XERAPHINA “Thank you so much for this, Xeraphina. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel wanted, to have fun of any kind. I’ve been in a rut for ten years now. You have brought back my youth.”“Oh, come on. You’re only twenty-eight. You are not that old Tilly.”“Actually, I’m nearing twenty-seven.”Halting, I glance at her, my face scrunching up in confusion. “What did you just say?”“I’m twenty-six. My birthday is in two months.”“But you’ve been here ten years?”“My brother and I both got our wolves at sixteen instead of eighteen.”“Wolves shifting that early is extremely rare.”“I don’t know what to tell ya. But yes. I had just turned sixteen when I connected with my wolf and shifted for the first time.”“WOW! Well, let’s get down there and find you a mate. You deserve greatness Tilly. Let’s both put the past behind us and have fun tonight.”“I’m really looking forward to it! Let’s go!”Once we’ve gotten halfway down the stairs, I mind link mom to start the song and ‘Uptown Funk’ b
XERAPHINAAs Tilly and I descend the stairs, our hands intertwined, we sing and dance, taking in the awe-inspiring scene before us. While I knew that my mother and father had invited several packs from the surrounding area, I am astounded by the sheer number of people present. The place is bursting at the seams with individuals from wall to wall. Amongst the crowd, I notice some mates have already found each other, but there remains a multitude of proud and towering men who have yet to connect with a mate. They gaze up at Tilly and me, in hopes one of us may be their mate. In this sea of unmated males, we are bound to find our perfect match.Cassius’s eyes meet my own from across the room, penetrating deep into my soul. ‘MINE,’ he says through the mind link. ‘MY MATE.’‘Not yet,’ I replied and wink at him. It’s mean, but I can’t bring myself to give into his charm right now. I need to stay focused on the task at hand.‘You’ve got to admit, our mate looks mighty handsome in that get up
XERAPHINA Tilly and I step up to the vast steaming hot buffet adorned with many types of seafood and other meats like steak, chicken, and pork. Each section remains warm to prevent contamination with salmonella, and my stomach rumbles.“I’m gonna gain a hundred pounds tonight. Look at all this food, Xeraphina,” Tilly yells over the music with a huge grin on her face, as she reaches out and clutches a plate and silverware. “This is freaking fantastic!” she says, clutching a pair of tongs and placing a whole cooked king crab onto her plate. Her eyes widen in delight as she notices a bin down the way of oysters on the Half Shell, being kept cool in a bin full of ice. “Oh goodness, I’ve got to have some of those,” she says, scurrying off.Taking matters into my own hands, I reach for the tongs that Tilly left behind. With a swift motion, I transfer a succulent lobster onto my plate. Not stopping there, I make my way to the next station and grab a mouthwatering 16 oz Ribeye, placing it be
XERAPHINAFather chuckles and tightens his grip on my hand. “Okay, I won’t mention that again. Like you, a vast majority of the men downstairs have recently transformed into wolves, and they are all single. More than half of them are in their late twenties, above the age of twenty-five. That’s why they’re here, to find a potential mate. They come from alpha, beta, and gamma bloodlines, and I did my research on each pack and the males before inviting them. They come from different parts of the country and even from around the world.”“Thank you, daddy, for everything you’ve done for me. It really means the world to me you’ve gone to such great lengths. It was disappointing on Cassius’ part not to let anyone know that he already knew I was his mate,” I say, a frown appearing on my face. He pulls me into a hug, trying to comfort me. “If I find a chosen mate, I hope they live closer to home,” I say, a smile crossing my face. “I don’t want to be too far away.”“That’s good to hear, princes
XERAPHINA Then out of nowhere, ‘Feels Like Teen Spirit’ sung by Nirvana blares on the speakers and everyone scurry’s towards the bar to replenish their drinks. I see couples who have found their fated mates, huddled close together, the males growling at any other male shifters who touch their female. ‘Where in the world is Tilly?’ I ponder, as I search the crowd. ‘How could I have left her out to the wolves? Shit! I’m a horrible friend!’At last after searching a bit longer I spot Tilly, over in a corner, far away from the chaos, with a handsome guy. I make my way towards them, with a wide grin on my face. She has either found a second chance mate, or has found someone deserving of being her chosen mate. My luck hasn't been all that great, but I'm ecstatic for Tilly and could not be happier than I am right now.I’m all smiles as I approach them and poke her shoulder with my finger. Tilly turns towards me and smiles. “How are things going?” I ask, my eyebrows rising suggestively.Till
XERAPHINAI’ve been feeling suffocated since the start of the night. I convinced myself that this party would be a disaster. My original intention was to find a chosen mate, but I’m confused about my feelings for Cassius. He’s my closest friend, but there are things he’s done that are hard for me to overlook. Whenever the chance to leave the room tonight came up, I took it without hesitation.Cassius had shattered my dreams of finding my fated mate at my coming of age ball. I yearned for the surprise and excitement that those who had found their mates had experienced. My dreams, however, have come true after four years of longing. I am now experiencing the deep connection of finding my mate. Cassius hasn’t ruined this night for me, after all.As I watch the man of my dreams approach, I mentally express my gratitude to the moon goddess. He smiles, revealing dimples to die for and a perfect set of porcelain teeth. That creepy guy from earlier that had dimples and was missing my knuckle
