After inhaling deeply, she shut her eyes. I mimicked her, thinking it wise not to observe. My hands began to tingle, presumably as the magic surged through me. I sensed it coursing up my arms and down my spine.Star muttered something under her breath, prompting me to sneak a peek with one eye. Her lips moved slowly, her brow furrowed in intense concentration.I clamped my eyes shut and concentrated on staying calm. There was a possibility that I was making a terrible mistake, but desperation often led us to risky actions. I feared the binding to Ray more than I feared Star's witchcraft.The tingling sensation intensified, bordering on painful. I winced, resisting the urge to withdraw my hands. Then, suddenly, the sensation vanished. I opened my eyes. "Is it over?"Star met my gaze and lowered her hands. "That's the best I can do. I don't think it's permanent. The bond is stronger than I expected, but it should give you a brief respite."
Star's house was much larger than I had initially thought. I explored the various living areas and briefly peered into open doors leading to more bedrooms. I found a well-equipped kitchen and another dining space that had escaped my notice earlier. Toward the back of the house, there was a breathtaking greenhouse filled with a variety of colorful flowers and fragrant herbs.The place was not only spacious but also stunning, making it difficult to imagine anyone willingly leaving such a home. However, I understood that this luxurious space came at the price of isolation and solitude.My feelings about Star were a mix of curiosity and skepticism. She was a witch who was willing to perform dark magic for a price. I had grown up hearing warnings about witches and their mysterious abilities, but Star was the first witch I had ever encountered. Just like me, she had been ostracized from her coven, and we both seemed ready to tread the fine line between ri
He appeared in better spirits than the previous day, but Tony's focus remained solely on his food, avoiding eye contact with me. I yearned to inquire about his well-being and discuss various pressing matters such as the cave incident and the convoluted situation involving Ray.My friend Danielle nudged me gently and inquired, "Elisa?""Sorry," I responded, turning to face her. "Can we approach this step by step? You guide me on what you need, and I'll be there."She glanced back and forth between Tony and me, then said, "Of course." Danielle got up from her seat. "Malcom, Billy, would you help me prepare?""Prepare?" I inquired."Everything will be fine," she assured me. "Just meet us out front once you're ready.""You're being subtle," I remarked.She smirked and waved as she exited the kitchen. Malcom and Billy followed her, leaving Tony and me alone for the first time since our recent ordeal."How are you feeli
I tensed. The revelation hit me like a ton of bricks. My mom had never told me she had a true mate. She had been separated from him, and she'd given up shifting. Since my dad was still alive, she'd have felt that bond all these years.What had that done to her? Here I was, struggling with the mere thought of being apart from my true mate, and we hadn't even completed the mating bond yet. She'd completed the bond, and then she had to flee. Every day of my existence had been a reminder of the love she'd lost."My mom is broken after everything she's been through," I croaked, my throat tightening. I had to stop speaking before I broke down in front of him. He might be my father, but he was still a stranger."After we win, I will find a way to heal her. I've never stopped loving her. I never will. Mating bonds are eternal, chosen by fate, sacred. She is my other half. Being away from her was the worst part of my punishment. I know I don't deserve your
The sense of fear became more palpable, but it wasn't for himself; it was his concern for me that intensified. Billy’s wolf bolted, and I swiftly joined the run without hesitation. We circled the grass briefly, returning to where Danielle and Ryan awaited. Despite my desire to stay, my wolf resisted, making it challenging to rein her in. Eventually, she relented, allowing me to shift back to human form. Billy mirrored my transformation. Both of us stood naked, catching our breaths from the exhilarating run. Shifting rapidly between forms proved more demanding than I'd anticipated. "Impressive," commended Danielle. "Shifting swiftly when needed is true strength, beyond just running all night." "I've never shifted that quickly," admitted Billy. I remembered the chase through the woods, a swift turn, but I chose not to bring it up. Neither of us wished to dwell on the past. Yet, Billy's concern for me lingered, absent in his human form now. Slipping on my shirt, I turned to him. "Wha
She refused to leave with our friends. My wolf was fixated solely on her mate, out there somewhere, waiting for us. It sent shivers down my spine—a twisted mix of longing and repulsion. But even if I desired to depart, moving the barrier was impossible. You won’t prevail in this. My wolf seethed, our bond slipping further. She didn't trust me, didn't want to align with me. Losing connection with your wolf was every shifter’s worst fear. How did this happen? Star's spell came to mind, and I cursed my own foolishness. I severed the link with Ray in human form, but it seemed magnified when shifted. I risked severing the connection with my inner wolf. I wanted to argue it wasn't worth it, but resisting Ray in any form was progress. He'll confine us if he catches us. We'll never be free. Amidst the urgent yelps of my friends, my wolf glanced back at them briefly. Their voices echoed with concern and care, urging us to return. It was a pull we couldn't deny—their need for us, our relianc
