Dread and shame washed over me and I couldn’t help but look towards the door now and then. My eyes flickered to and fro between the man sitting at his desk, as he frowned once in a while looking at my reports and leaving a deep sigh, and the door as I anticipated Augustus’s visit.James had already informed me that Augustus would be here anytime and I didn’t want to face him, not after knowing he knew half of my past. I took a deep breath to calm myself as I fidgeted with my fingers.“I can smell your anxiousness, you know, right?” I jumped as James closed the file with my reports and adjusted his glasses. I shook my head.“I’m not anxious, it’s just…I don’t know how to face him,” I mumbled rather quietly. I heard him sigh as he leaned back and crossed his arms across his chest.“Well, I would’ve given you some advice but looks like time beats me to it.” I frowned at his words and actions as he pushed the chair back and stood up to walk towards the door.“Where are you go-“ Words h
“Aconite is more poisonous for hibernated wolves than a normal one. I need to get more of her blood sample for further clarifications.”“About the cure? Isn’t there anything of that sort?” My voice shattered at the end. When I finally got my freedom, my life was giving up on me. James hummed, flipping through pages of the book. His eyes glued on particular words, assessing, he mouthed the words silently as he nodded understanding the meaning before looking to my left.“Aconite is a poison. There is no specific antidote for Aconite poisoning. In primitive medical sciences, dehydrated borax is mentioned for the management of aconite poisoning. I have some stored in the hospital, but it is not a permanent solution.” James explained and my fists clenched and my head lowered. Augustus tensed beside me. “There have to be something, some plant, herb, anything at all. Every poison has its cure.” Augustus tried to reason. A sigh of defeat left my throat. Of course, I was born pathetic, and I
Lightning cut through the grey clouds, and raindrops fall to the ground, making the sweet aroma of Earth invade my nostrils. My lids felt heavy like I was drowning deeper and deeper into the slumber of darkness. His fragile touch brushed the hairs off my face in a gentle caress that melted me in his touch. Leaning back against the seat, I took a deep breath, my head tilting towards the window as I blinked looking out. “How are you feeling?” His rich honey-laced voice reached my ears, soothing the raging of my emotions. Everything felt surreal, out of this world. My emotions, his touch, his presence, the rain, and the clouds, that does nothing but made my emotions heightened. “I’m fine,” my voice barely reached my ears but Augustus nodded regardlessly. His eyes trailed on the front, as he drove us to his house. After leaving the hospital, he suggested I should rest until James find something to cure Aconite Poisoning. The clouds gathered around just as we stepped out of the hospita
Love was a dangerous emotion, it always was, even when I despised it most, I was slowly coming to admire the word again. Xerxes’s sick love had morphed into an obsession, and I was suddenly having flashbacks of my past. I was holding onto a piece of me I desperately wanted to let go of. My efforts to start over and leave my past behind were all in vain. He scared me. Terrorised me. Ironic how the mate I thought I was in love with was the sole reason that made me feel the hatred that much. My body felt overly exhausted, my limbs aching, the back of my spine screaming with agony as I adjusted myself in the seat. His warm hand clasped against my thigh as his touch assured me.“Sleep. We’ll be there shortly.” His whispered words stirred a wave of calmness in me. And I shockingly closed my heavy lids. The weather outside looked delicate, reminding me of the days I missed the most. Spring was my favourite time of the year. The sun's rays were warmer, and the air was soft. Golden hues chirp
“Did you send the invitation?” “Yes, I did, Alpha.” “And the preparations? How are they going? Make sure to welcome them with amenity.” Augustus said and Avi nodded, lowering his head a bit he bowed. I watched, fists clenched, heart beat louder, fingers tightening around the shawl he had me wrapped in. His thick, lean fingers clasped in front, eyes staring at me now and then. He was busy, but I was still on his mind. Augustus was a caring lover, possessiveness was just his way of making me feel that he liked me, the moment we came back from Virginia, he had himself incarcerated around me. Taking care of me, giving me herbs that James said would make the poisoning less uncomfortable, feeding me meals, forcing me to take rest even though my heart was restless. It was alarming how he had sent Rasmus to Mikaela. For him Mikaela was the best option to leave his son with, only to make sure that I was contempt in his house. It was sweet but a little startling also. Rasmus was ecstatic u
“How do I look?”I twirled around wearing a baby blue dress that surpassed just a few inches below my knees. Augustus turned to adjust the cuffs links on his raven shirt when his body visibly tauten. The blue of his irises darkened to resemble the depth of the oceans before his eyes shamelessly raked over my body. “Beautiful,” the phrases were uttered from his soul, I could feel it. My cheeks crimsoned. No matter how daring I tend to become, his frivolous praise always left me shy like a mere pup who receives a heartwarming remark from her mate. I was still that female, who was happy with what was given to her.I smiled to hide my embarrassment for I slowly raised my finger to tuck the strand of my hair behind my ears. My naive action had Augustus fisting his palms as he once more assessed me from head to toe. “So, when is your guest arriving?” To hide my flushed flesh, I tried to change the topic. The tension between us was apparent, illicit yet I craved him like Eve craved the fr
