Liora knew where she was without having to open her eyes. The cold hugged her until her skin was taut with goosebumps, a thick musty odor wafting into her burning nose. She lay there for a while on the cold hard ground, grasping at the mangled thread of her bond. She reached out, searching earnestly. Liora’s body relaxed into the cold concrete as she felt Ronin on the other end. Thank Goddess– he was still alive. Barely, but alive. Her soles tingled as she got to her feet, reminding her of the ritual that nearly broke her. Seeing Ronin in his own blood rivaled that pain so much so that she checked out from reality. If she could guess, his wolf was against the whole thing and lashed out. Ironic that she found herself trapped alone in a dark cold cell. She felt utterly alone on that platform. None of the wolves tried to stop the ritual or pleaded for her. Why would they? She was an omega. Expendable. Replaceable. “You’re awake, mutt?” A cold voice jolted her from her thoughts. S
“The Alpha has requested that you move into his den.”Liora squeaked, the tall glass cup she was holding crashed to the floor. Her heart leaped into her throat and her wolf chanted the delightful ‘M’ word between her two reddened ears. ‘Mate-mate-mate-mate-mate-’“Calm down, pup.” Thaddeus chuckled at Liora’s reaction to the news. “It’s hard not to intrude on your thoughts when you think so loudly.”“I’m so sorry,” She shook her head, gesturing to the broken glass, “I’ll clean this up right away.”“Don’t touch that. I can’t have you injured before we get to the mansion.” He waved her off, “ It’s a good distance from here so we have a car outside waiting to take you.”Liora couldn’t believe her ears. She was going not only to the Alpha's den but to his mansion?! If only Callie could see her now. The Alpha was messed up, not quite right in the wolf- but damn- she couldn’t suppress the excitement of seeing him again. It felt like ages since that awful day on the platform.She didn’t hav
Liora walked down the stairs in a daze as blood continued to drip from her neck. The hurtful words Alpha said to her repeated in her head over and over. ‘Lower staff. Nothing more.’ Nothing more. Nothing. She left a blood-red trail in her wake but she was in too much agony to care. No doubt they’d make her clean it later. She didn’t stop walking until she was back in the laundry room. Delta Rhonda, the Laundry Mistress, was hunched over a large sink. She diligently scrubbed the collar of a shirt with a toothbrush. She gaped in surprise when she saw the stream flowing down Liora’s arm. “Goodness child, what happened?!” Rhonda’s freakishly tall gait rushed over, whipping out a white hand towel to staunch the flow. “I’m so sorry I got blood on the laundry,” Liora’s voice cracked as she set the basket aside, leaning against the large granite counter built above the long row of washing machines and dryers. “Oh, hush child. Let’s get you cleaned up.” Rhona brought her over to the sin
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
Why are you being so stubborn?”“Leave me ALONE!”‘MATE MATE MATE!’‘Shut up, Kaon! You’re the reason we’re in this mess in the first place!’ Ronin ignored Caius and stumbled to the bedroom as he berated his wolf. ‘Have you forgotten the many secrets you kept that led to our mate’s demise?’‘MATE!’Ronin collapsed near the edge, resting his face against the mattress as another wave of need coiled tighter in his belly. His fangs throbbed in tune with his painfully hard cock, leaving him no choice but to let his mouth hang upon to prevent overstimulation.He only experienced a rut once, as an adolescent, a marker that he was coming of age, no longer a cub. It was nowhere near as intense as the sensations that overwhelmed him now.Caius swore under his breath, “This just might kill you.”“Then let it! Why did she have to go with Nik? I get that they had this freaky bond when the curse corrupted her, and they’re Shadow Kin– but we have a child together, damnit!”“Nothing happened between
He found her sitting in the nursery, rocking Yiannis against her chest. She smiled down at the cub, using her index finger to lightly boop the tip of his button nose. “I suppose you already know why I called you.”“Yes.” Ronin stayed close to the door, breathing only tiny pulls of air.She got up slowly, coming over to place Yiannis in his arms. “I’m in heat.”“I know.”“I’m spending the night with Nik.”“Okay.”“I’d feel better if you were watching Yiannis.”“Of course.”She pulled back, searching his face. “And you won’t go off the rails?”Ronin’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Would you prefer it if I did, my Luna?”“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” She took a full step back, red blooming on her cheeks. Her soft champagne dress shifted softly around her curves, barely containing her heavy, milk-filled breasts. He didn’t know how much longer he could take being drowned in the thick scent of her sex.Turning his focus to Yiannis, he stepped to the side. “You should go to him now bef
