Zane’s POVIt felt strange watching everyone. Only a few minutes ago, I was still with them, alive. It was hard not to stare at my own dead body. Lucinda and Sullivan were arguing. The other witches from the coven were still huddled together, watching the scene unfold with wide eyes. Beta Brighton was sitting up now, a confused look on his face. Brinsle was helping him.Alpha Miles was standing alone. His eyes were fixed on my dead body.And Calista was holding a knife, the silver metal shining in the firelight.I didn’t fully understand what had happened. I thought Calista would save me. I’d jumped in front of Sullivan’s bolt and bam – now I was dead.Calista was casting some sort of spell. A sacrifice, Slade said. No one noticed her at first. She just kept on chanting. But then, a darkness descended. A storm had somehow rolled in, with claps and thunder and lightning. The storm clouds were right above Calista.This caught everyone’s attention. The wind began to howl. All eyes turned
Zane’s POVA dead silence fell.The goddess stood, fixing Lucinda with a measured look.“W…wh…what do you m..mean?” Lucinda stammered. Lucinda had come undone. Her lips quivered and her hands shook. She stayed fixed to her spot, afraid to approach the goddess again. But her eyes kept flitting towards her sister’s corpse.“Calista sacrificed her life in exchange for the ‘one she named’. But she did not name King Zane,” the goddess said.The coven witches gasped. They looked at one another, bewildered. I didn’t know how often they actually saw goddesses, but from the looks on their faces, it didn’t seem very often.I couldn’t help but notice that Sullivan was keeping a low profile. She was off to the side, in the shadows. She hadn’t said a thing. Was she afraid of this goddess? It sure seemed like it. “Then who did she name?” Brinsle asked. Beta Brighton was on his feet now. He clearly had no idea what was going on. He surveyed the scene. There were massive holes in the ground from wh
Zane’s POVSlade?Slade was the one Calista named? But…Holy shit.It dawned on me then. I slowly realized the magnitude of what Calista had just done. The goddess kept gazing affectionately at Slade, her hands buried in this fur.“I’m gonna bring you back to life. Who’s a good puppy?” she cooed at him. Slade ate it up. I didn’t blame him. I mean, it’s not every day a goddess fawns over you.It all made sense now.Calista was ALWAYS planning on bringing back Slade. But I had to die. If Calista had sacrificed herself while I was still alive, then they’d know it wasn’t me she was bringing back (even though it wasn’t). They would have guessed it was Slade. They could have probably done something, some sort of counterspell. I don’t know. Something.It would have been too obvious.But now….the goddess Yurani would bring back Slade and catch them off-guard. A wolf is a witch’s weakness. Calista was right – this is how we escape.Slade will be unleashed. That won’t see it coming. They’ll be
Zane’s POVAs soon as the witches saw Slade emerge, it was…Pure. Chaos.Witches from the coven started racing around, with no clear direction in mind. Lucinda ran to Sullivan. The Brotherhood of Breeders stood frozen in place, panic on their faces.It was not what anyone had been expecting.And I must say, I was delighted to see first hand what ‘this witch’s weakness’ was all about.They were terrified of Slade. Positively petrified.The only witch that didn’t seem to lose her shit was Brinsle. She just stood, a sly smile on her face, side by side with Beta Brighton.Now, all Slade had to do was get Alpha Miles and Beta Brighton and run, full speed into the forest. That was our sure fire way to escape.And I reminded him of this as he lowered onto his hunches and growled menacingly.The problem was, Slade hadn’t been unleashed in a long time. A very long time. He knew damned well that it was a witch who had caused me to jump off that cliff. A fall that had mangled him pretty much to
Zane’s POV“I’m coming with you,” Brinsle said, her voice confident. Slade continued to growl.“You’re a witch, Brinsle,” Alpha Miles told her. “You can’t come. We’re going back to werewolf territory. Stay here, with your kind.”And speaking of ‘her’ kind, I just then realized that Sullivan and Lucinda had sulked off somewhere while Slade was on his rampage. I wasn’t surprised. Of course they’d escaped.“I can’t stay here,” Brinsle said. “You saw what I did. The fight? The…the dark magic…”She lowered her head. I had to give it to her, she actually looked apologetic.Was she though? Was she actually sorry for anything she’d done?In the short time I’d known Brinsle, there was only one thing I knew for sure – she was completely, utterly, without a fraction of a doubt…CRAZY!“Witches don’t live with werewolves, Brinsle. You know that.”She turned to Beta Brighton. I still hadn’t figured out this whole brother/sister thing, but she was definitely appealing to him like a sibling would“M
Eden’s POVI woke up and immediately felt disoriented. Where was I? It was dark. And something didn’t smell right.“Morning, sleepy head,” Astrid winked. She was huddled over a small fire. The pot was steaming and boiling over. “I went scavenging and found some herbs my mom used to make tea out of when we were traveling. Doesn’t taste the best, but it will fill your stomach a little.”“I slept through the night?” I asked, rubbing my eyes.That surprised me. I must have cried myself to sleep.Slade is dead.The thought came into my head unbidden. Deep down, I’d been hoping it had all just been a dream. Or a nightmare, actually. An awful nightmare where wolves you love die.The look of concern on Astrid’s face told me otherwise.Slade was dead. It was true.“How are you feeling?” Astrid asked softly, bringing the pot over to me. “It needs to cool. We don’t have any cups. You doing okay?”“Yes.” No. “I mean, I’m all right,” I shrugged. I picked at the fabric of my dress. Zara was still i
Eden’s POV“Eden?”“ZANE!!!”The feeling of relief that flooded through me was unlike anything I’d ever felt. Zara and Miva had run fast, back to the pack border. We’d shifted back to human form the moment we stepped over.And only a moment after that…“Are you safe, my love?”The sound of his voice was like angels singing. It was only a mindlink, but it was so much more than I’d had in so long. I bounced up and down from excitement. Astrid watched me, a sincere smile on her face.“Tell Zane I say hello,” she chuckled.“Yes, I’m safe, Zane. And I have Astrid with me. She’s safe too.”“Astrid?” He let out a long sigh. “You don’t know how happy I am to hear that you’re BOTH safe.”I knew how much Zane loved Astrid. I could hear the happiness in his voice learning that his two favorite women were safe and together.“Where are you?” I asked.Astrid set about mindlinking the warriors back at the palace. We had no time to waste. We were telling everyone to meet us at the Merryfeather Pack n
Eden’s POVSmack.Storm hit Astrid upside the head.“What were you thinking?” he scolded Astrid. “Just taking off like that? And going into witch’s territory where no one could mindlink you? Do you have any idea how worried we were?”“Ow,” Astrid saying, rubbing her head. “I was chasing after THIS one,” she motioned to me. “If anyone deserves a smack upside the head, it’s her.”“It’s true,” I chuckled. “Zara broke out and took off. I’m sorry.”“Yeah, well,” Storm smiled. “She’s a loose cannon, that one. I personally can’t wait to pass her back off to Zane.” He was teasing me. We chuckled. It felt so good to all be back together.“Zane and the others should be here soon,” Astrid said.My heart fluttered. Not only would I soon see Zane, but I’d also see my grandfather. It was almost too good to be true. Just then, my stomach rumbled loudly.“Excuse me,” I said, embarrassed. “I guess I’m pretty hungry.”“We brought food!” Lucia said. “I almost forgot. Of course you’re hungry! Look at y
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?