Ronin’s heart thumped so hard he thought his rib cage would break. The horror mixed with excitement was a triple shot of adrenalin as his rationale clashed with his wolf’s eagerness to get control.“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were the one that let the mindless beasts into the summer solstice party.” Ronin curled his lip, “ 'Cause- why would you want to have two crazy monarchs if you weren’t trying to undermine the Helm?”Dr. Reynolds's jaw dropped, “Alpha, I would never, EVER-”“Relax, Doc.” Caius cut in. “He’s just messing with you. We have shadow guards watching every non-council member who has access to the house. We know you didn’t do it.”The doctor nodded once, glancing at Ronin with a wary expression. “I wouldn’t have suggested if there was another way.”Ronin raked a hand through his hair, “I can’t tell the last time I gave my wolf complete control. What if I let go and I can’t come back? We will have an even worse situation on our hands.”Liora was pretty bad.
Liora fidgeted with the hem of her blouse, gripping Ronin’s hand tightly as the elders busied themselves preparing him to enter the Soulscape. She admitted the last few days were a roller coaster of crazy. Heather dying, Saberlon revealing himself to the Society, her doing the walk of death and Ronin finding out her wolf was corrupted after she had a breakdown. It was a lot, but they were sorting through everything and finding normalcy again, only for Ronin to declare that he wanted to have a tête-à-tête with his wolf.“Relax, Liora. I’m going to be fine.” He gave her a small smile, adjusting his head on the velvet pillow an elder carried for him.“You can’t promise me that.” She shook her head. “I spent one hour in there equated to two months. You want to spend three days, that’s like spending an entire year in hell".”“You were on a specific quest that caused you to experience difficulty. I’m going to talk with my wolf and see if I can get some answers to help us understand and perh
The King bickered back and forth with his advisors while Ronin tried to process that bit of information. He didn’t know what to think or feel about being a reincarnation of an ancient Greek king. Lost in thought, he didn’t notice when Kaon changed the ‘channel’.‘This isn’t our memory exactly,’ Kaon said as they walked through a dark forest. The moon was full and there was music, singing, and soft glowing lights dancing in the distance. ‘This was loaned to me, to help fulfill the purpose of this expedition.’‘W…Where are we?’‘Mount Lykaion.’Ronin was about to ply his wolf with more questions but was halted by a weird shimmering sensation when several figures zipped through his astral body. Turning around, he watched as a boy was pinned down by two of his siblings. He looked no more than 17 years old, struggling against their hold.‘Let go of me!’ He growled as the remaining brothers encircled him. The oldest, and no doubt the ring leader, made a slow tutting sound. ‘Nyctimus. What
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.“