Augustus raised his brows. Offended and amused. “Yeah, why don't you show me how to kiss like an adult then? I bet your lips could show me the daylights,” he challenged, tightening his hold. His lips puckered in a pout. I could die to see this side of him. Mischievous and whiny. “Relax-““Alpha, he’s here.” Avi’s voice interrupted us as Augustus grimaced at him. Avi looked between the proximity of both of us as his eyes widened for a second then he bowed. “My apologies, Alpha. I didn’t see you-““Of course, Avi. You should retire from being my Beta for you can hardly hear anything, see anything or even process anything.” Augustus gloomed as I pulled away and stood by his side, and gave a small smile to Avi who looked bewildered. Inclining his head to the side, he frowned.“But I just did my checkup last week. James said I was fit and heal-“My laugh had him frowning more and Augustus groaned. “Whatever, let’s go.” Avi was still confused. I felt bad for him. He turned, mumbling to
Sitting at touching distance from him made me realise how much closer danger was getting. Kai knew my whereabouts which would mean Xerxes wasn’t far. The thought itself was frightening in a soul-shuddering way. My heart was barely at ease. I couldn’t even hear Augustus and Kai conversing. Future alliance. Alliance where Augustus would suffer for my runaway. What was I ought to do now? I couldn’t face Xerxes for I couldn’t handle his wrath. He brought pain and suffering and the fact that Kai had witnessed the proximity of Augustus and me, was going to bring hell on Earth. The hell that would burn me. My body shivered. Kai’s eyes were enclosing on me now and then, there were provoking words that he was telling me through his eyes. And now, I couldn’t think straight as I gulped and grabbed Augustus’s shirt tugging it. “I-I need to use the bathroom,” I mumbled, avoiding his eyes. I shouldn’t lie to him but I couldn’t tell him the truth for that would bring him more suffering. Sensing m
“Xerina! Stop right there! It’s dangerous!” Luca’s shouts filled the air as he chased after me. His voice was irritated and concerned as I laughed and ran through the forest. Jumping over the lodges of wood and hay, I was covered in mud and dirt. Everyone in the pack loved how energetic and relaxed I was even though I was going to get a better earful of scolds from my father later. But now he had gotten quite used to my tactics. “Hurry up, Luca!” I screeched dashing down the muddy road that led to the cave just between the forest. I stopped when my breathing become haggard and I could no longer hear Luca behind me. Where was he? Did I lose him? A grin managed to creep on my face at the thought. Now I would be able to enjoy myself-“Ah!” A scream left my mouth when Luca suddenly jumped in front of me. Faking a startled gasp I narrowed my eyes at him. “You scared me.”“It’s enough, let’s go back.” He panted as he grabbed my wrist and I jerked my hand back. Placing both of my hands on my
In that captivating moment, as he lifted one of his legs gracefully in the air, a surge of anticipation pulsed through me. It was as if time had momentarily stood still, allowing us to surrender to the intensity of our connection. His fervent kiss upon my ankle ignited a fiery passion that resonated with the same depth as his kisses upon my lips.With each deliberate movement, he embarked on a seductive journey along the contours of my leg, his tongue tracing a tantalizing path. A tender pause at my knee ensued, where his lips delicately danced, leaving an imprint of affection that sent shivers of pleasure cascading through my entire being. The sheer intimacy of his touch captured my senses, causing me to succumb to an all-encompassing desire that left me vulnerable and yearning.As he descended upon my thigh, his tongue became an instrument of pure ecstasy. Each stroke, each exploration, evoked a blissful surrender within. I, consumed by an indescribable hunger, felt my very essence m
There weren’t too many people, but I was so nervous all of sudden. I was mucous since morning, even Aurora had scolded me once in between that I was being paranoid for no reason. Well, damn her. It was not like I was getting married everyday. We had completed our rituals for the ceremony, and now I wa awaiting for my mate to come and take me to our shared chambers to consummate the marriage. I was fidgeting with my fingers when I looked myself in the mirror. Wearing a white wedding dress that reached my ankles and a deep cut over the neck that was decorated with lace. The door opened and I gasped as Xerxes stepped inside wearing his black tuxedo. I blushed. He looked so handsome and beautiful that it was almost unrealistic. I averted my gaze from his with embarrassment as he smirked and stepped forward. “You ready?” He asked in his masculine voice and I shyly nodded. Leaning down to my face, he brushed his lips against my cheek. “I can not wait anymore.” I could senses his arousal. P
