Savage snarls reverberated through the air, drowning out all other sounds. Clumps of fur were ripped and thrown in all directions, a gruesome dance of carnage as blood sprayed through the air. The hungry frenzy showed no signs of relenting, as teeth gnashed and sharp nails raked across fur in a primal display of violence.I wanted to help ... maybe I could use my gifts I got from Darren? But the searing pain brought me to my knees. I cried out in pain. It felt like my stomach was being ripped apart. Everything blurred in and out. The room was muffled momentarily. As my hearing came back, I realized I didn’t hear the sound of fighting anymore. I glanced up to see a pile of lycans laying on the ground. Standing next to them was Lyle’s brown lycan. He turned and looked at me.Our eyes met as I let out a shuddering breath. The pain was like nothing I had ever experienced. I thought Alfred’s infidelity was bad, but this was far worse. I rested my cheek on the cold stone floor, watching as
We had been glued together for three days. Three blissful days of divine exhaustion, heavenly pleasure, and private time that left my body completely content. We had finally parted, and it felt like a piece was missing. I was used to the constant feeling of having him inside me and already I missed it.We slept for hours, until the afternoon sun finally stirred us back to life. I rolled over to look at my incredibly sexy mate to see his concerned eyes were already looking at me.“What is it?”“After a heat cycle, there is a high chance of you becoming pregnant. It isn’t just the constant sex. You’re also more fertile.”I immediately felt insecure. Why was he looking at me like that? Did he not want to have children with me? Was it because he was afraid of passing down his curse? We had talked about children before, and he always said he was happy enough just having me. I had thought it was because of my miscarriage, but maybe there really was more to it.“I already assumed this was a
Darren and I had just finished eating when the door to the dining room opened up.“Lyle!” I jumped up from my seat and ran over to him. I gave him a big hug, ignoring the grumbles from my protesting, jealous mate, gods I love him. But Lyle was becoming someone special to me. As if he were a brother too. He might have started to go into rut, but he was fighting against himself. It wasn’t just for himself and his brother, but for me too. I appreciated him.“You trying to get me killed?” Lyle chuckled, giving me a small hug back. “I know it’s been a few days, but are you okay?”“Yes. Thank you for protecting me. Even when you went feral, you were still struggling and I just wanted you to know I appreciate you.” I watched as he grinned, rubbing the back of his neck.“You are going to make me blush.”“Okay, that’s enough.” Darren’s voice sounded annoyed as he got up from the table. He came up from behind me and I felt his arms pulling me to his chest. He snorted air from his nose in a pouti
Lyle was completely on board with my brilliant plan and everything was ready. Now it was time to invite the guest of honor.“Cleo.” I smiled as I waved her down. I could see her eye twitch, but she plastered on her disgustingly sweet smile and walked over to me.“How are you feeling?” she asked.“Much better now. And after the few days I spent attached to my mate, possibly expecting a pup.” I noticed her eyes widen as she smiled. Her smile now almost looked like a snarl as she struggled with herself.“Well, isn’t that lovely?”“Yes, we are both excited. But you know how you offered to help me before with lessons? I would love it if you could help me today.” I noticed she almost seemed to be gritting her teeth.“No escort today?” she asked, glancing behind me.“I had to ditch him, so we have to hurry. I was hoping you could show me the prison. I know there is a role where the queen is supposed to pardon and read them their last rites. I was hoping you could show me this process.”“I th
“Oh, I forgot. I met a younger boy on the servant stairs. I think it was Cleo’s mate’s younger brother. We need to go find him. He looked upset because he couldn’t find his brother.”“Already took care of it. I had Rodney find him and tell him not to worry, that his brother would be out in a week.” Lyle beamed at me.“Well look at you … on top of things.” I giggled as I looked over the railing. I stared at the setting sun with a small sigh. “Darren has been gone all day.”“I did the best I could, but there are some things that require his sole attention. Plus, he had to speak with Ivan, too.”I pursed my lips together as I remembered the werebear. “There’s a problem, huh?”Lyle came and leaned his elbows on the edge next to me. “We don’t know that for a fact.”“Lyle!” We whipped our heads around to see Tim coming up to us. “You won’t believe this. Darren controlled his temper!”“What?!” Lyle’s eyes popped open wide as I listened intently.“Yes, just a bit ago in his meeting, there was
“I think she deserved worse. Much worse.” Darren growled as he sat his pen down.“I’m not saying she didn’t, but I felt this was a fitting punishment. Plus, it also offered an innocent man his freedom. What they decide to do from here on out is up to them. But Cleo will most likely be pregnant now. She will no longer be able to be a Waiting Lady and will be forced to leave. She will have no choice but to either live with her mate or go back to her family. And if her family is anything like her, they will not welcome her with open arms.” I had thought about it a lot, and I decided I would give her the choice. She can now choose to be happy with her mate and embrace her new life, or she can live a miserable life. In either case, it got her out of the castle, and that was all I really cared about.“It’s clever.” Ivan leaned on Darren’s desk. “This way there isn’t any trouble with the nobles, but it also solves a problem. Honestly, I am very impressed. Well done.”“Thank you!” Yes, I was
It took two weeks for all the species representatives to arrive. Two anxious weeks while the neutral village of Lyionette remained under the vampires’ control. I knew Darren didn’t like waiting to act, but at the same time, this was bigger than one village. What was being formed right now was a unity for the future.Ivan had gone to get the last representative. I didn’t know we were missing anyone, but he said this person was very important.I glanced over at Lyle as he walked me down the hall. “Should I really be attending this meeting? I feel like I’m not the crowned queen yet, so it might not be appropriate.” I listened as Lyle laughed.“Two things, ‘princess’,” he said, winking at me. “One, you’re the king’s marked mate, and we’re just waiting for the formalities to make you the official queen. And two, Darren wants you there ... he needs you there. I think you’re one of the most important people to be there, to make sure Darren doesn’t lose his temper and cause a war among all th
