That's it for this week. I have to pack and leave first thing in the morning. I won't be back until Tuesday. Expect 2-3 chapters next week. Almost done with the dance season and then things can get back to normal.
“I—”“I asked you to stay with me,” he growled against my hair. I could feel the small tremble in his fingers, which showed me how upset he was. “Dammit Ally, do you know how worried I was?!”“I didn’t exactly go gallivanting off into mortal peril. Unlike some people I could mention. Now you know how it feels to wake up and the other isn’t there.” I lifted my chin up at him and poked him in the chest. I felt the gentle vibrations of his tired laugh as he let out a sigh.“You win.” He yawned and I grabbed his hand, dragging him back to bed.“You should be resting.” I pushed him down and he pulled me on top of him. He rested his hands on my hips and looked at me pointedly.“Did you have to pee? I would have walked you to the—”“No, I didn’t, but if I did, I wouldn’t have woken you up for such a silly thing.” His eyes looked at me expectantly and I knew he wasn’t going to go to sleep without an answer.“I smelled my old pack, and I went out in search of it. Bastian is here. I guess he bro
The next few days were busy. They created a new strategy and decided they would head to Catata after the naga arrived. From there, they would continue to push into vampire territory, going in aggressive and hard. They intended to launch a full assault with the sorcerers and fairies, then come in with the muscles. They had created new enchantments for the soldiers and protection spells against the demons, pulling up the old archives of what they used before and adding to them. The element of surprise was now gone, and they were better prepared. Hopefully, this meant no more heavy losses for our alliance.My nights with Darren had been pure fire. His lips touched every inch of my body. He whispered how much he loved me over my skin, as if he were trying to engrave the words on my body. Our lovemaking had always been passionate, but these past nights … there was an urgency, a desperation that left me breathless.“Thinking of me?” Darren whispered as his arms pulled me to his chest.“I was
“It’s my father. He’s depressed, and I don’t know what to do. He isn’t eating. Issy. He is taking this thing with mom so hard. I’ve never seen him like this.” I could see the pain in Lyle’s eyes. He also looked tired. I was sure it had been a heavy burden on him, running the kingdom in a time of war.“I’m here to help. I’m not going anywhere. As you can see, the little pup is growing quickly. I think I’m a bit farther along. This happened before I went into heat, even though Darren used precaution. Unless, because we are both powerful lycans, things have sped up?”“All lycan pregnancies are different, but royal pregnancies have always been unpredictable. And you are the true royal … I’m guessing that has a lot to do with this.” I listened as he sighed. “How is Darren?”“Getting ready to head into Catata as we speak.” I pursed my lips together. “I want to be by his side.”“I do, too,” Lyle admitted. “I’m glad you’re here. I can use your help. There is also one more thing … and I hate t
I was surprised as we walked through the tower. The place was beautiful. It was well decorated and had every luxury. I mean … lock me up with Darren in here and I could stay forever. The punishment of being here was two things: shame and freedom. Other than that, Winifred could easily live a comfortable life here. And maybe that was an option. But if she had been brainwashed, then there was a chance to reunite their family.As we entered the grand room, my eyes landed on a group of maids meticulously cleaning every nook and cranny. The sunlight peeking through the windows was dimmed by the richly colored tapestries that adorned them, casting an eerie glow over the space. The only source of light came from the flickering flames of the fireplace, where Milo sat in a lush red armchair, his gaze fixated on the dancing embers.“Dad, have you eaten anything?” Lyle asked as he approached him. Milo didn’t respond and simply kept staring at the orange glow.I grabbed a chair and pulled it up b
I clutched the chain around my neck as I gazed out over my pack. How did we get to this point? I was the luna of this pack. It was my job to protect them, yet all I was able to do was spare their lives. I watched as they lined the pack members up to be counted and labeled. I was the only one in chains, a cruel symbol that they had control over their leader. “My luna, you did what you had to do,” Bastian whispered next to me. Bastian was my mate’s beta. He had remained loyally by my side, even after my mate abandoned us. My mate Alfred was the leader of the Stone Heart Pack. Everything was great until just a couple of months ago. Up until Ivy showed up. I closed my eyes, not wanting to drift to those unwanted memories. “I’m not your luna anymore, Bastian. Please, just call me Allissa.” I winced as I felt the silver chain burning at my skin. I could see Bastian tense up, balling his hands into fists. “I wish I could remove it from you.” “I agreed to this for a peaceful turnover. No
I could hear him growling as his eyes glazed over. Two men stood in front of him, one of them shot me a quick side glance. The other was the guy who had yelled at Bastian. From the look of it, they were the beta and gamma, but I had no idea who was who. The Lycan King let out another ferocious roar, but I felt no fear of him. It was almost terrifying how arousing this display was to me, even in my current vulnerable state. And what was even more mortifying, was that he seemed to notice my physical response. I watched as he took small breaths in the air, as if savoring my scent before his dark eyes turned towards me. “Pwease don’t hurt our Wuna she didn’t do anyting!” A small child sobbed from within the pack. I looked up to see the mother trying to console and quiet her child. It warmed my heart, but I didn’t want them to suffer any repercussions from it. I watched as the king turned to look at the child, and for a moment, I swear his face softened. But it was only for a second,
