange couple of weeks but finally I get to see Ivan and Kyra. I think two weeks of me being delightful and demure in his company has finally convinced Bram I’m not about to go telling them our arrangement. It had to be on his terms though, in the busy dining hall where my idiot bodyguards could unsubtly lurk if they thought the topic was veering away. I tried not to let it bother me as I trotted down the stairs. I was wearing a long tunic dress and leggings with boots, along with my gorgeous, red-lined cloak. I adored my cloak and as the red swished behind me alongside my bouncing brown curly hair it gave me an endless boost of confidence that nobody could take away. The dinners with his patronising Beta friends, the endless smiling and nodding at everything Bram said or joked about was wearing thin. To be myself was like trying to not scratch at an itch.
As quietly as possible I headed back to Bram’s suite minus Azalea who seemed to peel away separately without me realising. Between myself and Fyre we tried to rationalise what I’d seen. Bella knew the commitment ceremony was only days away, she believed Bram was my mate. Unless he’d told her the truth? Fyre bounced ideas round my head like a pinball. How long have they been seeing each other? How many times? Are they mates? I couldn’t describe the emotion, it wasn’t anywhere close to jealousy, instead a seething resentment raced through me. Why did I have to give up Alexander for appearances sake if he gets to carry on his playboy life? The prophecy clearly wasn't more important to him than some fling! My heart ached for Alexander to sweep me up in those big arms, wrap that huge black cloak around me and take the rest of the world away.
Just as Alpha Romanov finished speaking, half a dozen Beta's surged through the door, including Ivan. He wasn't in Brams squad which included the odious Klaus, but Alpha had added him to the council just before I arrived in Silver City. He was focused and serious, not a trace of the jokey older brother as he met my eyes and nodded politely. "Bram is not here but we shall start anyway. Five Lakes are planning war. The brothers Caleb and Jack are on their way now for the ceremony which takes place in two days. They arrive late tomorrow. They believe we are weak and underprepared, and I have to confess they are probably correct. I need ideas, strategy, information. Now". T
The next few hours were largely a blur as I thanked the servant profusely for her time, got changed and ran to Bram’s suite. Azalea was already at the doorway.“Can you see what is coming?”“I have tried, it is clouded to me, I can only see up to the ceremony and then confusion.” Her eyes seemed glassy with emotion as she stared at me.“So I get to the ball at least” rolling my eyes, “I don’t know what to do”“You can’t change the eventual outcome, you only change the mode of getting there ma’am” and she placed a hand on my arm in consolation. I had to try and see the vision as something to help me rather than scare me. I added
Caleb toyed with his glass of whisky and stared into the roaring fire of the drawing room; this was pointless wasting time on Bram and Romanov with small talk about the local area and their journey over. He knew Alle wanted him to focus on the necessities, to gauge whether White Forest knew of their intentions and network with the other Alpha’s, but he was hopelessly fixated. Through the darkened privacy window of the jeep he had seen her emerge through the arched stone entrance. That brown hair bounced and moved through the wind, her figure was as lithe and desirable as he remembered causing a growl to emerge from deep within. She was clearly enjoying her Luna status, entertaining the Alpha Romanov with her wit as they all arrived like a merry family through the arch.He noticed Bram gripping her hand tightly and his he
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