"Star?" I called out, hurrying down the steps to the eerie basement cautiously. "Hello?" The dark space greeted me emptily. I should have checked the main house first. Frustrated, I dashed up the steps, scouring each room until I found Star and Tony in the greenhouse, seated at a small round table. Their surprise at my sudden appearance was palpable when I halted in front of them. Tony sprang to his feet, and a surge of his emotions hit me. Concern was evident, but there was something else—an undercurrent of rage, primal and protective, as if he was poised to confront any potential threat coming my way. The sensation overwhelmed me, and I instinctively stepped back, my heart racing. "What’s wrong?" he demanded. "Nothing, I just need a quick word with Star," I forced a smile, attempting to mask my unease. It took a moment for Tony to compose himself, his emotions settling as mine began to churn. My face flushed, my body tingled, desire surged through me. Damn. I hadn't anticipated
Billy's disapproval rang out, "This is a terrible idea. We should confront the Ray problem directly."I voiced my concern, "Can you ensure finding him before Harold needs my help? What if he's back in Wolf Bay?" Ending the bond was crucial, yet risking my friends wasn't acceptable. It was my battle, but I faced uncertainty fighting against overwhelming odds. Besides, there was the grim dilemma of confronting and possibly killing a mate.Growling, Billy defended, "My duty is to protect you. I can't do that if you're elsewhere in the woods.""Danielle, Tony won't let anything happen to her," I reassured."He doesn't have the best track record," Billy retorted sharply.Interrupting the tension, I pleaded, "Listen, I know I messed up, but trust me on this. Ray has to be dealt with, but maybe not right now. You, me, and Shelia can't join them against the king." Tony grinned wickedly, signaling his agreement to a different plan.Realizing the plan, I sighed, "You're going after Ray while Ma
I rose to my tiptoes, enveloping Billy in an embrace. "You’re going to be an amazing alpha."Returning the hug, he urged, "Be careful, okay?""You too," I replied before stepping back. "I’ll be in touch soon.""I’ll be okay," he assured me."I know you will," I said with certainty."You will too, you know. You were born for this," he smiled warmly. Our bond, forged through trials, felt unbreakable, a connection that would last a lifetime.Billy rejoined his pack, and I walked over to my waiting entourage. "Malcom, would you stay with Billy for a few days? Just so he has someone loyal here.""Of course," Malcom agreed. "Now, go. See your mom. Billy’s got this, but just in case, he’s got me."The drive back to the house felt endless. Conversation attempts failed, leaving us engulfed in a heavy silence. Most of us were too drained or overwhelmed to speak."She’s going to be fine," Tony reassured me, squeezing my hand from the backseat.I glanced at him, grateful that it was just us in th
The shifters surged forward, enveloping us in cheers and exuberant shouts. Billy was hoisted onto shoulders and paraded around the field. Amidst this whirlwind of jubilation, I felt a wave of relief, joy, and peace emanating from the gathered shifters.Billy was about to face a challenging task, but if anyone could lead Wolf Bay to its rightful place, it was him.The entire household buzzed with activity as preparations for the Solstice celebration reached their climax. The longest night coinciding with a full moon promised an epic party.As I readied myself to greet the guests, a surge of nerves accompanied my anticipation. Tony grasped my hand reassuringly. "You’re going to be great. Nothing bad is going to happen. This is what you’ve been working so hard for the last year."He was right, and his unwavering support had been invaluable. Together, we had strived to mend pack relations and lay the groundwork for positive change among the shifters.Tonight was pivotal. Our efforts to re
Ace’s gasps punctuated the silence, his wide eyes reflecting sheer terror. The punishment I had delivered was the ultimate blow. He thrived on adoration and the capacity to instill fear in others. Stripped of his position of power, he was left with nothing. Executing him would only grant him martyrdom.Murmurs rippled among the gathered shifters as the sentence resonated among the crowd. Gradually, those murmurs evolved into applause.Billy, taking a step forward, approached Ace. I wasn’t privy to their exchange, but Billy sought closure here too. Whispering something to Ace, he withdrew, a smile gracing his lips. Though Ace appeared enraged, he didn’t retaliate.It wasn’t my place to know; Billy, like me, suffered under Wolf Bay's rule. He may have made mistakes but always sought to balance the good amidst adversity. What potential might he have realized without the constant struggle to please Ace for his sister’s sake while trying to do the right thing?"Well, this wasn’t what I exp
