Zane's POVJust as I was about to seriously lose my shit, Astrid arrived. Everyone immediately stopped fighting. Astrid took one look at my face and came straight for me.She could tell Slade was close to the surface.“Zane,” she said in that calm, steady voice of hers. She locked eyes with mine. “You can’t.”That was all it took. She was right. I couldn’t shift, as badly as Slade wanted out. I instantly calmed down. Slade didn’t like this, though. He howled, a painful, mournful howl. He hated the woman who had taken Eden.He wanted her dead.But Astrid was right. I couldn’t release Slade. Slade was unhinged, manic, crazy. Who knew what he’d do?Astrid turned to Serena then. She glared at her. Serena struggled. The warriors holding her tightened their grip.“Enough games,” Astrid said, her voice firm. “Tell us where Eden is.”“We’ve tried that,” I said to Astrid. “She won’t talk. No matter what we do. We even threatened Adrian’s life.”My eyes flashed to Adrian. He was staring at Astr
Zane's POVWell I didn’t see that coming.Reject Adrian?Serena’s words hung heavy in the air. We were all a little shocked, I think.It was a desperate, last-ditch attempt to keep Adrian. I could see that. Astrid could see that. My warriors could see that.But still, it was a well-played card.Adrian looked incredulously at Serena. Serena was still smiling slyly. “Serena, no!” he gasped, horrified by her ultimatum. Then he looked back to Astrid. He begged her, with his eyes. ‘Please, no. Don’t listen to her. Don’t reject me.’We could smell his desperation. It stank, like rotten eggs left out in the sun too long. I had to admit, it was a bit awkward, seeing Adrian like this. At the mercy of his matebond to Astrid. So much so, that some warriors averted their eyes, pretending to study their fingernails instead.Rejection isn’t taken lightly in the werewolf world. No one wants to bear witness to it.For a few minutes, no one said anything. Then Serena broke the silence.“I know exact
Zane's POVI had Serena tossed back into the dungeon, where she belonged. For the time being, anyway. Then Astrid, my warriors, and I raced through the forest, following Serena’s directions.Sure enough, we quickly came upon a small shack.I burst through the door. There was an opening in the floor. We scrambled down the stairs. Hope soared in my heart.Eden!We’d finally found Eden!But the basement was empty.“DAMNIT!” I roared, looking around the empty room. A single light bulb hung from the ceiling. It flickered and buzzed.“Do you think she was lying? Serena?” Astrid asked. I saw the look on her face. ‘Have I just rejected someone for nothing?’ Astrid was thinking.“That conniving little bitch!” I snapped. Then I smelt it. The soft scent of bread cookies.I tried to reach Slade, to see if he could smell it too. But he was pissed at me for not releasing him. He’d gone into hiding.Was I imagining it?There were no signs of anyone. But Eden’s soft scent had me clinging onto hope.“
Eden's POV“That’s right, you filthy bitch. Bend over so I can look at that sweet ass.”My hands shook as I served a table of rogues tea. I was hardly wearing anything, just a see-through lace bra and a thong.I’d never been so humiliated in my life.I felt a firm hand on my ass, rubbing it, squeezing it. “Hmm,” he said. “Just like a juicy peach.”We’d left the shack in a hurry. I knew they were taking me somewhere bad. But I never imagined it would be THIS bad.“How bout my tea?” a rogue leered at me. He licked his lips. I had to serve him. It was either that or get beaten, probably to death.I placed his tea down on the table. He pinched my nipple. Then he chuckled.“I prefer bigger tits,” he told his friends. “More to hold onto, if you know what I mean.” They all laughed. I didn’t know if Serena had told Jacob, Scarlett, and Caleb to off-load me or not. I figured she had. It was too dangerous to keep me. Too many people are looking for me. They panicked as we walked through the f
Eden's POVZane? Was it really him?Relief flooded through me.Astrid too! I saw her, standing with Zane in the middle of the room. Astrid withdrew her dagger and took her fighting stance.Some rogues had run off, scared by the strong man and the warriors. Perhaps they recognized him? Others, though, remained behind. Their stance was clear. This was their whorehouse. Their guilty pleasure. How dare someone come in here and disrupt their lewd antics?“You have no business being here. This is rogue territory,” a man said, coming forward. I recognized him. He was the one who had given me the clothes. And backhanded me in the process.“My business is everywhere. I’m the Lycan King,” Zane stated.That was enough to send another flurry of men running for the door.The man stood his ground though. “This is my bar. We don’t rule over us. Leave,” he demanded.“I don’t take orders from anyone,” Zane replied. “Least of all from a depraved rogue like you.”Zane looked left and right. A circle of
Eden's POVI could see the anger in his eyes.“WHO?” he demanded.I didn’t respond at first. I just shook, thinking of Scarlett and her knife. It had been such a traumatic few days and I hadn’t had time to process. Tears brimmed in my eyes.His face softened. “Eden,” he said gently. He traced one of the gashes on my arm with his fingertip. “My poor, sweet Eden.”Then he hugged me, hard. On the floor all around us, rogues moaned, dazed and confused by what had just happened. I looked over Zane’s shoulder and caught Astrid’s eye.She nodded at me – a sign that meant ‘be strong.’I withdrew from Zane’s embrace. I knew that as soon as I told him who had done this to me, he would leave no stone unturned until he found them. I had no idea what he would do to them – kill them I assumed. But there was nothing I could do.No one can stop the Lycan King.“Scarlett, Caleb, and Jacob,” I whispered.His eyes narrowed. “Where are they now?” he seethed through clenched teeth. By the look on his face