XERAPHINACassius can kiss my ass for all I care. He can cower in a corner pissed off all he wants. But why is everyone else in here so concerned with what’s going on between Vaegon and I. That claustrophobic feeling I’ve been having all night washes over me and all I want to do is get out of here. But I don’t think my parents would be ecstatic with me leaving this party. Especially since they worked so hard to prepare it for me.Putting my hand on Vaegon’s shoulder, I get up on tiptoe and whisper in his ear. “Sure. We could go up to the main lounge area,” I say, pointing up at the stairs. “But would you mind dancing for a little while before we go upstairs? This is my party and other than dinner, I don’t think I’ve spent over thirty minutes down here. My parents put so much effort into this party. I would feel bad if we were to leave right now,” I say, and put my feet back to the ground and step back a little.“That sounds like a great idea, Xeraphina. I don’t think your parents woul
XERAPHINA I pound at Cassius’s chest with my free fist not occupied by the beer I’m holding and try to kick myself free from him, but he’s stronger now than ever because of his anger towards Vaegon. The ignorant jerk doesn’t realize Vaegon is also my mate, but he’s about to figure it all out.“Put me down this instance, Cassius! You are not my mate! I rejected you! That guy right there is my mate! Vaegon has stayed true and waited for me, which is more than I could ever say about you! Put me down now!” I scream in irritation, because nothing I’m saying is getting through to Cassius. He still doesn’t release his hold on me, so I slap him as hard as I can across the face, knocking some sense into him.Cassius’s eyes flutter open and closed a few times, and he shakes his head to shake off the surprise from me slapping him. Looking down at me, Cassius’s eyes well up with tears, threatening to fall. “You promised to give me a chance to redeem myself,” he murmurs.“I’ll keep my word to yo
XERAPHINAThe drive to the tarmac feels like it’s taking forever, but I can’t contain my excitement. I can’t wait to see Tilly again and all the thrilling moments that await us during our mating ceremonies. Sitting in the car with my mother, I’m jumping in my seat. Our first stop is picking up Tilly, and then we’ll head straight to the dress shop to choose my wedding dress. Tilly has already made her selection.Mom pulls up to the tarmac. I see Tilly and Caleb kissing. Caleb’s warriors are unaware, spread out. Tilly and Caleb stop kissing, look at us, and Tilly grins. I open the car door and jump out without hesitation.“Tilly! Xeraphina!” We scream as we run towards each other. I crash into her and she embraces me, twirling me around with my feet flying in the air.“Let’s find you a dress, so we can get hitched,” Tilly says, grabbing my hand and pulling me back towards my mother’s SUV.***Tilly and mom scrunch their faces, shaking their heads in protest when I walk out of the changi
XeraphinaCassius swings the door open, revealing a food cart laden with a myriad of plates brimming with delectable Italian dishes. His enticing aroma of the ocean, intertwined with the refreshing scent of ripe watermelon and a subtle hint of rich chocolate, dances through the air, enveloping me. It stirs a mixture of excitement and hunger, causing my stomach to growl. With a mischievous chuckle, Cassius places a plate overflowing with plump raviolis onto my lap, and positions a garlic-butter toasted breadstick nearby.“Thank you so much Cassius, this is wonderful,” I say, smiling up at him. “You know the way to an Alpha-female-wolf’s heart for sure. Through her stomach.”Cassius grins down at me and places a kiss on my forehead that ignites the mate bond, and it sends a wave of tingles through me, warming my heart. “I’m going to give you some space so you can eat in peace. There are some things I need to do real quick. But I’ll be back soon.”“Are you going to the bank?”“Yes. I ran
CASSIUSXeraphina lies motionless, connected to an IV, feeding tube, and heart monitor. Vaegon and I grip her hands, waiting for her to regain consciousness. It has been three long hours since we discovered Xeraphina. The healers have determined that she has fractured vertebrae and has sustained extensive fractures throughout her body, including her neck. Xariah’s powers are too weak to heal her, and they have informed us she may not survive this horrific ordeal. All we can do now is sit by her side, filled with hope for a positive outcome.Xeraphina’s heart rate has been slow, and the healers have revived her five times. However, she always comes back to us, if you can call it that. Her parents, Vaegon and I, have decided that if her heart stops again, we will let her go. If Xariah can’t heal her, Xeraphina wouldn’t want to live in a state where she cannot function.Xeraphina’s heart rate stabilizes, and her pale complexion slowly regains its natural color. With time, the bruises on