Ace’s punishment warranted a unique approach. Death seemed too lenient, risking his transformation into a martyr. I wasn’t oblivious to the entrenched mindset of males accustomed to unchecked authority; they wouldn't simply yield to a female monarch. Rectifying the injustices demanded extensive effort.For every tale akin to mine, numerous others remained untold. Danielle and Clara had been unjustly divested of their positions bestowed by the Moon Goddess herself. How many others suffered at the hands of feeble men intent on preserving power?Ace would serve as an exemplar. Stripped of strength, divested of authority. I required his survival to serve as a cautionary symbol, illustrating what lay ahead, rather than providing grounds for shifters to rebel against me.His punishment wasn’t solely for his sexism but for exploiting all members of his pack. I needed clarity on that point.My guards halted, creating space between our contingent and the leaders of my former pack. Ace and his
The four of us strode through the grand double doors, prompting the council members to rise from their seats arranged along a long wooden table, adorned with a dozen chairs. At one end sat a conspicuously larger chair, set against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace casting a warm glow in the room. The floor boasted dark wood, accentuated by a regal red and gold rug. Above, chandeliers crafted from antlers lent a distinctive touch, deviating from the crystal fixtures I had seen elsewhere in the estate."Thank you for your patience," I addressed them, endeavoring to convey a sense of composure and authority."Of course, your highness," one of the men responded.I made my way to the larger seat and settled into it. The men gathered around the table, one side occupied by my family and the other by the four males constituting my predecessor’s council. It was an unconventional arrangement, but if Harold deemed it necessary to hear their counsel, I was willing to entertain their perspect
Breakfast with my friends felt familiar and safe. Danielle, Malcolm, and Billy had mostly waited to eat until we arrived. The guards stood outside the room, and at my instance, the staff was willing to leave the food and let us serve ourselves.To my friends’ credit, they all steered the topic of conversation toward random things that were unrelated to our current situation. It was as if they knew I needed a little break before I had to figure out how to do the job I’d committed to when I took down the old king.We ate till we were all stuffed and laughed at Malcolm’s stories about trying to learn how to fix a car and accidentally setting it on fire. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pictured Mario’s face. “I bet he never let you near his car again.”“Only if I’m trying to fix it. Driving I’m fine with. It’s when you give me tools that it causes an issue.”“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said.“Your highness,” a male voice said.I turned and saw one of my guards. Malaki, I think.He was
The group departed, leaving me surrounded by friends, guards, and a handful of staff. Turning my focus back to them, I reaffirmed, "For real, though. I keep my promises."An older woman with white hair nodded to her companions, affirming, "Told you Claire was telling the truth." She glanced at me. "If there's nothing more for us, we'll get back to work."I nodded in acknowledgment. "Find me if you need anything."With a smile, she guided the group away from me. As the extra people dispersed, I surveyed those who remained. The guards stood their ground, making this as private as it could get. My impatience surged—I needed answers. "Where's my mom? How's she doing?"Harold hesitated. "I'm not sure.""What do you mean? Weren't you with her last night?" I pressed."I was. She was in bad shape. Didn't even recognize me," he admitted, shaking his head.My chest tightened. "Where is she now?""Star's been with her all night," Malcom chimed in. "She prioritized helping your mom before the res
The other guards introduced themselves, a touch of ease evident in their demeanor. Spending ample time together, it felt comforting to begin to acquaint ourselves."James, Malaki, Ruben, and Cole," I acknowledged each, prompting smiles and nods in response."Shall we check in on the others?" I suggested."After you, Elisa," James replied.Summoning courage, I led the way. The ballroom burst with music, vibrant lights, and spirited revelry. Blue-uniformed shifters circulated trays of food while bartenders manned stations amid a dancing crowd.Amidst the party's vibrancy, I felt the fight's aftermath. Stiffness and soreness seeped in, reminders of the battle with my uncle.Making rounds among the guests, I sought a respite. James directed us to a guest suite, a refuge from the festivities.Stepping into the room, opulence surrounded me. A fireplace, plush furnishings, and lavish décor overwhelmed my senses. Wounded and exhausted, I yearned for solace.Stripping off my soiled clothes, I
His body tensed, signaling his intent, yet his position was flawed. Almost missed it, but my human side caught the subtle adjustment—he was about to feign an attack, aiming to turn my own game against me. I swiftly moved, anticipating his altered angle, and narrowly evaded his strike. Passing control to my wolf, she veered around, slashing her claws deep into his side as we darted past.His howls echoed, but my wolf pressed on, delivering another fierce blow to his face. The king, dazed and unprepared for our speed, struggled to match our agility. Each time he adjusted, we were there, ready to strike again with teeth or claws.Aware of our limitation in strength, we adopted a relentless and swift strategy, refraining from a power play or flashy moves. The king's wolf retaliated, pinning us a few times, yet we wriggled free, persistently attacking.Exhaustion began to slow us down, and the king, though limping, persisted. Unexpectedly, he charged, knocking my wolf down. The impact diso