It was the next day and the knot in my stomach only grew worse. Somehow, I knew that it was going to be today. As usual, Leslie brought my meal that consisted of half-baked potato and a fruit juice and as always, I munched on it it silence but the unsettling feeling in my gut didn't allow the food to stay down. I threw up on the corner of the room, ignoring Leslie's hard glare. I braced myself with the wall, leaning tiredly against the grimy metal gates."Hey!" Leslie slammed her baton against metal but this time I didn't flinch, my eyes were closed and my fist clenched on my chest, "Hey!" She did it again and this time I turned to look at her.She staggered slightly when she saw the depleted look in my eyes, I thought she was going to say something but she just cleared her throat, crossing her arms behind her back, "Stop puking, it smells!"I opened my mouth to apologize but the sound of the entrance doors opening cut me short. Our head simultaneously swivelled in that direction and
Claws.Blood.Screams of Terror.Fire.I woke with a start, jumping from the bed and clutching my throbbing chest. My eyes darted around the strange room and then fell on the fluffy blanket that was draped over my lower half. I grabbed the material in my hand, feeling how soft it was,What was-"You're awake?" The voice startled me and when I looked up, I noticed him. Theo settled beside me, a weary smile lighting his features. He pushed back the hair covering half of my face behind my ear, pinching my cheek lightly, "How do you feel?"I opened my mouth to speak but found that I could not. My throat was sore, it felt like there was an inferno inside and I gasped. My fingers flew up to my neck but instead of meeting skin, the smooth surface of a bandage was what I touched instead. I gave the man in front of me a confused look and he sighed, dropping his hand on the space between us. "You got hurt pretty badly," He moved on to grab the pitcher next to me, pouring water into the glas
I slowly trace my fingers at the back of his palm, taking note of every raised bump and faded scars. My back was pressed to his chest and his face nuzzled into my neck, we had been staying like this for the past ten minutes, neither of us had said a word. The buzz of our desire satiated and the throbbing ache in between my legs had dulled down completely. My cheeks heated when I remembered what he did with his tongue and teeth, the memory still vivid in my head causing me to clench my thighs together,"Mhmm," Theo rumbled from behind me, rubbing his nose along the skin on my neck, "You're getting aroused again," He continued the action and I stifled a giggle.I peered down at him, my lips pursed together, "Theo?"His head slowly rose up but instead of looking at me, he pressed his head against mine, a gesture I was beginning to love."What's wrong, little wolf?" He mumbled and I breathed in deeply before continuing,"What's going to happen to me?"The question hung in the air, he stop
I try my best to keep up with her but she's too fast, her long legs crossing long strides before I even make one. I wonder how she's able to walk that fast with heels that high. She abruptly stopped, swivelling on one hell and facing me,My speed-walking comes to a sharp halt and I jump back. Lady Calloway silently eyed me, looking as though she wanted to say something,"Did he tell you what to say if anyone asks you any questions at the court?"It wasn't hard to guess who the "He" was so I nodded. After my revelation in his room, Theo had asked me to return to the court, he'd said he would find out answers but I already had one. I let him though, the whole was just as shocking to me. "Good," She made to turn back when I called out her name causing her to freeze.I searched my mind for the best way to phrase the question before settling on, "You know who I am."She cocked a brow, "Of course, Dahlia Winchester." She said with a chin tilt but the sparkle in her told me that she was dan
"This is nice."I twisted my head to look at Paige, her face was tipped towards the sky, eyes closed and there was a relaxed smile on her mouth. I smiled gently, taking another sip from the bottle in our middle.I welcomed the burn and swallowed it down, taking another sip before dropping it back. The warm buzz from the alcohol soothed my system and I relaxed against the bench."It really is," I whispered and she chuckled. I could feel her reaching for the bottle, then I heard the sloshing of the liquid.My eyes popped open just as she dropped the bottle back. The two of us had snuck out after dinner to the courtyard, I'd proposed we get some air but hadn't thought she would bring booze along. When I questioned about the illegal item, she just winked and told me to enjoy the moment. And I was doing just that,"You know, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," She said again, breaking the silence, "I just -" She broke off chuckling and took a big gulp from the bottle, "I was j
Anticipation.That was the only word that I could use to describe the swirling in my gut. My fingers nervously twisted with each other and I chanted a mantra in my head,The third phase would began in a few minutes, bringing about the end of the second round. I was feeling a flurry of emotions; excitement, anxiety and doubt. Nobody had an idea of what we were going to do, we were just asked to gather in this small room. Another portion of the castle, making me wonder just how many rooms were in the palace. I knew it was a big place but I had no idea how expansive it was.The entrance door creaked open and Carissa sauntered, "I apologize for the delay," She said curtly, passing us an emotionless look."She reminds me of a robot," Paige whispered, making my eye dart to her from the corner, "I wonder if she has ever tried smiling."I snorted, covering my mouth with my palm and looking at Cora for a reaction but the girl had a straight face. She wasn't even looking at either of us, her ga
