Here goes nothing! I'm not ready to face Erica yet, I need some time alone to think. The events of the past hour felt overwhelming, like a heavy weight making it difficult to breathe. As I tried to put everything into perspective, an unsettling suspicion began creeping in. It was tough enough for me to process this alone, let alone explain it to Erica. I want honesty with her but first, there are things I need clarity on myself before sharing them with Erica. I've never experienced such insecurity before, if my suspicions prove true, it would be devastating for my life as I know it. Luna Sarai bears a striking resemblance to Erica, yet she holds a special place in my dreams due to her birthmark. Whenever I see that mark, it feels like finding the missing piece of a puzzle, although the complete picture remains elusive to me. The clear conclusion I can reach is that Erica and I might share a common backgro
The following morning, I woke up early. Erica lay beside me, sleeping peacefully like an angel, providing the perfect opportunity to watch her. The early morning sun bathed her tranquil face in a gentle glow. These were the moments I treasured most, those simple, intimate times that reminded me how deeply I loved her. I drew her closer, embraced by the warmth of her body against mine. She instinctively nestled deeper into my chest, savoring the heat I provided. It was as if my arms were crafted just for her, she fit perfectly within them. All I desire now is to have meaningful time with Erica, cherishing this quiet moment with her and creating memories that might sustain us if things become difficult. Seeing how serene she looked while sleeping filled me with love and a sense of protectiveness. I softly brushed a strand of hair from her face, amazed by how beautiful she was in such an unguarded state. After that brief period of sentimen
Still Johnston’s POV At least he had the decency to avert his gaze while I looked at him. "Her true mate was at the party last night, but he doesn't belong to your pack, Alpha Rudi," I hissed. My words carried a warning as my patience began to wear thin. Luna Sarai's laughter erupted, instantly dissolving the tension in the room. "That's deep, sweetheart. You really took it too far," she said with a hiccup, amusement twinkling in her eyes, shattering the Alpha's confidence. He glanced around uneasily, clearly out of his depth. He struggled for words in an attempt to recover from the predicament. “I, um, I didn’t mean to offend, Johnston. I’m just concerned about the well-being of my pack and our alliances." "Alpha, it’s best you keep your concerns in check. Erica's journey is her own, and your intrusive questions are out of place. If there was anything you needed to know, you'd have found
We gave Xena a ride to the main road and bid her farewell. Xander awaited her arrival in his brand-new Bentley, the car’s sleek lines gleaming under the morning sun. Watching them reunite was such a pleasant sight, their passionate greeting made it clear that this long-distance relationship wasn’t easy for them. Their reunion overflowed with tender touches and whispered words, every gesture exuding their deep affection for one another. Earlier we informed the Alpha about Xena's unexpected departure, explaining that she had to urgently return to her coven for work that could not be postponed but would be back in two days. The Alpha listened attentively and nodded understandingly. Given Luna Sarai’s unforeseen request for us to extend our stay by a few more days, this statement was acceptable to the couple. I had hoped to stealthily sneak Xena out and back without anyone noticing, but Erica was determined to inform the Alpha. She's such a
Still Johnston’s POVAfter our conversation on the beach with Alpha Rudi, which didn't provide any clarity, Erica and I decided to set aside all concerns until Xena returned. During this time, we enjoyed ourselves immensely at the Crimson Moon. It felt as though we were the only ones living in this pack, entirely captivated by one another. We held hands and explored every corner together, stealing hugs and kisses whenever it pleased us. Each moment brimmed with laughter and affection, causing the days to drift by in a joyful blur. At present, I was seated on the private balcony of the room Erica shared with Xena while she took her evening nap. I was enjoying the soft glow of the setting sun enveloping everything in a warm, golden light. A few pack members were busy with cleaning tasks beneath the balcony, and I happened to overhear a conversation between two of them. As I sat on the balcony while Erica napped, I overheard a conversation
“There is a clearing on the border of Crimson Moon and neutral land. Let's take our conversation there,” suggested Master Brent.‘Johnston, there is a clearing at the Crimson Moon border. Just try to get everyone there. Three more hours,’ I texted Johnston.Master Brent went on to visit some specific ancient places in our area, each location steeped in history and mystery. It was as if he was asking for permission from the elders to call for the graves. The rituals he performed were intricate, involving ancient symbols and incantations that reverberated through the air.I know this is going to be drastic. The great thing is that I will learn a lot from this experience, it is the first time that I am going to witness this. I'm excited but still scared of what might come out of this. The unknown elements of magic and the supernatural always carried a sense of danger and awe.Before we leave for Crimson Moon, we must also go to the nearby lake to sink in a sacrifice.The
