Ronin let out a guttural moan, scraping his fangs back and forth over Liora’s neck before sinking them into the two tiny marks of their bond. She whimpered, sliding her hand into his hair and pushing her hips back to meet his slow thrusts. “Why can’t we stop?” She asked, shuddering as they shared another explosive orgasm.Ronin tugged his mouth away to answer her. “It’s the mating thrall. It only happens when two wolves first become mates, then every time the female goes into heat.”“I really should’ve paid more attention to my sex-ed lessons.”Ronin laughed, the musical sound morphing into another growl as he filled her up with his cum. Even though he was the strongest Alpha, he couldn’t resist the mating thrall. He knew it was dangerous, getting tangled with Liora when he could corrupt her, but every time she clamped her walls down around him he felt like he could forget the world outside and stay forever nestled in her tight heat.Not to mention a surprising bonus–they could feel
Deep in slumber, Ronin felt someone shaking his shoulder, and his eyes popped open, glaring at the culprit. Thaddeus hovered over him, "We're nearing Tripoli," He said.Ronin sat up, rubbing his eye sockets with the heel of his palms. "Good, we can dive out over Lousios Valley.""Say what now?" Lucien sputtered, his eyes were slightly unfocused due to his indulgence in alcohol for the majority of the flight. "Why would we dive when we can land at a perfectly good airport?" His voice slurred and Merrick pulled out a phone, turning it sideways and grinning like a madman.Ronin narrowed his eyes, releasing the belt that was strapping him down. He stalked to the back of the plane where all the sky diving gear had been packed in a cabinet under the minibar. "The plane is going to the airport, but we are not. I don't want any of our human acquaintances to know we're here until we're ready to leave.""He's right," Xander said matter of factly, passing the gear down, "We can't have them keep
“Paionía, by the time you read this, I’ll already be halfway across the world, in GREECE?!” Liora held the letter closer to her face, her eyes narrowing with every word she read aloud, “In the meantime, Maia will prepare you for your coronation. Don’t be mad- I’ll explain everything when I get back. Ronin.”Liora swung her feet over the side of the bed, ripping up the letter as she stalked to the bathroom. “Unbelievable,” She huffed, tossing the pieces into the waste bin. As soon as he returned, she would ensure they had a thorough conversation about improving his communication skills.“Ow.” She yelped, feeling a twinge of pain in her left shoulder. Her awareness drew to other areas of her body that were deliciously sore. The mating thrall had left her deeply satisfied, but she still felt a twinge of anxiety in the pit of her stomach.Ronin was all the way in Greece, doing Goddess knows what, while she was here–craving his presence. Walking back to the bedroom, she surveyed their two-
“Why am I the Helm if even my own council won’t listen to me?” Ronin posed the question to the starry sky, not expecting an answer from the Goddess above. Lowering his gaze, he admired the quaint little settlement. Tents were set up in clusters of three and four, with small fire pits strewn throughout the clearing. There were many beautiful, exotic women and children who ran about without a care. The men were fierce, and also embraced a wild nature, some dressing in loose flowing pants, others with knee-length leather tied around their waists. All went shirtless, proudly showing off their tribal markings. The pack was pleased to be visited by their Helm, so they paid homage to him. The men played enchanting drum beats together with melodies from well tuned flutes. Some of the women danced, their cubs joining in occasionally. A large deer roasted over the fire pit in front of him, and omegas stayed close by with platters of choice fruit and grains for him to enjoy. Times like thes
Liora narrowed her eyes. “I’m in control. I’m completely fine.” She’d never felt better in all her life. The strength that coursed through her veins was exhilarating.“A Luna is the equivalent of an Alpha,” Maia explained, using a calm tone. “That means you’ll also have aggression, power trips, and a strong urge to display dominance and control over others.”“You were born an omega. Your designation subdued these emotions,” Nikolai added. “Your rise in station means all these are heightened. You must learn self-control. Especially since there’s the risk of being corrupted through your bond.”Liora thought about what they said for a moment. If she wanted to be a good Luna and prove to Ronin that she could lead, she’d have to listen to them. Technically, they were also her council now.“Alright,” She sighed. “What do I have to do?”Maia smiled, “The best way to learn control is to start by mastering your new abilities.”“Abilities?”“Indeed. As the Helm and descendant of a legacy bloodl
After trudging across rivers, forests, and open grasslands, hiking miles along a winding and rocky terrain that went higher and higher with each step, the entrance to Lyklos Keep was a glorious sight to behold emerging from the side of the mountain. Ronin could hear a myriad of voices echoing along the path just beyond the stone archway, chanting a sacred hymn to the Goddess that he hadn’t heard since his youth. A fleeting memory teased his mind: sitting on his mother’s knee as she braided his hair, singing a sweet ode that often sent him off to sleep. He wished he could hear her sing again. “Going in?” Thaddeus touched his arm lightly, jolting him from his reverie. “You go,” Sybl urged. “Phoebe and I will keep watch out here until you return.” She moved to the side, sitting on the large boulder near the entrance. Ronin nodded, going in first with his council trailing behind him. Torches lined the walls along the path, shining brighter the deeper they got into the cave. He kept hi
Liora was spending another afternoon down by the fish pond near the greenhouse when her ears picked up the loud rumble of an engine in the distance. She kicked her feet excitedly, dollops of water soaking Callie’s blue shorts.“Liora,” She groaned. “These were my favorite pair.”“He’s back!" Liora sang, giddy as she abandoned her flip-flops, opting to go barefoot as she ran toward the house. It had been three miserable days without her mate, and she was excited to be in his arms again and breathe in his intoxicating scent. Skipping the front steps two by two, Liora veered off to where the plane had landed. Her black frilled mini dress clung to her thighs as she ran, her dark hair floating on the wind. She stuttered to a halt just a few yards away from the plane. Heart leaping in her chest, she greedily took in his appearance. His hair was tousled, hanging over his crimson gaze. A white fitted sweatshirt hugged his torso, tucked into his green cargo pants. A 5 o'clock shadow dusted h
The full moon was especially bright on the night of Liora’s coronation. Shuddering with anticipation, she smoothed her hands down the front of her delicate gown. The white satin was covered in gold embroidered vines and flowers, starting out dense at the lower half of the skirt, and spreading out towards her midriff. The sleeves were fitted lace, flaring out over her knuckles. A heavy gold robe with white fur lining sat on her shoulders, the train pooling behind her.It took weeks, but Maia and her team had managed to pull off one of the most prestigious events the Helm had seen in years. Every high-status wolf from all the neighboring packs would be in attendance. Shifting her eyes from the door to the throne room, she watched as the courtyard slowly filled with civilian wolves.Knowing that they were waiting for her made her heart swell. She prayed to the Goddess that she remembered the proper protocol and didn’t make a fool of herself.The doors to the throne room opened and she st
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
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