Zane’s POVEscaped?“What is it, Zane?” Astrid asked, seeing the shocked look on my face.“Caleb and Scarlett,” I stated. “They’ve escaped.”Astrid was as shocked as I was. “Shit,” she said. She understood the gravity of the situation.I had a very bad feeling about this. Those two were dangerous. They had a sense of entitlement and no morals. They wouldn’t hesitate to hurt Eden, especially since they blamed Eden for being locked up. I was worried they’d unleash their anger on her.They’d hurt her in the past. They’d do it again.I glared at Serena. She was a blubbering mess, barely even coherent. She kept crying, pleading for us ‘not to hurt Adrian.’Truth be told, she looked a little broken. If she knew anything about Scarlett and Caleb, this wasn’t the right time to question her.My instincts told me that Caleb and Scarlett were directly connected to Eden’s kidnapping. It was too coincidental that they just happened to escape at the same time Eden went missing. Was Eden with Scarle
Chloe’s POVZane’s wet lips were delicious. It was everything I’d ever dreamed of! He pulled back and stared into my eyes, with a lustful look. I began unbuttoning his shirt. I wanted to feel his hard, muscular chest. He leaned in and kissed my neck, planting soft kisses all along my collarbone. I shivered.How many nights had I dreamed of this? How many times had I zoned out from conversations, my mind wandering to thoughts of carnal passion with Zane, the Lycan King.And now? Now it was actually happening. He nibbled my ear.“I want you,” he whispered.Yes, yes I want you too. So badly. So incredibly badly.“My Eden.”Okay, so it wasn’t EXACTLY what I dreamed of. He thought I was Eden. He was in full hallucination mode, thanks to a special concoction I’d picked up from a witch.“Be careful with this one,” the witch had told me while she brewed it. She tossed in strands of Eden’s hair (which I’d stolen from her hairbrush). “It’s potent. Fast to work. But quick to wear off.”Yeah, yea
Zane’s POVUgh, my head.I felt like there was a jackhammer, pounding away on the inside of my scalp.I groggily opened my eyes.I felt dazed and confused. What…what happened last night? It was morning. Sunlight flooded in through the window. I struggled to make sense of where I was and how I’d gotten there.The last thing I remembered was coming into my room to find…Chloe.Chloe?Someone was in bed with me, I realized with horror.Her arms were wrapped around me. I was naked. Completely naked! She was naked, too. She was pressed up against my back. I felt her hot skin on mine.But that wasn’t possible. How was I lying in bed, naked, with another naked body pressed up against mine.There was a faint scent in the air. Sweet. Like bread cookies…Eden!Was it Eden beside me? Something flashed through my mind. Eden, in red, lace lingerie. I peeled the arm off me and slowly turned to see…Holy hell!It wasn’t Eden. Chloe. Beside me. In bed. Fully naked.That…that couldn’t be though. She
Eden’s POVWell, this is nice, I thought to myself sarcastically.We were holed up in the basement of some shabby slum shack. Caleb and Scarlett were talking to each in whispers, as though we couldn’t hear them. It was cramped quarters down here in the basement though. Jacob and I could hear every word.“They’re everywhere,” Scarlett hissed. “Caleb, what are we going to do?”“Just…let me think,” he hissed back.“Where even ARE we?” she asked.“Rogue territory,” he snapped back.“For crying out loud, Caleb. Rogue territory?”“We had no choice! Every damned pack is out looking for us. What were we supposed to do?”We were supposed to be someplace else. They’d had a plan. But it fell through when Zane found out Scarlett and Caleb had escaped the prison. That’s what I could make from tidbits of their conversation. There was a bounty out for both of them. And a reward for me. Packs were on high alert. The forests were swarming with warriors. With nowhere else to go, Caleb had led us out
Scarlett’s POVCaleb stared at Eden, shocked.“Who’s the father?” he demanded.I narrowed my eyes. What did he care? And why was he looking at Eden like that? I didn’t understand what the big deal was…Unless…“Who, Eden?” he demanded again.Eden didn’t respond. Her face was a mess of blood and bruising. Honestly, I was pissed. I was just starting to have fun with Eden. I’d always hated her. This was the perfect chance to show her how much. I could really mess up that pretty face of hers. But Jacob had stopped me with all this ‘pregnancy’ talk.“Untie her,” Jacob said.“Like hell,” I scoffed. He wanted her untied? He could bloody well do it himself. He brushed past me and started undoing the rope around her hands.“Here,” Caleb said, removing his coat. He thrust it towards Eden. “For the bleeding.”Seriously? My mouth fell open. He was being nice to this bitch? We HATED Eden. We BOTH did. Why the sudden random acts of kindness?“Eden, who’s the father?” Caleb repeated, but in a much s
Caleb’s POVShit. Scarlett was really worked up.I knew that look. She was bad at controlling her wolf. I’d told her many times that she had to get a better handle on it. She didn’t care. She figured if her wolf wanted out, it should be allowed out.“You’re Luna now,” I told her. “Lunas don’t just go around shifting on a whim. Get your damn wolf under control.”It was just one of the many things I’d had to teach her. She lacked basic manners. Proper etiquette. She swore too much. Had too many opinions. Said some really stupid, low class shit.But she was hot as hell. And a very eager and willing participant in the bedroom. For whatever reason, she found a way into my heart.I was obsessed with Scarlett.At the beginning….Lately though?She’d really been getting on my nerves. Maybe it’s because we were locked together in a cell. I don’t know. But I felt like it wasn’t just the cell I wanted to escape – it was also her.Her lips curled into a sneer.“Not now, Scarlett,” I sighed. “Push
Scarlett’s POVCaleb hesitated. In fact, he stood a step back from me.I saw, clear as day on his face.Disgust.He was disgusted by me.I was right and I knew it. Ever since I slept with those guards, his opinion of me changed. But why? It had been his idea! He swore it was the only way for us to escape. I hadn’t wanted to! It was awful! Screwing those slimy, sweaty guards!Caleb took a deep breath. “Don’t be ridiculous, Scarlett,” he sighed.Anger rose in me. “Don’t call me ridiculous!” I snapped. I’d all but thrown myself at him since our escape. But he’d completely ignored my advances! And now? The way he was looking at Eden? Giving her his damn coat to clean up her cuts! She was our PRISONER for crying out loud. I didn’t give a rat’s ass if she was pregnant. Who cares? Eden was nothing. She was SUPPOSED to be nothing.It was a reasonable request! If he loved me, if he didn’t think I was some sleazy two-bit whore, then all he had to do was prove it!“Come on, Caleb!” I was coaxed.
Serena’s POVAdrian.He promised. The Lycan King. He promised he wouldn’t hurt Adrian.My Adrian.Where was he? Was he hurt? Was he being held captive, like me? The King and that bitch Astrid had left. Off to look for Eden. AGAIN! This was getting old.I tossed a prayer to the Moon Goddess. Eden was with Scarlett, Jacob, and Caleb. ‘Please don’t let King Zane’s men find them,’ I prayed. ‘And please keep my Adrian safe.’Just then, I heard a noise.Footsteps walking down the corridor.I stood up.The Lycan King? Back already? Or that stupid Gamma Astrid? Or maybe it was Adrian, come to save me?But when the door swung up I was surprised to find myself face to face with Storm.“Storm!” I said, falling into his arms. It was so good to see him, my strong, sweet brother. I cried into his shoulder. “It’s been so awful, Storm,” I said. “They…they threw me in the…the dungeon! They threatened to…to hurt me. I’ve been so scared.” My words came out in a rush. He held me close while I cried on hi
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?