Amber eyes were on me as the Vampire King made his way toward Darren. He looked as if he was in his thirties, but I knew this man was actually centuries old. He walked right past Darren and stopped behind my chair. I turned sideways in my seat to see him extend his hand to me.“My name is Finn, and—” He raised his brows up expectantly.“Allissa,” I answered, taking his hand politely. His thumb pressed against my fingers, as a smile spread over his lips.“Well, talk about coming full circle.” He grinned. I glanced at Darren, not understanding at all, but I could see that he was confused as well.“You’ve touched her long enough.” Darren pulled my hand away, giving Finn a warning look.“Of course, I mean no harm, but I find all of this very intriguing. I’m sure some of you do as well,” Finn said, looking up at the other representatives. “For those who know ... and I can see quite a few of you do.” His eyes landed on the fairy man before resting back on me.“Know what?”“Darren, have you
It took a moment for the sun to shine through the canopy of butterflies, casting a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors into the air. The delicate creatures fluttered their wings in unison, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and movement. Each wing was adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant hues. As they took flight, the colors mixed and merged, creating a beautiful symphony for the eyes to behold. It was like witnessing a burst of confetti, but more magical.Darren’s hand put pressure on my waist as he led me forward. With each step, hundreds of butterflies erupted and took to the skies. The ground was covered in colorful flowers that had a sweet scent. It must have been a super attractant judging by the concentration of butterflies in this area.“Ally.” He spun me into his chest, holding me tightly against him. “Ally, I can’t bear this feeling. I feel like I’m about to lose you, and I’m panicking.”“Dare, you aren’t going to lose me—”“He was your mate first, even if he was a shi
A white blur leaped over the hedge, landing directly in front of me. My beautiful, powerful mate with the same green captivating eyes. He shifted, and a second later, I was in his arms. He spun me swiftly, my back pressed against his solid chest. His warm breath teased my neck before he suddenly clamped down on my earlobe. A surprised yip escaped my lips, but he didn’t release his grip. Instead, he stood behind me, gently biting and tugging on the sensitive skin of my earlobe. The sensation sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn’t help but lean into him, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. It was unexpected yet exhilarating, and I found myself lost in the moment as he continued to nibble on my earlobe with gentle intensity.“Dare—” I started to say but he growled against my ear. Nibbling on the skin but never releasing his grip.Let me calm down. His voice entered my mind. Thinking about it like this was a bit funny. He was like a wild beast, gnawing on me to soothe his tur
“It’s a message.” I watched as Finn reached down to inspect the blood-stained cloth wrapped around something small. “Looks like a vampire left the message for him.” I watched as he analyzed the area, putting a picture together.I stared at the cloth. That was Alfred’s blood, and it was clearly a message for me. Did he spill his own blood, or did something happen? I watched as Finn carefully unwrapped the cloth to reveal a small wooden box. Carefully, he undid the latch, flipping the lid open. There was a letter in there. I could see what was written on the outside clearly ... it was my name.I felt Ivan’s grip on my shoulder tighten as Finn looked at me.“It’s her letter, Ivan. We don’t have a right to refuse for her to read it, if that’s what she wants.”I stepped away from Ivan, taking the letter from Finn’s hand. Slowly, I broke the seal and unfolded the paper, scanning the contents.Allissa, there is so much that I want to talk to you about, but I can’t think or focus. What have y
AllissaFrustrated curses escaped Ivan’s lips as they pushed through the dense maze of bushes. “Fucking bugs.”“They’re beautiful.” I smiled as we navigated through the maze. Ivan growled as we walked through the tall barrier bushes. Brightly colored flowers grew from the colorful leaves that attracted hundreds of butterflies. The vibrant colors of the foliage were dotted with bright flowers, each one a magnet for the fluttering butterflies. Their wings flapped in a dance of shades and patterns.Ivan swatted away, keeping his arm raised in protection as Finn chuckled.“Some protector he is.” Finn glanced over at me. “You should probably stick closer to me.”“You are the worst bug of all,” Ivan growled, moving closer to me.“Bug?” Finn stopped walking to glare at Ivan.“I hate mosquitos.”It seemed like a harmless thing to say, but Finn’s eyes glowed red! His fangs protruded as he glared at Ivan. I’d always wondered about vampire fangs. Like, were they just to puncture and then they d
Darren“I didn’t touch her. I would never harm my unborn grandchild,” my mother said as I listened to Lyle scoff angrily.“You see? Right there, mom! You just said you would never harm your grandchild ... you didn’t say you would never harm Lissa, which would have been the obvious thing to say.”“She didn’t mean it like that, son. She was saying, ‘even more reason for me not to harm her.’” My father looked at me as I shook my head. My blood was boiling, but I was trying to keep it at a manageable level. At least for now.“Why do you resent me so much, Lyle? You immediately accuse me of things. You never have faith in me. Why?” I glanced over at Lyle. My mother had a point there. A few years ago, my brother’s attitude changed toward my mother. I thought maybe it was worse because of the whole accident with my parents, but it was something more.“Because you are not just my mother. You were a Waiting Lady.” Lyle’s expression was unforgiving as if he just called her out for being a spy.