Another party’s POVThe water rippled and then there was a soft pop.The egg had burst!This was a confirmation of an evil spirit involved in the case Xena brought before me. With this, a sense of urgency and dread was added to this mission. I exchanged a worried glance with the witch, who nodded grimly.I’m Master Brent. Xena considers me a warlock, but in fact, I am one of the remaining Endarkened Shadow hunters. For centuries, I have been looking for a way to use the divine Seraph Knife, a special weapon to make supernatural beings like me more powerful. With this weapon, I could become the master of the universe and make both demons and humans bow to me.To activate the powers of the Seraph Knife, I must mate with an angel or a supernatural being of high rank. At the peak of our mating, I have to call out the name of an angel loudly and stab the woman in the heart. I found out a long time ago that the most obvious angel was the werewolf Moon Goddess, so I was looki
"My mate! Where is she? You bastard!" the Alpha roared, half-shifted into his huge black wolf.His fur bristled with rage, and his eyes glowed with a feral intensity. He was ready to behead me but remembered at the last moment that he needed me to get his mate back. His growl reverberated through the air, I was sure it could be heard miles from here."Erica!!" Johnston bellowed now with desperation and fury.He, too, was almost shifted, his claws out and his sharp fangs exposed. His eyes were pitch dark, filled with a savage determination. These powerful werewolves were deeply infatuated with their mates and were not to be underestimated. They were willing to go to great lengths to get their women back. I have to tread carefully now."Relax," I signed with my hands, trying to project calmly. "Everything will be fine. I know how to get them back. This is just temporary.""What do you mean by that?! Why did she suddenly disappear? Where is she?" the Alpha demanded, his voice dripping wi
Johnston’s POV"Did that fool actually believe I had wiped my face with that ridiculous potion?!"I found it difficult to manage my anger.Do I look like a fool? I just met someone, and he thinks I'd trust them to put something on my face right after my woman disappeared?!"Seriously?" I grumbled.I left with the Alpha but exited the car at the border. While Alpha Rudi seemed fine with another man spiritedly taking his mate away, I certainly was not. I'm unwilling to entertain any spiritual nonsense, especially after sensing a very negative energy emanating from that man.He is not a white wizard. I'm absolutely certain that this idiot is evil."He is!" Tax confirmed. "Do your thing, and I'll show you the way. Just move quickly, our mate is about to be taken," my wolf urged me. Quickly, I pulled out my phone and texted Xander.'Man, where are you?''Well, I would return to my pack, but my wolf is restless and insists on staying close to Xena,' he replied.My phone rang within seconds.
Erica’s POVWhen I opened my eyes, I felt a little dizzy.My vision was blurred, and I had to blink a few times to see my surroundings properly. In a corner, I saw Luna Sarai sitting on a mud chair, supported by the wall. She was unconscious, her face pale. I stumbled over and shook her shoulders.“Luna, wake up. Something has happened to us,” I whispered urgently. I blew on her face a few times. A few seconds later, she slowly opened her eyes and stared at me.“Luna, wake up. We have been kidnapped. We have to find a way out,” I explained to her. She just stared at me, her body stiffened but she was still unresponsive.At that moment, I heard a noise coming our way. Someone appeared in the doorway, and I kind of remembered him as the man who came to meet us at the clearing. Behind him was Xena.“Xena, what's going on? Where's Johnston?” I asked her urgently. "Why are we here?"“Erica, my Master here will explain everything to us. I don't know everything that's going o
Johnston followed suit, his movements precise and controlled. "Erica," he murmured gently. As he applied the liquid to his face, his eyes briefly closed as though searching for an inner connection. I grabbed the last bottle and mirrored their actions.I pretended to perform a ritual by closing my eyes for an extra moment and taking a deep breath, as though I were absorbing power from the bottle. The air around us seemed charged with unusual energy, and I could feel their eyes on me, observing my every action with suspicion.All three of them gazed at me intently until I opened my eyes and smiled, exuding a sense of calmness and reassurance."This will enable you to maintain your connection with them," I assured, my voice steady. "Please, be assured they are safe. They'll be back with you before you know it."The Alpha and Johnston shared a wary glance, but the ritual appeared to have pacified them for now. The delicate spark of trust I had kindled was fragile, and I understood that c
