It was a ballsy move, but as soon as Ronin was down, Liora took it upon herself to call an emergency meeting with the entire council. Yes, Ronin had left Caius in charge, but she was Queen. And no one trumped the Queen.“Are you sure you want to do this?” Maia said nervously, trailing behind as they headed toward the conference room. “This won’t exactly win you points with some of our more… traditional council members.”Liora smoothed a hand over her pencil skirt, “I’m not here to win points.”“Well, you already know you’ve got my vote.”“Thanks, Maia.” She took a deep breath before entering through the double doors.The conference room was larger than the others she’d seen or been in. A large round table dominated the space, the surface covered in black hecatolite. It was carved to look like a beautiful obsidian moon, with a belt of indentations where council members could cast their votes. They all stopped what they were doing when she entered, stood, and bowed.They kept their hea
News of Nerissa’s punishment spread quickly throughout the pack. By the time Liora came to see how she fared, a crowd of omegas and others who bore a grudge gathered around to taunt her. They mocked and jeered, and hurled trash, stones, and other putrid missiles.Callie sucked her teeth, crossing her arms as she watched the scene in amusement. “I never thought I’d ever live to see Nerissa get her due. It must be a cold day in hell and I’m lovin’ it!”Liora smirked. “Last chance to go kick her while she’s down.”“Nah. I’d much rather watch.”“Suit yourself.” Liora shrugged, letting it play out a bit longer. When Nerissa’s distress became too much of a nuisance via their mind link, Liora ordered her guard to disperse the mob.“That’s enough!” The guard bellowed. “Make way for your Queen.”Bodies parted and Nerissa’s pitiful frame was revealed at the far end. Covered in dirt and other unmentionables, she tried to compose herself as best as possible. “Nerissa Falconer,” Liora drawled. “H
Even though it was a memory and Zeus couldn’t see him, Ronin wanted to prostrate himself before the all-mighty deity. His hair was the color of sunlight, cascading down his shoulders. Sharp cerulean eyes were pleasant towards the townsfolk but still held a hint of danger. He wore deep purple robes with a golden belt secured around his waist. He walked barefoot towards the elaborate throne set up on a dais in the middle of the forest clearing.King Lykaon was perched on a much lower throne, grinning from ear to ear as he ordered the musicians to resume playing. Ronin scanned the crowd for any sign of the Royal children, uneasy about the plan he had overheard.‘Oh! This is my favorite part.’ Kaon interrupted his thoughts, popping a grape in his mouth. ‘Can’t imagine why,’ Ronin glowered, observing from the shadows. Six servants carried a large platter of offerings and set it before Zeus. There were several pastries and stews, fruits, wine, and cheese. The centerpiece consisted of a lar
“Are you always such a hardass?”“When it comes to training Skiá? Always.”Liora wiped the sweat from her forehead, rotating her shoulders. For the last hour, she sparred with Nikolai, struggling to outmaneuver him with her shadow abilities. No matter where she billowed to, he was always there to block the attack. It was almost as if he could anticipate her every move.“Can’t you take it easy? This is my first day.” She ducked as he swiped at her head, kicking his feet out from under him. He billowed before he could hit the ground and reappeared behind her.“I wouldn’t be the best trainer in my Den if I did that now would I?” He pressed his forearm to her throat, locking her in. Smirking, Liora twisted her head just enough so she could sink her teeth into his wrist.Nikolai groaned, releasing his hold. “That’s cheating.”“You’ve been busting my ass for the last hour,” Liora grinned devilishly, stalking towards him. “Time for a break.” Pushing him against the wall, she pressed her mout
The first-rank council members discreetly withdrew from the dancing, singing, and mingling, gathering at the meeting place Ronin designated deeper into the forest. Guards roamed the perimeter, ensuring that only those selected could enter.One by one, they arrived and offered fealty, inclining their heads to Ronin and Liora. “Where’s Maia?” Liora looked around the quiet creek to see if she was in the distance. “I’m here!” Maia called from behind. Her dark rouge dress was hiked up to her knees as she sashayed towards them, “Vyenít Georgiou was determined to trample every last one of my toes with that oafish display he called dancing.”“Goddess, I can’t stand those Vyenese,” Lucien spat. “No offense, Maia.”“None taken. I don’t consider myself much of a Vyeni anymore. I don’t think I could live with my panties in a perpetual bunch.”“That’s just cause you don’t wear any.” Thaddeus drawled, giving her a salacious once over. He grunted when Xander clapped him on the back of his head.“
“Wake up, doggy.” A sneering voice cut through the roar of rushing water. Liora groaned, brows furrowing as she tried to gather her bearings. The back of her head throbbed repeatedly, almost drowning out her senses. She lifted her hands to soothe the spot, only to be stopped by a yanking force. “What the hell?” Liora tried to tug her wrists apart but they were securely bound by tungsten chains. She wrestled to an upright position, looking around wildly. A wave of de ja voo washed over her. The last time she was here, she was trying to escape the pack. Thaddeus had caught her and dealt her the fate that changed the course of her entire life. She felt trapped by her life back then. Now she was back near the river, and being trapped took on an entirely new meaning and form.Liora eyed the shrouded figure, narrowing her gaze. “I should have known you would’ve tried to pull some crap like this.”Nerissa stepped into a beam of moonlight. It illuminated her cruel smile and the deranged loo
Ronin’s nostrils flared, trying to escape the sweet aroma of his mate’s need all while taking in more of her heady scent. Her declaration was a jolt right to his cock. From the look in her eyes, and what he felt through their bond, she wasn’t joking. If he didn’t go to her willingly, she would find someone else.Someone eager.Like Nik.No. Curse or no curse, no one would claim his right. ‘We have to,’ Kaon pushed, scratching at his mental walls. Desperate to get out and fulfill the aching need that overtook him.“Now, Ronin!” Liora groaned in frustration, curling into herself again. Dammit.“Leave,” He ordered the others when the males started to draw closer, barely able to resist the magnetic pull of a female in heat. “LEAVE!” This time when he bellowed the command, they obeyed, hurrying in the direction of laughter and music.Ronin was grateful that all he wore was a Greek robe. It gave no resistance as he tugged the gold band around his waist. He stepped out of them and walked na
“Oh my goddess! Liora, honey–are you–?”“Knocked-up? She sure is, Maia–ow!”“–I will nail your tongue to this table if you don’t learn to control it.”“Xandy! Can’t you tell Caius to back off?”“I’m happy to provide the hammer and nails–”“Settle down, please.” Liora’s mouth turned up in a small smile, amused at their reaction. They all seemed over the moon with joy that she was expecting. Except for Ronin, that is. He didn’t even acknowledge her when she entered the boardroom. When she woke up after their long night, his side of the bed was cold as if he hadn’t slept in it. Walking around towards the other end of the table, she thanked Nikolai as he pulled out her chair. “As much as I’d love to talk about this pup all day, we have much more important business to discuss.”“What could be more important than the arrival of the royal Heir?” Thaddeus grinned. “I say, we throw a party.”“That is a great idea!” Maia clapped her hands together repeatedly, her palms barely touching. “We co