Darren When I first arrived at the Stone Heart Pack, I was furious that the alpha had escaped. They told me his luna had stayed behind to take responsibility for him. What kind of a luna would defend a man like that? I was so angry. But then as I walked down the path and looked at the pack members, I smelled an intoxicating butterscotch scent. It was heaven. I became anxious as I tried to find the source of the scent, and then my eyes landed on the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen. She had caramel colored hair that matched her butterscotch scent to perfection. I then noticed the chain around her neck and lost it. I yelled at my Beta Lyle and my Gamma Tim and demanded to know who put the control collar on her. How dare they put that collar on my mate! But they argued with me that it was for safety. We didn’t know anything about her, and her pupils were dilated. She could have a potion in her, making me feel the mate bond. I roared in agitation, knowing they could be right. B
Allissa I could feel the tingles against my skin and slowly opened my eyes. I stared up at the knotty pine ceiling as I tried to remember what had happened. Slowly, it came back to me, and the tiny tingles on my face made me remember about my mate. I turned my head slightly, to the green eyes of the Lycan King, whose thumb was softly caressing my cheek. “You should be feeling better, but let me know if you aren’t and I will call my healers back.” His voice was calm, gentle, and soothing. It wasn’t what I was expecting. “I’m sorry,” I muttered and moved to sit up. His arm caught mine as he slowly guided me to a sitting position. “You don’t have anything to say sorry for.” “For becoming a burden.” I looked down at my hands, because I was practically eye fucking him. I could see just how defined his strong, muscular arms were, and how I could imagine him carrying me in them. Damn, it sucked that I fainted during the best part. Maybe I should fake it so I can relish being in his arms
I was surprised as we walked through the tower. The place was beautiful. It was well decorated and had every luxury. I mean … lock me up with Darren in here and I could stay forever. The punishment of being here was two things: shame and freedom. Other than that, Winifred could easily live a comfortable life here. And maybe that was an option. But if she had been brainwashed, then there was a chance to reunite their family.As we entered the grand room, my eyes landed on a group of maids meticulously cleaning every nook and cranny. The sunlight peeking through the windows was dimmed by the richly colored tapestries that adorned them, casting an eerie glow over the space. The only source of light came from the flickering flames of the fireplace, where Milo sat in a lush red armchair, his gaze fixated on the dancing embers.“Dad, have you eaten anything?” Lyle asked as he approached him. Milo didn’t respond and simply kept staring at the orange glow.I grabbed a chair and pulled it up b
“It’s my father. He’s depressed, and I don’t know what to do. He isn’t eating. Issy. He is taking this thing with mom so hard. I’ve never seen him like this.” I could see the pain in Lyle’s eyes. He also looked tired. I was sure it had been a heavy burden on him, running the kingdom in a time of war.“I’m here to help. I’m not going anywhere. As you can see, the little pup is growing quickly. I think I’m a bit farther along. This happened before I went into heat, even though Darren used precaution. Unless, because we are both powerful lycans, things have sped up?”“All lycan pregnancies are different, but royal pregnancies have always been unpredictable. And you are the true royal … I’m guessing that has a lot to do with this.” I listened as he sighed. “How is Darren?”“Getting ready to head into Catata as we speak.” I pursed my lips together. “I want to be by his side.”“I do, too,” Lyle admitted. “I’m glad you’re here. I can use your help. There is also one more thing … and I hate t
The next few days were busy. They created a new strategy and decided they would head to Catata after the naga arrived. From there, they would continue to push into vampire territory, going in aggressive and hard. They intended to launch a full assault with the sorcerers and fairies, then come in with the muscles. They had created new enchantments for the soldiers and protection spells against the demons, pulling up the old archives of what they used before and adding to them. The element of surprise was now gone, and they were better prepared. Hopefully, this meant no more heavy losses for our alliance.My nights with Darren had been pure fire. His lips touched every inch of my body. He whispered how much he loved me over my skin, as if he were trying to engrave the words on my body. Our lovemaking had always been passionate, but these past nights … there was an urgency, a desperation that left me breathless.“Thinking of me?” Darren whispered as his arms pulled me to his chest.“I was
“I—”“I asked you to stay with me,” he growled against my hair. I could feel the small tremble in his fingers, which showed me how upset he was. “Dammit Ally, do you know how worried I was?!”“I didn’t exactly go gallivanting off into mortal peril. Unlike some people I could mention. Now you know how it feels to wake up and the other isn’t there.” I lifted my chin up at him and poked him in the chest. I felt the gentle vibrations of his tired laugh as he let out a sigh.“You win.” He yawned and I grabbed his hand, dragging him back to bed.“You should be resting.” I pushed him down and he pulled me on top of him. He rested his hands on my hips and looked at me pointedly.“Did you have to pee? I would have walked you to the—”“No, I didn’t, but if I did, I wouldn’t have woken you up for such a silly thing.” His eyes looked at me expectantly and I knew he wasn’t going to go to sleep without an answer.“I smelled my old pack, and I went out in search of it. Bastian is here. I guess he bro
We all decided to walk back to camp, in case there were others that needed our help. Darren had his arm wrapped tightly against my waist. He was exhausted, since he hadn’t slept and had gone straight into another battle.“Are you okay?” I asked, his green eyes flipping to mine with a smile.“I’m fine. Nothing a little sleep won’t cure.”“We’re going to be staying at the camp for a few days to strategize. We’re also waiting for the naga to join us.”“Why haven’t they arrived yet?” Darren growled, his annoyance evident.Dayanara’s lips quirked into a smirk. “Ah, yes. Their general is currently...indisposed. Molting, if you can believe it. They’ll join us when he’s finished shedding his skin.”I wrinkled my nose at the mental image. “Charming.”“Nature isn’t always pretty, darling,” Dayanara quipped with a wink.Finn glanced back to look at me. “How is Ivan holding up?”“I think he’s pretty shaken up over Anton. He’s trying to be strong, though,” I answered, Dayanara nodding in agreement.
