Eden’s POVEveryone at the table fell uncomfortably silent. They all avoided my eyes.“What’s going on?” I asked, feeling uneasy. Beta Brighton had just mentioned a burial? For a woman with the same name as my mom? And now everyone was sitting in awkward silence?Even my grandfather wouldn’t look at me.“Zane?” I asked, confused.“Eden, I think we should go for a walk,” he said gently. “There’s something we need to talk about.”“I don’t want to go for a walk. Just tell me now.” The tension at the table only increased. “Why are you planning a burial for a woman named Calista?” Zara stood on alert. She felt the same uneasiness I felt.“I officially adjourn the meeting,” Zane said. “Everyone can go. We all have things to do. Eden, come with me.” He stood and held out his hand. His eyes were earnest. I relented. Whatever he had to tell me, he didn’t want to say it in front of everyone.Everyone went their separate ways. I walked with Zane through the palace and outside into the fre
Eden’s POVI sat there, by the lake, reflecting on everything Zane had told me. I think I felt just about every emotion possible.I was angry that she’d lied. She was alive this whole time and she let me believe she was dead. I felt betrayed by that, even though I knew Zane was right…it was complicated.And of course I felt sad. My heart went out to her. From the sounds of it, she wanted to be a werewolf. She was raised in a pack, but she harboured a deep, dark secret. There was a witch in her. That couldn’t have been easy, carrying that secret around. And then?She’d been married. And she’d had a child. And all the while, she could feel the witch inside of her, rising.She HAD to leave. She didn’t want to. I was sure of it. She tried so hard for so long to belong. But in the end, the witch won out and Calista’s hands had been tied.What was it like for her, I wondered. Leaving the pack and asking to join her half-sister’s coven? I didn’t know much about this ‘Lucinda’ person, but fro
Eden’s POVAn hour later and Adrian were pacing the hall outside the surgery room. Adrian looked even more nervous than me, which was strange, since she was MY best friend. And I was the one who had arranged this! If anyone should be worried, it was me! “How long do you think it will take?” Adrian asked, his hair askance and his eyebrows furrowed.“As long as it takes, I guess,” I shrugged. I was trying to look calm, even though my stomach was doing flip-flops. Astrid was behind that door, getting the surgery that would finally remove her iron hooks. It was a risky surgery, the doctor told me. The hooks had been surgically implanted right into her bones. They were supposed to be permanent. But he assured me he could do the surgery and that Astrid would be fine.I’d found the doctor as soon as we got back to the palace after the war. He was an expert who was willing to come on short notice. He cost a fortune, but I happily doled out the money. Astrid had done so much for me. I wanted
Eden’s POVAstrid’s eyes flew open.“What?” she snapped. Again, she tried to sit up. But again, Adrian pushed her back down gently.“You know it’s true. You’ve just been ignoring it. But I know you feel it, too. Our connection.” Adrian looked like a love sick puppy.Astrid turned to me with a look that said ‘help me’. What could I do though? Nothing.“I knew if from the first moment I saw you. At the cave. Just after Serena kidnapped Eden. Do you remember? I thought I was in love with Serena. But then I saw you..“Adrian, just stop,” Astrid said, holding up a hand. “Serena forced me to reject our matebond. It’s broken now. It’s…non-existent.”Astrid was right. Serena had come unglued when Adrian identified Astrid as his mate. She was so in love with Adrian. She’d kidnapped me because she thought Adrian had feelings for me. Which he didn’t. I heard all about it. I was missing. And Serena knew where I was, but she wouldn’t tell anyone. I was with Caleb and Scarlett, in an abandoned cabi
Eden’s POV“250 million dollars!” I gasped.Murietta laughed and sipped her coffee from the maid.Was that really what Murietta just said? That was SO much money. Surely, I hadn’t heard her right.“You looked shocked,” she smiled.“Murietta, that’s a LOT of money.”Murietta had just told me that she wanted to help rebuild our packs. She felt partly responsible for the war, since her family had been supplying some of the funds and the weapons. This was her way of apologizing.“I know,” she said. “It is a lot of money. But it’s the least I can do.”“Murietta, it’s too much,” I told her. “It was your husband, Demetrius who gave Skylar weapons. Not you. We don’t have any ill feelings towards you.”It was true. Murietta had nothing to do with her family’s involvement in the war. It had all been that asshole, Demetrius. He’d been head of the family. Until Murietta lost it and stabbed him into a bloody pulp on the beach the night we escaped.“Right now, our family name is synonymous with cri
Eden’s POVI wasn’t sure I wanted to go and watch Skylar get injected with White Lace poison. It sounded like a horrible thing. But since I was the one who had sentenced it to him, I figured I best be present. Besides, Murietta had my hand grasped so tightly, I didn’t think I could get away even if I tried.There was already quite the crowd gathered when we got there. It wasn’t unusual to bring children to these types of things. Death as a punishment was just part of our world. It was natural for children to witness someone who had committed a crime get punished. Werewolves take their rules and codes of conduct very seriously. There is seldom leniency, especially for crimes as bad as Skylar’s.So I wasn’t surprised to see tiny children amongst the crowd. Some watched wide-eyed with fascination. Others cowered behind their mother skirts.Skylar was tied to a wooden pylon, his hands behind his back. Another rope was tied around his chest to keep him from slumping over. He was high up, o
Zane’s POVI tried to follow the conversation. I really did. This was important stuff, after all! But I couldn’t take my eyes off her lips.This woman was driving me wild.“Zane? Yes? Do you agree to the menu?” I nodded.What had I just agreed to? All eyes were on me. I tore my eyes away from Eden’s lips and looked confidently around.“Yes, I agree,” I said. Whatever. What did it matter? It was a celebration feast. It would be wonderful no matter what we decided.We were all seated in the grand dining room having afternoon tea. It was a meeting to put the final touches on the plans for the celebration feast, which was happening tomorrow night. Anyone and everyone who had come to fight alongside us during the final battle against Alpha Skylar was invited. It was going to be a grand feast. I didn’t understand what their was to plan though. As far as I was concerned, just get some food, put it out, and let everyone celebrate.Eden licked her lips just then.My member hardened instantly
Zane’s POVThe flowers looked good. I had to admit. A mix of roses and peonies. Although I stand firmly by my opinion that it didn’t matter one fucking bit what types of flowers decorated the feast table.The celebration feast was in full swing, and everyone looked fabulously happy. All around me, werewolves danced and ate and laughed. It had cost me a pretty penny, this feast, but seeing all my people so jubilant, it was well worth the price.Eden was stunning as always, decked out in a new maternity chiffon dress that fell to the floor and billowed out behind her when she walked. Her cheeks were glowing and her eyes were bright. Astrid pulled her out onto the dance floor. At first Eden tried to resist because of her belly. But Eden was no match for Astrid. So onto the floor they both went. Eden did her best to dance, swaying her hips back and forth.I smiled. She was mine. She was all mine.She saw me looking at her and smiled back. Then she laughed at something Astrid said.Astrid
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?