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 POV“EDEN!” The king’s voice was more urgent now. I lifted my arm off the ground, but then I placed it back down. NO! I couldn’t give up. I had to prove myself. I had to prove that I could train to be a warrior. I couldn’t just keep living like this, waiting to be saved. This was my chance, my chance to become someone different, someone strong.A force to be reckoned with.Like Astrid.The pain in my left shoulder was excruciating. The wolves in the stands were cheering wildly now. I struggled, trying to get him off me. But he had me completely pinned.They were talking about my death – the wolves in the stands. I could hear them. I gasped violently.I had trained so hard! Astrid had said I was better than some of her most skilled warriors. Why can’t I win? He snapped his mouth at me, growling constantly. To him, I was already as good as dead.Is it because I don’t have a wolf? Is that why I can’t win?But I do have a wolf. Zane said so. He said she’s strong and powerful. I was
Eden’s POVMy vision went dark. But as I fell, I felt strong arms catch me before I hit the ground. I tried to see but there was only darkness. My body felt like glass that had been shattered into a thousand tiny shards. The arms holding me up wrapped around me as my consciousness gradually faded away.“Eden.” I heard someone calling my name. The sound was distant at first, but it gradually got louder. Where am I? “Eden! Wake up! Why won’t she wake up?” All the faint sounds around me suddenly became clearer. I struggled to open my eyes. The pain in my head was too much, the light was too bright. I snapped my eyes shut.“She’s unconscious.” I listened, my eyes shut. This was a voice I didn’t recognize. “Her body is very weak right now. She’s in critical condition.”“What are you going to do for her, Dr. Devonworth.” That’s who the unfamiliar voice must be, I thought to myself. It was Dr. Devonworth, the pack doctor. I had never met him before; I’d only heard of him. Apparently, he was
Eden’s POVI was floating in a void of white. I had no idea where I was or who I was with. I couldn’t see myself or anyone else – I was just suspended, floating peacefully through a white void.But then, suddenly, the white dissipated. I was now standing at the foot of a forest. It was an old forest, with ancient trees that reached up high, threatening to pierce the sky. The scent of pine was thick in the air. I stepped into the forest and looked up, through the cracks in the branches, to where the sun shone overhead. But then I shivered. It was chilly in the shade so I stepped into one of the patches of sunlight. That was better. The sun was warm on my skin there. I rubbed my arms.I heard a quiet whimper then and turned my head. There was a massive black wolf, not too far away, staring at me. Its gaze was fixed on me, intensely. I should have been frightened; the wolf was very big and very strong.But I didn’t feel threatened by this wolf. Not at all. I didn’t feel like this wolf w
Zane’s POVSlade was going crazy again. He couldn’t handle seeing Eden lying there, so weak and bruised. She’d taken a real beating during the fight and she now bore the wounds to show it. Deep down, I was really proud of her. Most girls would have given up half-way through. But not Eden. She had just kept on fighting.Seth had torn clear through all the tendons in her left shoulder. Her ribs were crushed and broken, as well as her femur. Other assorted welts, bruises, and gashes covered her body. Slade whined and paced around in my head. He was not happy about this. Not. At. All.When Dr. Devonworth told me she might die, Slade nearly pounced right out of my head. I held him back, but it wasn’t easy. It was clear to me then that if Eden died, Slade would never recover from the loss. So I had told the doctor that she was my mate and that I would do anything and everything to save her. Slade was already on the brink of insanity. Eden’s death would DEFINITELY push him over the edge.
Eden’s POV“What do you mean ‘can't be with me’?” Zane was furious. His anger made me tremble.“I mean, I can’t be with you like this.” I pointed to my body and then to his. I assumed something had happened between us while I was unconscious. I mean, we were both naked and snuggled up together in bed. What was I supposed to think?“You think…” His voice trailed off for a moment. Then he realized what I had insinuated, that we’d had sex. Realization dawned on his face. He shook his head. “You thought I was taking advantage of you? You were unconscious, Eden. I was trying to save you!”I was stunned. Trying to save me?He sighed. “If you don’t believe me, check your wounds.” I lifted my arm and saw that a large gash was almost completely healed. Then I lifted a mirror and looked at my shoulder, where Seth had torn it with his claws. Instead of a deep cut, I only saw the faint outline of a pink wound. It too had almost completely healed.I shied away from him, embarrassed by my accusatio
Zane’s POVAstrid?I blinked, completely shocked.She thinks…she actually thinks I love Astrid?I was speechless. What was she talking about? Who gave her that crazy idea?“Everyone knows it,” she said calmly. “The maids talk about it all the time. And I can see it. I see the way you look at her.”I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. Was she for real? Astrid was my Gamma, nothing more. This was insane! But still, she continued. “I’ll accept your rejection, gracefully. Honestly, I will. And then I can leave. I adore Astrid. I won’t stand in your way.”She was serious. She actually believed that I loved Astrid. And that I was going to reject her? This was so silly. Whatever gave her that idea? Astrid and I were close, yes, but close like a brother and sister. Astrid was my most respected warrior, a title that she had earned over the years. She was strong and loyal. She led my warriors with an iron fist. I trusted her with my life. I revered her, and was loyal to her, and ado
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?