I could feel the anger pulsating through Darren as I gripped his hand. He barely said a word as we made it back up to the balcony where Lyle and Ivan were still standing. Finn had beaten us there by running back up the wall.Darren stopped a few feet away from them, his gaze cold and piercing. “I want answers.”Lyle stepped forward, his usually calm demeanor replaced with a fierce intensity. His chest was heaving and his lips were curled back. I had never seen him this angry. “I’m not leaving your side again. Next time you say you need to use the restroom, I’m waiting outside the door. This is my fault, Dare ... I should have followed her. Why didn’t I follow her? I—”“I’m not upset with you Lyle. This wasn’t your fault.” Darren’s voice was very calm, but there was no mistaking the chill in his tone. It was a false calmness. A storm was raging just below the surface.“You asked me to watch over her while you were busy ... I failed you.”I never realized how desperate Lyle was to pleas
I was seven floors high off the ground and now falling freely through the air. I would survive this as long as I shifted, but I don’t know how hurt I would be from the impact. I was going to have broken bones for sure. I tried to see if I could see anyone or catch a scent to let me know who pushed me. But there was nothing, and I was getting closer to the ground. I had to shift now if I wanted to be fully shifted before hitting the ground.Arms wrapped around me, gripping me tightly as their momentum propelled me parallel to the ground. We were heading right for the castle wall but before we hit, their legs began running down. Bringing us swiftly and safely to the earth.“Your blessing isn’t flying, if that’s what you were testing.”I turned to look at my rescuer as he sat my feet on the ground. It was Finn, the Vampire King.“I was pushed.” I looked up at the balcony where I was standing. “But it was weird ... they made no sound ... no scent. I thought it was because I was in deep th
I was sitting at the large table while Darren was shaking each representative’s hand. Everyone there had signed the agreement. They were now rushing back to mobilize for war. In just two days, we would all be meeting in the Stony Plains. That wasn’t a lot of time to mobilize and move a small army, so they had to act quickly.“This kingdom is yours. Why are you taking a back seat right now?” A woman with broad shoulders and muscular arms stepped next to my seat. Her dark skin gleamed under the soft lights of the room, her muscles defined and powerful. But what caught my attention were her eyes, a striking silver that seemed to almost glow in the dimness. It was like looking into pools of liquid metal.“I’m still learning about this kingdom. What does something being mine by blood mean? Does that immediately make me a more fit ruler? I don’t look at this as taking a back seat. I think it’s a joint effort. The goal is to take care of the kingdom and the people.”“You don’t seem like a stu
“I knew it!” Lyle snorted, wagging his finger at me. “I knew you were hiding something!” “How did you know? I don’t think even Darren knew.” Lyle and I were sitting out on the balcony drinking our coffee. Darren had to take care of official business early this morning and had been busy the last few hours. When I came out of my room, Lyle was there, waiting for me. I guess he had become my default babysitter. “Darren is the one intimate with you, but you and I have been spending a lot of time together. I’m picking up on those subtle changes of yours. I know what’s normal and what isn’t.” “Are you saying you know me better than Ren?” I listened as he chuckled. “Not at all. But I’m not head-over-heels swoony in love with you to believe every honeyed word from your lips. In other words, I’m not drinking what you’re serving.” He winked at me as he sipped on his coffee. “Dare must be so excited. Honestly, I’m surprised he’s okay with you still joining in the fight. I mean ... you remembe