Dayanara’s tongue clicked as we soared through the sky. “Witch, hmph. I am far beyond a simple witch.”“Umm, where are you taking me?” I asked, sensing she didn’t mean me any harm.She turned her head, a smile on her lips. “You don’t strike me as the type to wait for her mate to return. How about we go find him?”I could have kissed this woman. My smile widened, and I felt tears of gratitude prick my eyes. “Thank you!”“I couldn’t stand seeing your worried face any longer. I heard you’re pregnant. Don’t worry, I will keep you safe.”“It isn’t like I can’t fight now. Darren left without me … I would have gone, too,” I grumbled. “Last night, I decided it would be best for me to return to the Lycan Kingdom, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have fought today.”“It’s difficult.” Dayanara sighed, turning her head slightly. “It’s a tough choice to step back instead of fighting. You’re making the right choice for your family. I’m sure your mate just wanted you safe … just like you want him sa
My heart pounded like a war drum as I burst into the infirmary. I saw Ivan standing near a bed as fairy healers frantically went to work.“You fool. You dumb fool. Why did you take the hit for me?!” Ivan’s voice was shaky and angry. I watched as he gripped the edge of the bed.“Step back. We need the room.” A fairy crowded in front of him as he took a small, retreating step away from the bed. Gods, if Ivan was here, then it had to be either Darren or Finn. And by the looks of the healers, it was serious.“Darren? Finn?” I choked out, fear clawing at my throat.Ivan turned, his golden eyes filled with anguish, and stepped aside. The world tilted as I saw Anton’s pale face, his chest barely moving. It was Ivan’s brother. He was the future king, but close enough to be called one.“What happened?” I breathed out, moving closer.“Energy blast,” Ivan growled, his fists clenched at his sides. “The idiot jumped in front of it to protect me.”A fairy with shimmering wings hovered over Anton’s p
I turned over in the tangled sheets, my body instinctively searching for Darren’s familiar warmth, but as my hand reached out, I was met with an empty space and a cool spot on the bed. My eyes snapped open. “Darren?” I called softly, scanning the dark interior of the tent. The faint glow of the dull morning light filtered through the fabric walls, casting shadows on the ground below. Darren was gone, and judging by the coolness of the blanket, he had been gone for quite some time.With a sigh, I swung my legs over the edge of the cot and stood, wrapping myself in a thick robe. The soft fur lining tickled my skin as I cinched it tight around my waist.I pushed aside the canvas and stepped out into the crisp morning air. A shiver ran through me as the cool breeze caressed my face. The camp was already stirring to life around me.My eyes scanned the misty field, searching for that familiar, broad-shouldered silhouette. Nothing. Just tents and trees and the soft glow of dawn. My stomach tw
AllissaThe thick canvas of the white tent muffled the sounds from the outside. I stood behind the gathered leaders, my eyes fixed on the map spread across the makeshift war table. Darren was right in front of me, and I watched as his fingers moved over the parchment. The centaur prince to his left growled low in his throat, shaking his head. “That leaves the eastern villages exposed. We can’t risk it.”“And if we pull back to defend them, we lose our advantage in the mountains,” countered the harpy queen, her wings rustling with agitation.I bit my lip, my mind racing as I considered the implications of each strategy. The complexity of inter-species politics had never felt more daunting. One wrong move could shatter fragile alliances, doom innocent lives.My gaze drifted across the tent, taking in the assembled leaders. Battle-worn and weary, they bore the marks of our recent struggles. A bandaged arm here, a haunted look there. When my eyes landed on Asta, standing quiet and watchfu