XERAPHINAAn enchanting whisper of a woman’s voice I have never heard before penetrates my subconscious, beckoning for me to wake up. “Xeraphina. Wake up dear. We have much to discuss.” But for the life of me, I can’t pry my eyes open.“Don’t worry about anything, dear child. You almost killed yourself falling down the stairs, but I got here just in time to help you. I’ve stayed close, watching over you and your mates in case I would need to intervene,” she says, then sings once more.As she sings, her voice weaves an enchanting melody that stirs my soul. A delicate shiver travels down my spine, while a cool breeze caresses my head and torso, soothing the shooting pain that had left my body in agony.My eyes snap open, and I am engulfed in weightlessness, my body free from all the pain. As I turn my head to the right, I am captivated by the sight of a stunning woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to me. Her eyes, a mesmerizing fusion of green and blue, outshine even my own, radiatin
XERAPHINA“Don’t worry, Angel of Mine. We won’t kill each other. We’re just gonna rough each other up some,” Vaegon says, glancing over at Cassius. “Right, asshole?”“You’re still lucky I’m behind bars, fucker,” Cassius warns, ramming himself against the bars and reaching his arms out to grab Vaegon, but he steps out of reach.“Quit y’all’s shit already. You are two grown men. I’m not in the mood for this. Sleep. I need sleep,” I say, strolling away from them and walking towards Xachariah.Getting on tiptoe, I whisper into Xachariah’s ear, so Vaegon and Cassius can’t hear us with their heightened wolves’ senses. “Those two are going to kill us all. We’re all doomed.”Xachariah chuckles and shakes his head. Then does the same, whispering into my ear. “They know if they kill each other, they’ll kill you. If what your wolves are saying is true. Vaegon and Cassius would do nothing to jeopardize your life, Xeraphina,” Zachariah explains, a snarl coming from his lips when Cassius comes into
XERAPHINA Cassius’s gaze met my own, gold swirling in his irises and confusion washes over me. Then I look over at Vaegon to see gold swirling around in his irises as well. What the hell is going on here? Talon left Cassius, but he’s back now, out of nowhere; for what reason? Talon reconnecting with Cassius will make rejecting him so much more difficult now. A fresh wave of tears collect in my eyes and I reach up to swipe them away when they slip down my cheeks.Glancing at Vaegon, my voice hitches as I whisper, “Vaegon, I’m sorry, but I need you to leave, please. Cassius and I need to have a private chat.”“You can’t reject him, Xeraphina,” Vaegon states, as he glares at Cassius, growling and crossing his arms in anger.My brows furrowed, I turn to see Cassius coming closer. “What the hell are you talking about, Vaegon? I thought you of all people would be the happiest about me rejecting Cassius.”“Has Xariah not reached out to you about anything regarding the three of us?” Cassius
XERAPHINAWhen Xariah rushes into the forest, I decide to end our shared consciousness. I don’t care what Xariah does during this time. Thanks to Cassius, I’m a ball of anger, pain, and sadness. Looking back, I see if I had just kept my rejection of Cassius from the start; things would be fine. I gotta spend more quality time with Vaegon. This is something that Cassius promised me I could have, but went against his word, which isn’t fair to Vaegon.Why do I still have such powerful feelings for Cassius, despite all the harm he has caused me, my family, and our pack? Well, I guess it’s because Cassius is family, and I have always loved him. However, I can’t continue this way any longer. The recent events, like him starting a war with Charity and losing his wolf Talon, have pushed me to my breaking point. I need to let go of Cassius and move on, just as he needs to let go of me. Our relationship has become toxic.As of now, I need to focus on Vaegon. It’s not fair to him. I’ve been in a
CASSIUSMy senses come rushing back to me when Vaegon informs me about Xeraphina’s panic attack. In addition, he reveals Alpha Joseph’s plan for both Xeraphina and me to reject each other, ultimately leading to my expulsion from the pack. These words hit me with a force that I can no longer ignore. This manipulative asshole is on the verge of accomplishing everything he has desired since entering our pack, and it pisses me off.“I bet you’re fucking happy, aren’t you, asshole? You’ll have her all to yourself now.”It’s not until he calls me a fucking spoiled teenage brat that I can’t hold off my anger anymore. In my drunken catatonic state I lunge at the fucker, forgetting about the fucking jails bars between us. My head collides with the steel bars, almost knocking me out, but I shake my head, ridding the stars shooting out in my vision away.“You better be glad I’m behind bars or I would fucking kill you, fucker! She is my fucking fated mate! Mine! I’ve known her my whole fucking li
CASSIUSXachariah drives my truck as we head back to the pack house. He vents his anger, yelling and cursing about what happened with Xeraphina this morning and the incident involving Charity. With each outburst, he slams his fist down on the steering wheel, distorting it to where it seems unusable. When he realizes he can’t hit the steering wheel anymore because of its fragile state, he bangs on the dashboard. I’m relieved Xachariah isn’t directing his anger towards me this time, or else he would kill me. However, I know once we reach the pack house, I will face the consequences.At some point, he stops the truck, and we step out. I receive several blows to the ribs, some causing fractures, and a strike to the head, all while he continues to curse at me. After venting his anger, he forces me to drive the remainder of the journey.As Xachariah settles into the passenger seat, a sense of foreboding washes over me as I see his glazed eyes. I know he is reaching out to Alpha Joseph to di