Ronin walked briskly to the car that was waiting for him outside. Once he was in and the car drove off, he let his claws come out, shredding the lush leather seat. The taste of Liora’s blood was heavy on his tongue and he hated that he liked it.Hated that he wanted more.This was all so wrong and not at all the plan he set out to execute. He gave himself one single rule.Stay away from her.It seemed to go well the first few days when she initially arrived. At that time, he was still secluded, isolating his wolf from any potential triggers. Then the house gradually filled with her scent. It led him like a moth to a flame- he could barely hold himself back when he spied on her while she did her duties. Ronin wanted nothing more than to bury his teeth into her neck and make her truly his, but the twisted wolf inside him made him think twice. It was a miracle that the bite didn’t take. He wanted to hold Liora, console her- perhaps tell her the truth.However, the truth was out of the q
Liora knelt on the wide velvet cushion near the foot of his throne chair. Alpha's large hand came down over and over, stroking her head, petting her openly before the crowd of wolves.Delighted shivers rippled through her traitorous body. On the inside, her wolf was preening from the attention.For Goddess’ sake, what was wrong with her? Two Alpha’s were about to rip each other’s throat out and she was what? Wishing for a scratch behind her ear?Sickening.The cat was already out of the bag, so Ronin made no effort to conceal his flickering eyes as Alastor stepped up on the other end of the fighting platform.About a dozen wolves followed behind him, dressed in black from head to toe as if they were dressed for a funeral.Ronin’s no doubt.They were in for a violent awakening.Alastor's bright red eyes gleamed in anticipation, his blond hair was pulled back from his face in a tight ponytail.With a nod from him, the wolves stood to the side, sneering.Ronin knew the image he presente
Liora struggled between the two guards as they dragged her to the throne room. She was getting sick and tired of being handled like a ragdoll. They dropped her in the center of the room and walked away, locking her in with her crazy Alpha.Hers. It sounded so right.This wasn’t the time to be thinking of ownership. Ronin was on his throne bristling with anger. No doubt her performance in the fighting pit would be the headline news in every pack.In hindsight she realized that they probably thought that she controlled him- He spared Alastor’s life because she asked him to.She took one look at the length of black rope across his lap and gulped.“Are you frightened? Good.” Ronin said quietly, simmering in her sweet peony scent. Goddess, it was getting more intoxicating by the second. His gums pulsed as his fangs jutted out.“What did I tell you to do?”“To stay by the throne and don’t move.”“And what did you do instead?”“I… moved.”“You did more than that, Paionía,” He ran his hands a
Liora slumped into a pool of defeat. Her wrists were tired and raw from struggling against the ropes, her legs were cramped and her lower back flared with pain from being forced to be in that position for hours.Her main concern wasn’t even for herself, but for Ronin. Why was he trying so hard to get her to hate him? She could feel the need bubbling between them. He hadn’t hurt her too badly up to this point so it wouldn’t be unbearable to be with him.But boy oh boy was he trying to be– unbearable, that is.Her throat ached with thirst and her lips were covered in a thin layer of crust. She was going to become ill if someone didn’t come for her soon.Her body wasn’t as durable as those of a higher designation. She could die in the hot stuffy throne room.Being alone gave her time to think, so that was a plus. She had to become stronger. Ronin had no intention of mating her and sharing his Alpha status, so she would have to find another way to increase her strength.They had a grand l
Liora choked, her eyes brimming with tears as everything she saw, everything she felt–all came rushing back. How could one person carry so much torment? No wonder his wolf was messed up. She glanced at her clothes. They tended to her while she was asleep. Even the bruises on her wrists had healed. She couldn’t stop to think about that violation of privacy as she walked to the door and tugged it open.How dare he share so much, then pull rank on her? Coward. She knew the truth now and there was no going back. It was all an act and she was going to call him out on it whether he liked it or not. Alpha or no.Wait.Since when did she become so bold? Liora felt no resistance from her wolf. Surprisingly, little Miss Prissy agreed with what she wanted to do.It must be the mating bond. Even though it wasn’t technically sealed, the fact that Ronin opened his mind to her strengthened it even more. There was no going back now. More and more they would share thoughts and feelings through that l
Delightful shivers ran down her spine as Ronin slid his gaze over her body. She salivated at his scent that swirled around her, giving her a pleasant buzz inside.“What part of my instruction to stay away did you not understand?” Ronin placed a hand beside each of her shapely thighs, leaning forward to breathe her in.Fuck, he’d missed her. A part of him wished that she had broken his rule sooner, so he could have an excuse to touch her. Not that he needed an excuse–she belonged to him, but he didn’t want to give himself away. She was already onto the fact that his coldness when they first met was an act. He was quite capable of being cruel, however, his wolf only wanted to torture her in the best way possible.If it wasn’t for the sake of her untainted soul, he would’ve knotted her right there on his desk.Liora thought back to what he’d said earlier, about punishing her. Her training as a party pup surged to the forefront of her mind and she strung together a quick plan to get und
