The hair on the back of Liora’s neck turned into fine spikes. Goosebumps raced along her spine and she sighed in resignation. “He’s behind me, isn’t he?”Callie gave her a sheepish smile, nodding. “Yes. For like, the last three minutes.”Liora’s cheeks reddened and she pursed her lips, still admiring the fish that swam around animatedly in the small pool. Today was especially hot, so she came down to the greenhouse to get some fresh air and decompress after the ugly fight she had with Ronin earlier. Liora took Callie along because it had been too long since she had a proper rant session, and she wanted a listening ear for the many overwhelming feelings she needed to express. Being mated had its perks, but there were a few drawbacks, such as heightened emotions. It was downright criminal of Callie to let her go off when Ronin was there the whole time.Liora wiggled her toes in the water, enjoying the cooling sensation. A curious Koi came over, brushing its mouth against the ball of he
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
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