Eden's POVZane carried me out of the Easy Spit and out into the street. Already, his warriors swarmed the streets, taking over.They hollered out orders. Rogues were to do whatever they asked, and if they didn’t like it, they could leave.He spotted a hotel and strode towards it, with me securely in his arms.I didn’t say a word the whole way there. Truth be told, I think I was in a bit of shock.Zane was the last person I’d expected to see today at the Easy Spit. I knew people were out looking for me, but I didn’t think Zane would be personally leading the search.Seeing him there, in the whorehouse, had moved me deeply. My savior. Come to rescue me. Again.Had I been wrong about Zane? Did he truly care about me? I clung to him as we walked down the street. I felt so safe in his strong arms. But did he love me? REALLY love me?Or was he just doing all this for Slade?The image of Slade tore through my mind. His sharp teeth, his menacing eyes. I’d been terrifying that night back at
Eden's POV“Help?” I asked, confused at first. Why would I need help in the shower?But then I realized what Zane was suggesting…he was insinuating that we…I blushed a deep, crimson red.I quickly shook my head and then ran into the bathroom. I closed the door tightly behind me. On the other side of the door, I heard Zane chuckle.I let the water run until it was nice and hot. Then I stepped into the shower. I watched the dirt and grime slide from my body and swirl into the drain with the water.Occasionally, the water turned red, washing away my blood.When the water hit the cuts on my arm, I recoiled. It stung. I winced, gingerly placing my arms back into the water. I needed to clean these cuts. I shampooed my hair, careful not to get soap in my cuts. Then I rinsed off.I stepped out of the shower, feeling like a new woman.I wrapped a towel around my chest and wiped the steam from the mirror. I hummed softly under my breath, but I gasped when I saw my reflection.Who was this wo
Eden’s POVEighteen today. How the time flies by! It seems like only yesterday I was lying on the bed, crying in agony as wave after wave of labor crashed over me. She was a difficult birth, Jupiter. But I made it through, of course.Who could have known the woman she would grow into?She is standing in front of the full-length mirror, admiring herself in her new gown. She’s glorious. Soft, pink cheeks and glacier blue eyes, just like Zara’s. She is the best of witches and the best of wolves – a unique hybrid that brings out both in this fluid, magical way.“Aunty Brinsle and Aunty Astrid?” she asked, looking at my reflection standing behind her. “Are they ready?”“Yes, love,” I tell her. “They are both waiting.” There’s a gentle knock on the door, and as if on cue, Brinsle and Astrid enter.“Oh Jupes,” Brinsle says, rushing to her side. “Look at you. All grown up.” Tears well in her eyes and she turns away.“I told you, no tears today,” Jupiter scolds Brinsle. But then she smiles sof
Zane’s POVSometimes, I don’t know who I love more, Eden or Jupiter. What a I saying? I love them equally.I was shocked, of course, the night our baby was born. I couldn’t believe it when Eden said the name, Jupiter. It all came together in that moment. Calista told me that visions always come true. Lucinda has the vision of a young girl born with both wolf and witch, a girl that would rule over both.Lucinda assumed it would be her daughter.She was wrong.It was ours.Eden has witch blood and wolf blood. Jupiter was born with both. She is our daughter and she will one day unite the wolves and the witches. For now, though, she’s just a bright-eyed, mischievous little five year old girl.And she is our world.Brinsle counsels Jupiter on the ways of witches. Sometimes, she takes Jupiter to different covens. The covens welcome her, this little daughter of ours. Astrid is in charge of Jupiter’s wolf training. And of course, Astrid is Jupiter’s god-mother. I know she is in good hands wit
Eden’s POVThe wedding was small but lovely. Zane gave Brinsle away and he was so honored to do so. It was a traditional human wedding, and Brinsle was lovely in her white dress. Adrian was handsome in his traditional human tuxedo. They chose a human wedding because they couldn’t have a werewolf one since Brinsle wasn’t a werewolf and they couldn’t have a witch wedding since Adrian wasn’t a witch. So they chose a human wedding instead.After the ceremony, we all mingled and sipped champagne while the children ran around playing tag on the grassy knoll. I was so happy for Adrian as I watched him great his guests, as was Zane. We both had a soft spot for Adrian and Brinsle. They were family as far as we were concerned.But it hadn’t always been easy. It had been a slow love between Brinsle and Adrian. They were both a bit broken and they both had serious trust issues. Brinsle had a magic that was too powerful for her and a history of lashing out. She had some pretty dark secrets in her
