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 POVThe pungent scent of alcohol accosted my nose. My eyes flew open. I was staring at a blank, white ceiling. Where was I?“Are you finally awake, Sleeping Beauty?” It was my grandpa. He was sitting beside me. I was in bed….but…The pack hospital? Is that where I was? I heard the ‘beep, beep’ of a heart monitor beside me. It was attached to my finger, taking my pulse.Was I sick? Injured?But then I remembered.The pack run came back to me in bits and pieces – the forest, the birds, the sting in my lungs…the feeling of euphoria, of finally being included and accepted.And then?The she-wolf! She tripped me. She had it out for me, right from the start. Mocking me! I had no idea why she wanted to get me, but she had tripped me. I was sure of it! On purpose, to ruin my chances of winning.I could see those stupid braids flapping in the wind!She made me stumble! I couldn’t catch my footing. I fell and…Adrain caught me. That was the last thing I remembered."You passed out," Adri
Eden’s POVPregnant?My mind went momentarily blank.Preg….nant?I slowly looked down at my belly and instinctively reached out to touch it. There was…there was a life growing inside me?"I…I…” I stuttered.“The doctor said you're over a month," Grandpa sighed. “I take it from your expression you had no idea?”I was still in shock as my grandpa’s words sunk in.Over a month...That meant….That night!It was Zane’s. Zane was the father. I was carrying the Lycan King’s baby.Was this really happening? I couldn't believe it! Growing inside of me was the baby of a man who had tried to kill me! (Well, his wolf had). But Chloe confessed that he wanted me dead. And now here I was, pregnant with HIS child.Oh, Moon Goddess! Is this for real? Are you playing some sort of sick joke on me? Why has this happened?My fingers gingerly touched my belly.There were too many emotions flooding through me to process."Eden, I owe you an apology,” my grandpa said, cutting through my thoughts. “I had hea
Eden’s POVKeep it? The baby?"I…I don't know." I was confused. My heart hurt. I hadn’t had time to process any of this, so of course I hadn’t thought about whether or not I would keep it.“You don’t have to, Eden. You don’t have to keep it.”His words hung heavy in the air. He was giving me an option. I didn’t know what to do. Zane had hurt me. What would it be like to raise the child of the man who broke my heart?But…It was just a baby. It was innocent. How could I possibly….“I made a lot of mistakes with your mother,” he said bluntly. I was surprised to hear him talk about this, so I listened intently. “I…wasn’t compassionate enough. To her situation. I can see that now. I won’t do the same with you.”I looked at him. What did he mean?He stood up and patted my head gently. “Your mother tried to talk to me about a similar thing, once. But I was too stubborn. She said I wasn’t listening, and that I didn’t understand her. Shortly after, she cut all ties with me.”He sighed a heavy
Eden’s POVThe maids rushed into my room in a flurry. I was just finishing up my make-up.“Oh no, Miss Eden, more blush,” one said, removing the brush from my hand.“And your hair? Not like that,” another said, plugging in the curling iron.“Give me your hands,” said a third, while she unscrewed a bottle of nail polish. “Don’t worry, it'll dry.”I wasn’t expecting them all to come into my room like this, but they took over, preening and pawning over me. I let them. It was a big day for me! The day of my welcome party so why not let them treat me like a princess?My grandfather said he had invited a lot of Alphas. The party was going to be really big. Lots of lavish food, drinks, and even a live band for entertainment. At first, I was a little embarrassed. They were all making such a fuss over me. But when I saw how much this party meant to my grandfather, well, I got a little caught up in the excitement too.Especially when I saw the dress. The head seamstress had sewn it just for me.
Eden’s POVI decided to let it go. It didn’t matter who cut my dress, the damage was done. I wasn’t going to make a big scene about it. This was an important day, for both me and grandpa. No point in crying over spilt milk, or in this case, a sabotaged dress. I wasn’t going to let anything ruin this party for me."You go on ahead,” I told Adrian. “I'll get changed and catch up with you later." I couldn’t help but notice that he seemed relieved. He nodded and then eagerly scurried out of the room without saying another word.“We can touch up your face while we wait,” one of the maids suggested.“Oh yes, oh yes. More mascara.”“More lipstick.”Before I could respond, they hurried me back to my mirror and plunked me down. They started fussing over my make-up and hair again. While they worked their magic in the make-up and hair department, my thoughts went back to Adrian and his strange expression when he’d seen the dress. I honestly didn’t think he was responsible for this, but maybe h
Eden’s POV“Eden, sweetheart! You look so pretty!” I turned to see my grandpa waving to me. He’d obviously seen me standing behind this tree.I glanced back quickly to Adrian and the girl – Serena.Took away her brother? Took away Adrian? What was she talking about?“Eden, come come!” He was waving and smiling. I had to go. Everyone was waiting for me. I’d had to set aside this strange conversation for now and focus on the party.“Coming,” I called as I rushed towards him.“So beautiful,” he said as I approached. He clasped my hands in his. “You look so much like your mother.” His eyes shone with pride.“Are you ready?” he asked me. “For the official introduction?” I nodded. Then he escorted me over to a stage they had set up for the band. We walked up to the microphone together. I scanned the crowd. Grandpa wasn’t kidding. This was quite the turn-out. I was overwhelmed that so many werewolves had made the effort to come. And all just for me?Well, and for my grandpa, of course.“Ahem
Zane’s POVI smelled her before I saw her. That sweet, intoxicating scent – bread cookies. Then she emerged from the garden with Alpha Miles. I was stunned, completely stunned, by her beauty.I’d always thought she was beautiful. From the moment I saw her in that cage at the auction house. But she was more captivating now than ever before. In a black, silk dress, with her hair piled on top of her head. She walked with such elegance, such grace. She seemed different – more confident, more at ease with herself.I couldn’t take my eyes off her.Ever since that night at the lake, I’d spent every moment thinking about Eden. She haunted me in my dreams, her soft smile, her sparkling eyes. The vision of her out on the battlefield, covered in blood, refusing to yield. She was so strong. So brave.And then our night together. Her warm skin, her lips on mine, the pure ecstasy of being so close to her. It was enough to drive me crazy!I missed her desperately. Everywhere I went, I saw her. In th
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?