"My mate! Where is she? You bastard!" the Alpha roared, half-shifted into his huge black wolf.His fur bristled with rage, and his eyes glowed with a feral intensity. He was ready to behead me but remembered at the last moment that he needed me to get his mate back. His growl reverberated through the air, I was sure it could be heard miles from here."Erica!!" Johnston bellowed now with desperation and fury.He, too, was almost shifted, his claws out and his sharp fangs exposed. His eyes were pitch dark, filled with a savage determination. These powerful werewolves were deeply infatuated with their mates and were not to be underestimated. They were willing to go to great lengths to get their women back. I have to tread carefully now."Relax," I signed with my hands, trying to project calmly. "Everything will be fine. I know how to get them back. This is just temporary.""What do you mean by that?! Why did she suddenly disappear? Where is she?" the Alpha demanded, his voice dripping wi
Another party’s POVThe water rippled and then there was a soft pop.The egg had burst!This was a confirmation of an evil spirit involved in the case Xena brought before me. With this, a sense of urgency and dread was added to this mission. I exchanged a worried glance with the witch, who nodded grimly.I’m Master Brent. Xena considers me a warlock, but in fact, I am one of the remaining Endarkened Shadow hunters. For centuries, I have been looking for a way to use the divine Seraph Knife, a special weapon to make supernatural beings like me more powerful. With this weapon, I could become the master of the universe and make both demons and humans bow to me.To activate the powers of the Seraph Knife, I must mate with an angel or a supernatural being of high rank. At the peak of our mating, I have to call out the name of an angel loudly and stab the woman in the heart. I found out a long time ago that the most obvious angel was the werewolf Moon Goddess, so I was looki
“There is a clearing on the border of Crimson Moon and neutral land. Let's take our conversation there,” suggested Master Brent.‘Johnston, there is a clearing at the Crimson Moon border. Just try to get everyone there. Three more hours,’ I texted Johnston.Master Brent went on to visit some specific ancient places in our area, each location steeped in history and mystery. It was as if he was asking for permission from the elders to call for the graves. The rituals he performed were intricate, involving ancient symbols and incantations that reverberated through the air.I know this is going to be drastic. The great thing is that I will learn a lot from this experience, it is the first time that I am going to witness this. I'm excited but still scared of what might come out of this. The unknown elements of magic and the supernatural always carried a sense of danger and awe.Before we leave for Crimson Moon, we must also go to the nearby lake to sink in a sacrifice.The
Still Johnston’s POVAfter our conversation on the beach with Alpha Rudi, which didn't provide any clarity, Erica and I decided to set aside all concerns until Xena returned. During this time, we enjoyed ourselves immensely at the Crimson Moon. It felt as though we were the only ones living in this pack, entirely captivated by one another. We held hands and explored every corner together, stealing hugs and kisses whenever it pleased us. Each moment brimmed with laughter and affection, causing the days to drift by in a joyful blur. At present, I was seated on the private balcony of the room Erica shared with Xena while she took her evening nap. I was enjoying the soft glow of the setting sun enveloping everything in a warm, golden light. A few pack members were busy with cleaning tasks beneath the balcony, and I happened to overhear a conversation between two of them. As I sat on the balcony while Erica napped, I overheard a conversation
We gave Xena a ride to the main road and bid her farewell. Xander awaited her arrival in his brand-new Bentley, the car’s sleek lines gleaming under the morning sun. Watching them reunite was such a pleasant sight, their passionate greeting made it clear that this long-distance relationship wasn’t easy for them. Their reunion overflowed with tender touches and whispered words, every gesture exuding their deep affection for one another. Earlier we informed the Alpha about Xena's unexpected departure, explaining that she had to urgently return to her coven for work that could not be postponed but would be back in two days. The Alpha listened attentively and nodded understandingly. Given Luna Sarai’s unforeseen request for us to extend our stay by a few more days, this statement was acceptable to the couple. I had hoped to stealthily sneak Xena out and back without anyone noticing, but Erica was determined to inform the Alpha. She's such a
Still Johnston’s POV At least he had the decency to avert his gaze while I looked at him. "Her true mate was at the party last night, but he doesn't belong to your pack, Alpha Rudi," I hissed. My words carried a warning as my patience began to wear thin. Luna Sarai's laughter erupted, instantly dissolving the tension in the room. "That's deep, sweetheart. You really took it too far," she said with a hiccup, amusement twinkling in her eyes, shattering the Alpha's confidence. He glanced around uneasily, clearly out of his depth. He struggled for words in an attempt to recover from the predicament. “I, um, I didn’t mean to offend, Johnston. I’m just concerned about the well-being of my pack and our alliances." "Alpha, it’s best you keep your concerns in check. Erica's journey is her own, and your intrusive questions are out of place. If there was anything you needed to know, you'd have found