Eden’s POVThe King angrily stormed out of the room before I could explain.He said I still loved Caleb but that wasn’t true. I don’t know why he said that. I was talking about him and Astrid and his need to be loyal to her. I was attracted to him, yes, but that wasn’t love. He loved Astrid. He should wait for her. I’ve never understood it, the way some men act. How can they be with one woman when they love another in their heart? It’s not right.But that’s exactly what he was just trying to do. To sleep with me even though he loved Astrid. I suddenly felt disgusted. Was he really that type of man? The type that didn’t care? The type that would just be with someone, anyone, even someone they didn’t love.Anyway, the moment he left, I gathered my things and moved back into my old bedroom.I didn’t hear anything from Zane the following week.He didn’t come to see me in my bedroom. He didn’t invite me to eat with him. And he certainly didn’t demand that I sleep with him in his bed. Wi
Eden’s POVThe shadow lurked in the window.“Who’s there?” I demanded again. But it didn’t move. Fear prickled through me. Was this figure…was it dangerous? Why else would it be lurking outside my window like this? The night air was silent, still. My fear rose until…I could defend myself. I am a trained warrior now. I wasn’t weak and useless. So I reacted. I grabbed the knife on my bedside stand and ran to the window. The figure bolted. I threw back the doors that opened out to the garden. Moonlight flooded the grass. I looked left, then right. And that’s when I saw it, a dark shadow running through the garden. I gripped my knife and chased after it.I tore through the grass. I was stronger and faster now because of all my training. He didn’t have much of a head start; it wasn’t long before I caught up with him. I lunged at the tall, dark finger, my knife poised to stab it in the back.But just as I lunged, the figure turned around. He grabbed my wrist, stopping the knife in mid-air.
Eden’s POV“Stay still,” he ordered. “I’m healing you. Lycan saliva speeds up the healing process,” he said between licks. So that’s why he was licking me? To heal me? I didn’t know that about Lycans. I stopped trying to pull away. It tickled. His tongue was wet and warm. I quivered from the sensation.“I feel you quivering,” he said, his voice husky. He looked at me with desire in his eyes. “Why are you trying to fight this, Eden?”“Fight what?” I asked, confused. I had stopped struggling. I was letting him lick my wound.“Your feelings for me.”I balked and my mouth fell open. My what?“You have feelings for me,” he stated. I tried to withdraw my arm. He held it tightly. He blew on my wound, now wet from his saliva. “I know you do. I can sense it. You’re restraining yourself though. And I don’t know why.”His breath was hot on my arm. Why was he looking at me like that, like he wanted me, like he desired me, like he cared about me?I bit my lip. “I don’t understand you, Zane. Why
Eden’s POVMy wolf was powerful? But why hadn’t she revealed herself to me? My thoughts spun. If he could feel her, why couldn’t I?This was crazy! I had spent my whole life thinking, no – BELIEVING – that I didn’t have a wolf. I had been ridiculed and tormented for it. Just a weak, wolfless girl. No good to anyone. No power. No strength.But now the Lycan King was telling me otherwise.He was smiling at me, a sinful smile, a smile that spoke of desire.“You’re so beautiful,” he said, stroking my cheek with his thumb. My heart raced. He was so damned sexy. So strong. His scent washed over me – white pine and amber. His face inched towards mine as he cupped my chin in his big, strong hand.He gazed wistfully into my eyes. And the world fell away. I was powerless to stop him. That’s how I felt. Powerless in his hold. Slowly, he brought his lips towards mine. They were so close now, only inches apart. I could feel his breath. He tipped my chin back. His heart pounded in his chest. I h
Zane’s POVFor me, Eden is like a magical cure for Slade. There are many things she doesn’t need to know. That’s how I felt until tonight. When I saw her vulnerability, my heart tightened, and I couldn’t just sit by and do nothing.I told her I could feel her she-wolf, and she seemed to blossom like a withered flower being given new life. Slade is happy because she’s happy, and so am I.Because we’re mates.Yes, Eden is my mate, I can feel her she-wolf. I knew it when we met again in the dark forest. But I didn’t tell her. It means nothing for both of us. I’m destined to have no offspring. It’s a curse on Lycans. So whether I have a mate or not, it doesn’t make a difference to me. As the last Lycan and a powerful King, I’ll be lonely until the end of my life.I won’t tell her about our mate-bond. She won’t know the truth, until her wolf shows up.If it weren’t for Slade’s instability, I would have let her go already. But Slade relies on her too much. She can’t feel our mate-bond, so
Eden’s POVIt was the day! Finally, the day had come! Today, I would fight on the stage, in front of all the other werewolves. I would use everything that Astrid had taught me, all the moves, the attacks, the strategies.I would win.And then, I would be free to train with the warriors.I got dressed and pushed open my bedroom door, nervous and excited to start the day. But as I did, I found myself face to face with Zane.“What are you doing? Lurking outside my bedroom again?” He was momentarily taken aback by my sarcasm, but then he shook his head.“Will you join me for breakfast?” he asked.What? He’d come to my room to ask me to breakfast? This was odd. He didn’t have to come in person. In the past, he always sent for the maids to come and get me when he wanted to see me. I was confused by this.Was it because of last night? Memories of the kiss washed over me. His eyes, his lips…No. The fight was today. I had to focus on that. I bit my lip and hesitated. He looked gorgeous, as
Eden’s POVI stood on the battlefield, full of nervous energy. Astrid rushed towards me. She grabbed my shoulders and looked into my eyes.“Focus. Stay alert. Remember the things we practiced. Defend and attack. Yes?”“Yes, yes, yes,” I nodded. Then she gave me a big hug.Applause broke out and I looked at the audience. It was packed. Everyone had come to watch the big fight.Oh my goddess. I was doing this. I was ACTUALLY doing this.Warrior Seth strode onto the stage, all confidence and bravado. The audience roared. They clearly loved him. He raised his hands and they just kept cheering. He was the crowd favorite. I watched.“Don’t worry about that,” Astrid said. “You’re the underdog. They’re just cheering for what they know. You’ll win them over. You’ll see.” Her words gave me the boost of confidence I needed.It was my turn. So I took a deep breath and lifted my chin. I strode onto the stage. The applause for me was not so big. In fact, it was paltry. A few shy werewolves called m
Eden’s POVHe was pissed. His face contorted with rage. I tried to take a step back but he was too quick. He punched me hard in the jaw. The force of it caused my body to spin in the air. I fell to my knees. For a moment, I saw stars, dizzy from the punch. But I shook it off and stood up. Blow spilled from my mouth, the taste warm and metallic. I wiped it off with my sleeve and smiled.The werewolves were cheering for him.“Come on, finish her off!” “Enough already, end this.” “What’s taking you so long?”“She’s just a girl. She doesn’t even have a wolf! KILL her!”This is what I heard from the stands. Blood gushed from his stomach, but his eyes were locked on mine.I was a worthy opponent. He could see that now. A sense of accomplishment washed over me. My heart surged with pride.I was strong, and he had underestimated me. So had the crowd. I can sense it – a shift in the air. They were surprised I was still standing. They all thought I’d be long dead by now.
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?