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
“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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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