Eden’s POV“Lucia, how many times I have told you – get off the warrior training grounds!”I giggled. Lucia had a basket in her arms. It was lunch for Storm. I was sure of it. Lucia was notorious for this. She’d just scuttle right out onto the field, a basket full of food for Storm, and completely disrupt his warriors.“But it’s lunch time,” she said, cocking her head to the side.Storm was clearly embarrassed as she shook his head. His warriors smiled slyly. They were used to it. Lucia was a doting wife. She brought Storm lunch every day without fail.I was visiting for our monthly dinner date. Once a month, I made the trek out to see Lucia at her pack, the Santonio Pack. It was a bit of a hike, since her pack boundary was up in the hills. We’d chosen the location because of the view. After spending all those years on the island at the estate, Lucia swore she never wanted to see water ever again. So her pack was built up on the mountain on a flat plateau, surrounded only by tree tops
Eden’s POVI cursed Zane. I cursed sex. I cursed every one in that room and the sun and the moon and anything and everything I could think of. I had known pain in my life, really bad physical pain, but nothing had prepared me for the pain that ripped through my insides every time I had a contraction.We were back in my room. The doctor and several maids were by my side, as well as Astrid and Zane. Those were the only two people I wanted in the room with me. I gritted my teeth and did my best to breathe while contraction after contraction ripped through me. Zane wiped my forehead with cold clothes. Astrid held my hand, even though I was pretty sure I’d broken her fingers with my tight grip.I was only vaguely aware of the time, but I knew it was night.“It’s a long labour,” the doctor said. “I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it goes sometimes.”Outside my window, the guests waited with baited breath. It hadn’t taken long for word to spread right after the crowning that the queen was i
Eden’s POVI knew we invited a lot of people, but I didn’t really know how many until I saw them all sprawled out there in the garden. Thousands of people, for as far as I could see. Little children waved excitedly as I passed. Little girls giggled and whispered to their mothers:“She’s the most beautiful queen I’ve ever seen.”We walked slowly, through the crowds. I took my time, nodding and smiling as I went along. Everyone smiled back.Once or twice, a strange cramp ran through my stomach and I gripped Astrid’s hand. She looked at me, a worried expression on her face.“Eden, tell me the next time you feel a cramp, okay?” she asked.“Sure,” I said.The walk to the stage took a long time. I was so humbled that this many people had come to see my coronation. Some of them had travelled a very long way. I saw the pile of presents Astrid had commented on. Holy crap was right; it was massive!My eyes swelled. Such generosity from my people.“Oh,” I said, suddenly stopping. It was a cramp
Eden’s POVThe sun burst through the window and I bolted out of bed. I was so happy I could sing. It was here, it was finally here! Coronation day!The baby kicked, really hard. I pressed my hand on my stomach.“No no no,” I said. “You be a good girl and stay in there just one more day.” Then I went straight to the washroom to shower.Zane and I had stayed in separate rooms last night. The girls had stayed in my room with me: Astrid, Brinsle, Murietta, Lucia, and Chloe. We’d played silly games and talked late into the night. It had been a perfect evening, with the exception of a few major cramps. It was probably just too much food I told myself. We had, after all, stuffed our faces all night long.The women were still fast asleep when I got out of the shower. I jumped onto the bed and said in a sing-song voice:“Get up! It’s coronation day!”They all groaned. Astrid rolled over sleepily, tossing her arm over her head. “Not yet,” she said.Brinsle sat up immediately, as did Chloe. I’d
Eden’s POVMy mind reeled. A hundred thoughts ripped through my head. My heart and my stomach hurt.There was a baby?A baby with that…witch?But how? Why? This didn’t make any sense. I looked to Brinsle. If anyone would know, besides Zane, it was her. The look on her face said it all – apologetic.There WAS a baby.“Just listen,” Zane said.“You didn’t tell me?” I asked, embarrassed and angry. “You and…her? She’s carrying your baby?”“Eden, please. Just…come with me. Let’s talk.”But I didn’t want to talk. I wanted to run. I wanted to jump back into the lake and swim away again, like I had all those months ago.Had he been unfaithful to me? With a witch?He rushed towards me then and reached for my hand. But I shrugged him off.“I don’t understand,” I said.“So let me explain,” he told me.“Eden?” It was Brinsle. She was suddenly beside me. I felt like the world was spinning. I felt like I was going to be sick. “Just…just hear him out. Okay. It’s not what you think. I promise.”Her e
Eden’s POV“Excuse me?” I asked.The woman stopped in front of us. I was furious. Who the hell did she think she was? This was a private affair! This was an intimate, royal burial for MY mother. What was she talking about?“I’m guessing my invitation got lost in the mail?” the woman asked sardonically. “Zane, Brighton, Alpha so and so, nice to see you all again. Although I wish it were on happier terms.”I let Zane tense beside me. How did she know Brighton? And Zane? And was that my grandfather she was referring to.“What are you doing here?” Zane said, his voice low.“What do you mean?” she asked. “Of course I’m here. You’re burying my sister.”“This is a wolf’s burial. On wolf territory. You’re not welcome here, Lucinda,” Zane hissed.Lucinda?I knew that name. She was the head of the coven, the Falcon Crest Coven. She was the woman who had kept Zane and all the others prisoners. The woman who had personally provided Skylar with the potion for his warriors.What WAS she doing here?