Ronin felt an emotion he couldn’t describe blooming in his chest when Liora slid her hand into his. Her dress reminded him of rich flowing blood and it pleased his sadistic wolf very much. It was provocative but at the same time left something to his imagination.He wondered what she had on beneath the layers.“You look beautiful,” He kissed the top of her hand.“Thank you, Alpha. You’re looking quite regal yourself.” Liora tilted her head, “This is quite the event. Am I to accompany you as your mate, or as a party pup?”His lip twitched and he stared at her for a moment before tugging her closer to him, “You’re acting less and less like an omega these days.”Liora’s hand slid along his tie, shifting it until it was centered. “Thanks to our mating bond. I can’t be too submissive if I’m to be your Luna.”Ronin chuckled at that as they made their way down the stairs. “I cannot deny that our attraction is strong, but just because I wanna fuck you, it doesn’t means you’re fit to be my Luna
Ronin paced back and forth in the hallway, trying to prevent himself from bursting into Liora’s room to see what was taking the doctor so damned long. His wolf was erratic within him, his hands shaking.What if she…What if he lost her before he got the chance to truly call her his?What was he even saying? He had no intention of sealing the bond, but seeing her tonight–the way she defended the cub–maybe she could handle it.The venom of mindless beasts was highly toxic to wolves and only the strongest were able to survive it. Liora may have saved the cub, but she was still an omega–the weakest designation in the pack.They were taken so off guard and he was so busy trying to fend them off that he completely forgot to make sure she was safe. Not that she needed it. While everyone was running for their lives, she was on the attack.Wild and gloriously fierce.He tried not to think about how that fight could have gone very, very wrong–with her dead– and with him even more deranged.“Alp
They guided him through Alastor’s house towards a vast hall. A gazebo was erected in the center, the sides draped with sheer curtains. He could make out tiny details of her silhouette that filtered through.Lupine folk knelt all around, prostrating and weeping, many ripping the skirts of their deep blue robes. The Oracle sat near the entrance, rocking herself back and forth as she mumbled in Greek.Ronin stumbled forward, catching himself against the post.“I’m fine.” He shrugged off Lucien’s helping hand. He didn’t want it.Flipping the curtain aside, he dragged himself in. She lay on a bed of furs and flowers, dressed in a shimmering blue gown, a white rose crown nestled on her head. Her long hair was fanned out over her shoulders, framing the necklace around her neck, which no longer had light.Her hands cradled her belly, almost like she was still protecting their cub.“Liora,” Ronin choked, reaching his trembling hand towards her cheek. It was so cold. His knees gave way and he c
This could not be happening.It wasn’t real.It couldn’t be.She couldn’t be dead.Ronin denied it a thousand different ways inside his head. But her silent heart was too big of a truth for him to ignore. Liora was gone.He killed her.“den me timórises arketá?!” Haven’t you punished me enough? He howled at the moon, holding on to her body like an anchor keeping him from drowning. The colder her skin became, the deeper he sank.He couldn’t think about Maia, sobbing a few feet away. He couldn’t spare a second for Nikolai, who still hadn’t moved from his slumped position.“You can’t be dead,” Ronin coaked, stroking her cheek with trembling fingers. “I can’t do this without you, Liora. Open your eyes!” He touched her lids softly, willing them to pop open, for a blush of red to color her cheeks and for the blue hue in her lips to fade.Kaon, his wolf, recoiled deep into his subconscious, seeking a quiet corner to hide from the agony. Ronin would give him no reprieve.Ronin got to his feet
Liora cried softly into the crook of Nikolai’s shoulder as he carried her through the dense forest. She could feel the sorrow of the pack, hitting her in waves. So many were injured. So many dead.Who would be so cruel, showing no mercy to women and children?What manner of foe was this that drove them from their home?Liora wished she could snap her fingers and make it all go away. The most she could do now was to share in their pain and grief and send soothing words across the mind link.‘Everything’s gonna be okay,’ She resonated. ‘By the Goddess.’“Luna.” Nikolai’s voice sounded tight. Liora didn’t realize how close her lips had inched to his neck. She had no urge to bite him, but she could sense that he still craved it.“Sorry.” She eased away, wiping her eyes. “Can you put me down? I’d like to walk for a while.”“Walk to where?” Callie scoffed, giving Liora a pointed look. She looked way too comfortable perched over Alastor’s shoulder. “You can barely walk a yard with that ten-p
