Eden’s POVOuch.The instant my head went under the water, it hurt. The lake was icy cold, far colder than I anticipated. I breached the surface and swam as fast as I could. Away from Zane and his terrifying black wolf. Away from the prison of a palace. Away from the stupid maids who gossiped all the time. And away from Chloe, the woman Zane had chosen over me.My arms pumped through the water and I kicked my legs with abandon. Overhead, the moon shone down, illuminating just enough of the lake for me to see right in front of me. But not enough for me to see the other end.I breathed heavily. My lungs began to burn. My skin felt numb from the cold water. But I kept on swimming.I left Zane behind me on the shore, swimming further and further out into the dark, cold lake. I hoped that the excursion was enough to keep my body warm.I was wrong.About twenty minutes in, my body temperature had dropped to low. My legs and arms felt weak. My muscles burned. My strength was depleting; I was
Eden’s POV“My grandfather?” I asked Adrian.“Yeah. Come on, I’ll take you to him. It’s not far.” I had to admit, I was really curious. My mother ever talked about her father, so I knew virtually nothing about him.“He’s the Alpha,” Adrian told me as we walked through the woods. “He’s great. Really strong. Kind. Compassionate.”I smiled. “If you say so,” I quipped.Adrain was right, it wasn’t far. We soon came to the pack boundary. Adrian led me through the pack. He nodded and smiled at werewolves as weaved our way through.“He’s probably in the Alpha Office,” Adrian said, flashing me a smile.“At this hour? It’s got to be past midnight,” I said. We approached a little building with large windows.“It’s a full moon,” Adrian said. “Alphas are always up late during the full moon.” He said this like it was something everyone knew.“Oh,” I replied.We entered the building. Sitting at a table in the center of the room, was a strong man with silver hair. He was old, but still had a rugged h
Eden’s POVIt only took me a few days to adjust to life in the Silver Mist Pack. In fact, it was the most comfortable place I had ever been. It was so different from my last pack, and certainly different than being with the Lycan King. I felt accepted here. At the Sequoia Pack, even though I was Luna, I never really felt like I had everyone’s respect. Least of all, Caleb’s. Everyone knew I was wolfless, and I guess they just didn’t take me all that seriously.But it was different here. I was embraced by the pack; they all treated me like family. They didn’t care that I didn’t have a wolf. They were friendly and sincere. My first week was a blur of dinner and lunch invitations. There was always someone dropping by to see if I needed anything: food, clothes, toiletries. It was the first time in my life that I hadn’t been looked down on for being wolflfess.I felt included.After a couple of days, I asked my grandpa if I could train with the warriors. I was nervous to ask because I didn’
Eden’s POV“What?” I asked, confused.“I’d like you to marry Adrian,” my grandfather said again.Marry?I needed a moment to absorb this, but my grandpa continued.“Adrian grew up under my guidance,” he said. “He’s responsible. And trustworthy. He has a solid character and a good heart. I know he could take good care of the pack, and myself, in the future.”My grandfather paused, waiting for my response. Sure, Adrian sounded nice enough but…Zane.His hot breath on my neck. His lips on mine. The image of him flashed through my mind. The heat from his body wrapped around mine. I had refused to admit it, but I really missed him.I shook my head.No. This was ridiculous! Zane is a ruthless king! He wanted to kill me! I can’t have feelings for someone like that. All Zane has done is cause me hurt.But still…The heart wants what the heart wants. And even though Zane didn’t want me, but my heart still wanted him.It hurt. It hurt that he didn’t want me, that he was ruthless and careless wi
Zane’s POVShe’s gone.She’s really gone.The morning after the full moon, I awoke with the sun. I reached for Eden, but she wasn’t there. My heart lurched as I realized I had to accept a very painful reality –Eden had left me.It was Slade. I knew it was. He had terrified her, and rightfully so! I’d lost control of him and he’d burst out. He took her neck in his claws, overcome with madness. She bolted and I chased her all the way to the lake. I wanted to explain, to tell her the truth.But when I got there, I was devasted to see her waist high in the water. What was she doing? Was she trying to swim away?I called her and she turned. I saw her eyes clearly in the moonlight. They were filled with terror.My mate. She was afraid of me.Without hesitation, she dove, head first into the cold, dark lake.I took a step towards her, my hand outreached, to stop her. But I was too exhausted. I blacked out.My guards found me in an unconscious, crumpled heap on the shore. They brought me bac
Eden’s POVThe first ray of sunlight filtered through the forest. I stretched my arms and legs. All around me, other pack members were doing the same.“Good luck,” Adrian said, patting my shoulder as he walked by.“Thanks,” I smiled back.I couldn’t contain my excitement. I was going to race – really race! – in the pack run! I felt like I was part of the pack in a way I’d never felt before. I’d never been allowed to race. Everyone thought I was too weak, including Caleb. I’d asked Caleb several times, but he’d always scoffed. ‘You?’ he’d said, rolling his eyes. ‘You’re hardly qualified to run with the pack.’ He didn’t even give me the chance.But now here I was, with all the other runners, racing like a real wolf.I was nervous to ask my grandfather.“Can I…can I race in the pack run?” I asked, wringing my hands.His eyes lit up.“Of course, Eden!” he smiled. “You’re a part of this pack. Of course you can race.”He had no idea how much those words meant to me.‘A part of the pack.’
Zane’s POV‘King Zane, Chloe wants to see you.’ It was Beta Brighton mind-linking me.Chloe? What did she want? She was the last person I wanted to see right now.‘Tell her I'm busy,’ I said coldly. Then I looked back at the documents.Beta Brighton continued though. ‘She says it’s important. It’s about…the Lycans.’I frowned.Chloe was a trouble-maker. A real shit disturber. She’d caused all sorts of problems for me. My blood boiled to the sound of her name.She had lied to Eden! Blatantly lied! An omega maid told me Chloe had gone to Eden’s room on the day of the full moon. The maid had eavesdropped. Apparently Chloe told Eden that I had agreed to the engagement. I’d done NO such thing! She was trying to force Eden out of here.I didn’t know this when I’d gone to see Eden the night of the full moon. But I was going to explain about Chloe. I was going to tell her that I had no intention of marrying Chloe. But then Slade had lost control. He scared her away.The Omega came to me the n
Zane’s POVA way?To help?I eased my grip slightly, to give Chloe a chance to catch her breath. I didn’t fully trust her though, so I still kept my hand on her throat.“How did you learn about this? The Lycan’s curse?”It was something only the Lycan Royal Family knew about. And I was the last living member of that family. So how did Chloe know?“My grandfather..” Chloe gasped. “He was a…warrior...for the Lycan royal...family.” I loosened my grip a little more so she could talk.“Go on,” I said, my eyes narrowed.“He accidentally...heard about it... this secret… when he was young,” Chloe said, her words in labored gasps.What? Murderous intent washed over me. I’d have to kill them all! The entire Redstrike Pack! If they all knew – images of their deaths flashed through my mind. I had to defend the dignity of my Lycan royal family.Chloe must have known what I was thinking.“Only my father...and I...know,” she stammered. I couldn’t hide the ferocity in my eyes. She saw it. She felt my
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?