Days later, Ronin stood at the entrance of the mess hall stroking his stubble thoughtfully as he watched Liora surrounded by admirers. To say the morale had increased would be an understatement. News of the miracle spread far and wide and lupine folk converged on Black Crescent pack to meet the Luna who had such favor with the Goddess.From betas to omegas, they sat in a circle at her feet, hanging on to her every word, giggling and laughing, completely oblivious to the very real threat at large. Maia was vigilant, watching them like a hawk as she rocked Yiannis in her arms. Any sudden movements and she would be ready to defend her queen.Ronin understood the urge. Losing her had left the council raw and out of balance. It made sense that they were on edge.“Why don’t you go talk to her?”“The last time I checked, Silvermane, your Queen doesn’t want a thing to do with me.”Xander nodded, humming, “That would have been true last week, but I sense a thaw. Did something happen?”“We had
The unusual silence had Liora jerking upright in the middle of the bed. From the moment he arrived, Yiannis Ashenthorn was a force to be reckoned with. She would never forget his warrior cry as his lungs filled with air. It had been a little more than two weeks, enough time for her to be in tune with his sleeping and feeding patterns. She would get up several times during the night to tend to him.Even unconscious, Liora knew the amount of sleep she was getting was suspicious, confirmed even more by the tiny silver of daybreak streaking between the heavy curtains. Glancing down at the necklace, the tension eased from her shoulders. Yiannis was finally starting to sleep for more hours. She could use this bit of time to soak in the luxurious tub Lucien had installed for her.They had practically commandeered Alastor's cabin and master rooms. Still, he refused to move out completely, opting to stay in a smaller room on the other side–far away from the ‘baby shenanigans’.Liora sighed dee
Ronin turned away from the open door, clenching his fist so tightly that his nails bit into the flesh of his palm. Every scream sliced through his tortured soul, stripping him bare. He should be in there with Liora, soothing her and telling her that everything was gonna be okay.How did they come to this? Were they so broken that he would not even be able to fully witness the birth of his cub?Liora pelted out another gut-wrenching scream and he growled in response.“Alpha?” Ronin whipped his head around. It was the pack doctor. Her gloves were covered in blood and her face was grim.Pushing Thaddeus to the side, he got up close, baring his teeth. “What is your name?”"Beta Penelope.” She inclined her head slightly.“What is wrong with Liora? Why hasn’t she delivered the pup yet?”She swallowed thickly, “I’m sorry, Alpha but there’s been some complications.”“What kind of complications?” He ground out.“There’s no easy way to say this, but the cub hasn’t crowned yet. If Liora cannot d
This time when snow cascaded all around him, it didn’t burn.If it did, Ronin couldn't tell. Every nerve tingled, rippling as the hair stood on end. The pyre was obliterated, leaving only a large round scorch mark on the ground. His chest tightened and his lungs refused to let in air, terrified that if he took another breath, she would disappear.Liora stood in the center, a bright halo of eight moons glowing over her head. Her eyes were closed, a small smile teasing the corner of her mouth as if someone was whispering delightful things into her ear. The pendant that settled between her breasts blinked brilliantly in time with his cub’s heartbeat.Finally, her lids fluttered up, revealing deep red.The attending mass erupted in gasps and various cries of wonder and joy, falling to their knees with their faces to the ground. They chanted her name and sang praises to Selene, collectively vibrating bliss across the mind link.Kaon clawed at him, wanting out. The tattered bond lurched tow
Warm velvet unfurled from around her, pushing her up to the surface of the starry waters.The moons glowed brighter than she’d ever seen, and she wondered if this was peace.Still, it didn’t feel like it, so she wandered deeper into the infinite space, searching for something she couldn't name. Clouds gathered, swirling around her and blocking her vision. When it became clear again, she stood atop a mountain shrouded in fog.The air was cool and refreshing against her face, calming her with every deep breath. An unseen force tugged her gaze to the right, to the largest hecatolite she’d ever seen. Sitting in the middle of that perfect round slab was a youthful woman with curly hair cascading down her shoulders, slightly brushing her folded legs. Her lids popped open, revealing eyes that seemed older than she appeared.“Sweet child of mine. I’ve been waiting for you, Liora.”“For me?” Liora’s brows knitted. Why would this woman be waiting for her? “Do I know you from somewhere?”Moving
Outraged voices erupted around the mahogany table, going back and forth as they fought to push their own strategy forward. Ronin wasn’t familiar with half of them, but through the bond, he could sense they were all Ranked.He observed them listlessly as they snarled at one another, the sting of their recent defeat still vivid in their thoughts. Werewolves held a deep sense of pride and their egos pushed them to rash suggestions of retaliation.“Sit down, and shut up,” Caius growled, glaring at Juanzo.“That’s easy for you to say!” Juanzo shot back, “You didn’t lose anyone during the ambush. You’re cold and dead on the inside Caius. You have no idea what it’s like for us Alphas to bear the sorrow of our people. We. Want. Blood!”Dorian clamped a hand on Caius’ shoulder to prevent him from diving over the table. “I’m going to let that slide because this is a tense time for us,” Caius said quietly.Ronin could barely hear them. His eyes bored into Derith. Finally understanding what his R
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