Liora’s lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Ronin go down the hillside. Fine. She turned to Maia, grabbing her hand tightly, “Find Callie. She’ll be hiding somewhere around the old cabins.”“Everything’s going to be fine, Luna.” Maia planted a kiss on her wrist. “I’ll come find you later. Let’s go, Lucien.”They ran to the treeline with Thaddeus and Derith close behind. Liora let Nikolai lift her into his arms as smoky tendrils curled around Enas and the Oracle. When the smoke cleared, they were courtyards of the Beta den. Lupine folk were rushing toward the left backwoods path tucked at the end of the rows of buildings. Guards directed the flow of people while monitoring the entrance gates for mercenaries.A hand lightly touched her shoulder and she jumped. When did the Oracle get so close?“Apologies, Luna. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Inclined her head. “Enas and I will go ahead first and assist Alastor’s pack in receiving the pliveíos.” The Oracle clutched Liora’s hand
Liora’s eyes popped open when she felt a strange sensation in her chest. It was as if a hot wax strip was applied and ripped off without warning. High off euphoria, closed her eyes again, not thinking too much of it.Fifteen minutes ticked by before she noticed that the incessant urge for lupine flesh was gone.It was... gone?!The first thing that came to her mind was to tell Ronin, but she couldn’t interrupt him. So, she did the next best thing.“Caius!” She elbowed him repeatedly, unable to contain her laughter.“Yes, Luna?” He looked at her through one lazy eye that widened in surprise. “Your eyes– they’re normal.”Liora nodded, “I can’t feel the curse in my bond anymore. It’s gone!” If her belly wasn’t so big, she would run out into the feel and frolic like a carefree cub. “How is this possible, Caius? Does that mean Ronin is cured too?!”“I’m the last person you should be asking,” He laughed. “This is a time of miracles. Better not look the gift horse in the mouth.”Light grey s
As the sun made its descent on the horizon, the lupine folk slowly started to fill the clearing. It started with one or two until the entire field was filled with silhouettes dressed in white robes. The adults lounged around in circles, talking animatedly, while the cubs frolicked and chased each other in vigorous play.Looking farther out, Ronin could see Gamma and Delta warriors standing along the perimeter fence, clad from head to toe in tactical gear. Naturally, he couldn't see the shadow assassins, but he was confident they would be well hidden and vigilant.The golden crown on his head felt too heavy as if he would crumple under the weight. Would he be able to wear it after tonight? Would he be worthy? He wasn’t sure. All he could do was count down the minutes until the Rites would begin and he could cure his mate once and for all.Ronin felt the air shimmer beside him. He didn’t have to look to know it was Nikolai. “Everything’s set?”“Yes Alpha, it is all in place according to
“How much of this are we telling them again?” Thaddeus asked as hurried to catch up with Ronin’s quick pace. Ronin cast a sidelong glance in his direction.“We tell them everything except about the curse.” Ronin paused at the entrance of the large boardroom, allowing Geneda to adjust his black silk tie. Brushing his assistant away, he flexed his shoulders and rolled his head to ease the tension in his neck. “They need to know the truth about our Origin so that we can enlighten the packs during the ceremony later tonight.”The attendants opened the double doors and Ronin strolled in with an air of confidence that he didn’t quite feel.All twelve members of his council were present, along with his Regents, their seconds in command, Grandmaster Platon from Lyklos Keep, Elder Enas, and the Oracle. They had moved a much larger table in to accommodate everyone, wide enough that he and Liora could sit side by side at the head of the table.Liora was already settled, dressed in a dark green of
Liora stared at him, drinking in every inch of his towering frame. Her cub leaped within her, kicking with excitement. She tried not to get hopeful but it was a reflex she could not control. For as long as they were bonded, she would have faith that they would find their way back to each other, no matter how long it took.“Get out, omega.” Ronin stepped to the side. Callie threw her a pitiful look before scurrying past him down the hall.“Is there something you need?” Liora waved him in. “I have to see Doctor Reynolds in a few minutes.”As he stepped over the threshold, Liora felt like he was sucking all the air and light from the room. Wanting to put some space between them, she shuffled towards the window, gently perching herself on the loveseat.“That won’t be necessary, I already told him you will be present at the rites.”Liora hummed. “Understood. Do you need a towel to dry off?”“What do you mean?”“Your hair. It’s dripping wet.” Not waiting for his response, she padded to the
“Liora, honey, what are you doing out of bed?” Callie’s voice was low and careful. Everyone spoke to her that way nowadays, as if any louder and she would shatter into a million unrecoverable pieces.Ronin beat them to it weeks ago.“I just wanted to stand for a bit,” Liora let the curtains slide back in place and let her friend guide her back to the bed. She’d hoped that Caius could get through to Ronin, but by the looks of it, nothing good came from their conversation.Holding the underside of her belly, she gingerly sat on the edge of the mattress. Callie settled beside her, reaching out to take her hand.“No.” Liora pulled back, throat thick with emotion. “Don’t comfort me. That makes it worse.” Hot tears pooled in her eyes and she swiped angrily at them. “Damnit! I’m so tired of crying.”“I cannot stand your tears, Luna.” Callie’s eyes went wide, filled with grief. “Please let me soothe you. The stress is not good for the baby.”“I said don’t!” Liora snapped. She knew Callie just