“Papa! Papa!” I peered through the kitchen door at my three-year-old running through the lobby and rushing to her father. An unpleased frown on her face as she immediately looked at her father with a pout on her lips. “Luca scolded me.”Faking a frown, my husband scooped the little bundle of joy in his arms and cradled her in his lap. “Why?” He asked wiping the remnants of chocolate on the corner of her lips. Xerina was fond of sweets and probably Luca found her chocolate hiding spot, that’s why he scolded her. Xerina’s eyes visibly narrowed while she glared at her father. “He stole my choci-chose.” She complained and I chuckled knowing I was right. Xerxes’s laugh filled the air and my chest squeezed–as it did every time I saw him with our family. Joy. Unrestrained joy and happiness. I would never tire of seeing him like this. “He did? Where did you get those from?” Xerxes asked shifting her and caressing her stuffed cheeks. She immediately looked away. “I-I…from mama.” My eyes wi
Her life these past years or more had been akin to sprinting through fog. When she often feel to the core of her soul that life was sacred, when she conclude that the natural world was woven into her heart–illusions and diabolical, that their love was all part of this great tapestry of creation, then she would finally be home. Then her Mother Moon would feel that she had returned. Finally in her arms. She loves her children equally. “We haven’t seen Alpha, there’s no sign of either of them,” one of the wolves said through the door. “But wolves are searching for them, the borders are seized.” Marcus bobbed his head and then his eyes moved to the bed. Aurora had gained consciousness a few hours back and on James’s instructions, she had been resting since then. Daniella was traumatised and he suggested she go back, but the little girl was too stubborn, she insisted on being here with her injured brother and Katarina. Katraina. Marcus was worried for her. She had lost so much blood and
“Hold them down!” Marcus growled as he ducked through the hoard of rouges coming his way. He snarled with anger as several of them tried to hold him down. The battlegrounds were bloodied, but it didn’t stop him from shedding more as he tore them limb by limb. Some were in their wolf forms while others were inhuman, Marcus shifted into his wolf form and roared like a wild beast before running through the pile and making his way to the house where he last left Aurora. Aurora. Her name should bring him anger, malice and betrayal, but right now he couldn’t think that way. He should be angry at her that sleeping with another man before him, she gave birth to a pup who didn’t carry his blood, and she spiked their mate bond. But strangely, right now all he cared was about her. Nothing mattered. Nothing. He realised he had been hating her for nothing. He loved her, even knowing she had betrayed him. Their relationship was not that was built upon trust and love, but he could change that. He
“I didn’t want to do this, cupcake. I was getting fond of you.” His hands held onto the thick strand of my story hair and he sniffed it making me cry h my nose in disgust. “But power is power. This is the moment I always dreamed of–to be in charge of power.” I swam for the light and he did everything he could to take me into the abyss. He betrayed me, not the other way around.“Why did you lied to me?” I seethed. His eyes looked mockingly at me. It was fear that brought rage, that hot burning anger that seeked to harm. It was a biological button better left alone. When we see something that frightened us, a primitive part of the brain was activated to produce aggression. So, I, when I see all the things around me that make me scared... I was being deliberately triggered... as were my emotions. That rage destroyed me from the inside.“I never did. I really loved you.” He whispered. “You fucking psycho!” Rage filled my voice and I thrashed. Betrayal was a conscious choice for cold indi
“A-Augustus…” I breathed out stumbling a step back. His blue eyes narrowed as he assessed me with his gaze. Concern was an act of deep and real caring and as such was a marker of our intertwined souls. I sighed in contempt. If he wasn’t here- I didn’t want to think what would have happened to us. “I don’t have time, Katraina. You have to come with me.” He quickly looked around and motioned me to follow him. I gazed at Aurora as she groaned in pain. Leon crying as Daniella looked terrifyingly between us. She was but a child, this must have shocked her to the core. My first reaction should be taking care of my females than fleeing. I shook my head. “I-I can not leave them behind.” Augustus narrowed his eyes. I could see the worry in his eyes, but they seemed somewhat strange. What Madrei told me earlier flooded through my head and I pondered over it once again. It must be Andrei. Did Augustus know? He probably did cause then he wouldn’t be here. But still, something didn’t feel right.
“Katarina…” his voice was as sharp as I last remembered, profound. I just couldn’t believe my eyes. Never before had I noticed how time was so much like water; that it could pass slowly, a drop at a time, even freeze, or rush by in a blink. The clock said it was measured and constant, tick tock, part of an orderly world; the clock lied. “What are you doing here?” My brain stuttered for a moment and my eyes took in more light than I expected, every part of me went on pause while my thoughts caught up. After a wash of reality, I stepped forward, feeling a new danger in my living room. “I need to talk to you, it’s urgent.” He stepped forward, his fists clenched on his sides and a frown resting between his brows. He looked tensed for some reason. I couldn’t believe a man as terrific as him would step foot in here only to talk to his enemy’s mate. I didn’t know much, but Xerxes had filled me with how much dangerous Andrei could be. The man seemed like he breathed in danger and lived on o