"Time up!"Those words were like music to my ears, my chest pumped up and down, droplets of sweat pouring down my forehead. The needles retracted from my skin and almost immediately the box unlocked. I shakily withdrew my hands from the device, a small choked noise escaping my mouth when I saw the battered state of my palms,"Congratulations," Carissa continued, a smile lighting her face this time, "All thirteen of you made it to the third part of this contest."Thirteen?The number shocked me and I looked around, true enough most of the girls had fled the area leaving me and few others. I spotted Cora who was looking pale and sweaty, Jessica remained as well and her head hung limp, I feared she had fainted from the overwhelming pain. A few of the others girls I recognized, Paige was nowhere to be found so I guessed she must have left earlier."Now, the nurses will tend to your wounds," She clapped her hands and people materialized from nowhere, a young girl my age knelt in front of m
"I'm going to miss you."I wrap my arms tighter, snuggling into her warmth. Paige chuckled, her cold breath blowing against my neck. It had showered lightly this morning, a small indication that the rainy season was on its way, much sooner than we'd all expected.I had thought it was a good omen since the girls were delayed for a bit. But the rain stopped as soon as it started and the evicted contestants were ushered out of the court. I opted to follow Paige to the van, she would be sharing with six other girls that their packs were en route with hers."I'll miss you too," She mumbled, retracting from the embrace. "I'll be rooting for you back home."I smiled at the way she mentioned 'home' like it was for the both of us, although I hadn't even seen the place yet."Take care," I pressed a small kiss on her cheek and she giggled, nodding boisterously."I will, you too."The driver hollered for the girls to get in and everyone started scurrying inside. Paige smiled again at me, giving m
|SIX YEARS LATER|Castle Black, Pack Black Haven(Capital city).Another chapter. Another day, combined with hours of waiting and anticipating his return. It is cold, dreadfully so and it seems like no matter the amount of layers I put on, I will still remain frozen. Maybe it is because I am pregnant but Paige says I should keep warm, so the child wouldn't end up a white wolf as his mother. But I am doubtful, the doctor already said that one of the children will take on my gene, I only wonder who."Your highness!"Today, I had nothing important to do, asides settling a dispute between two neighbours who claimed ownership over a goat. Unlike what I'd expected, a Queen didn't have much duties asides making sure that the capital was in order. It took months to help the beggars on the streets and even longer to put an end to alleyway bag thiefs. I had to persuade the council to fund an open house for the poor and needy plus two orphanages as well."Your Highness!!"At first, they were skep
Gorgeous.The girl staring back at me was so unbelievably gorgeous, it shocked me to the core. Her snow blonde hair was thrown over a shoulder in beautiful waves, golden flowers were pinned in different angles of her head. Her ruby red lips would put the colour of blood to shame and kohl-rimmed eyes blinked back at me."You are truly stunning, Luna Emma," The voice from behind me was almost starling and I tore my eyes away from my reflection to stare at Lady Calloway who had an expression of awe etched on her features.I smiled grimly, looking back at the mirror. The gown I wore was a shimmering blue, the same shade as her eyes. Although she truly looked stunning, her lips were pulled down into a small frown.I blew out a heavy breath, twisting around to face the woman in front of me, "Do you really think I would be a good Queen?" I asked hesitantly, chewing on the inside of my cheek.Lady Calloway smiled gently, crouching and placing a palm above my hand, "I think you will make a gr
I stirred on the bed, stretching my limbs with a pop. My eyelids fluttered open, lips parting to release a drawn out yawn,I winced softly, rubbing my exposed tummy. My vision was a bit blurry and I squinted when I turned towards the window, the bright morning light shining in my direction."You're awake," I whipped in the direction of the voice, my lips pulling into a lazy smile. Theo walked around the bed towards my end and leaned to press a soft kiss on my head. He was still shirtless but had donned on a different pair of pants that looked a little bit oversized. His hair was messy on top of his head and there was a twinkle in his eyes, one I hadn't seen before. "Sleep good?" I shook my head, pointing between my legs, "I feel sore," My voice came out as a small whine causing him to huff out a short laugh."I knew you would say that, hence I prepared a warm bath for you,."I frowned at his statement. Warm bath?My question was brought to a cease when he moved his hands beneath my
The hem of my robe dragged across the floor as I walked, the candle was resting perfectly on the inside of my palm and I had to keep from wincing every time the hot wax dropped on my skin. It was dark, the moon hadn't fully risen yet all we had as illumination was the dim light of the bulbs overhead and the large rose-scented candles in our grip.The lady in front stopped suddenly, causing all of us to grind to a halt. She turned to look at me and for a moment, the corner of her lips curled upwards. Lad Calloway nudged her head towards the close door,"This is his chamber, wait inside until he comes." I inhaled deeply before expelling the air. In one swift motion, I turned towards the door and tipped my chin in a confident manner,"Open it," I said, my determined gaze set on the embellishments on the wooden entrance.Tonight was the night everyone had been anticipating, including me. The mating ceremony was a revered ritual among us, it was when two people either chosen or fated mate
I took in a deep breath after explaining, watching warily for his reaction. His face was gloom and drawn tight, there was a little furrow between his brows which meant that he was still digesting everything.Finally, he exhaled before shifting to properly look at me, "Why didn't you tell me? I would've ripped the bastard's head right off."I smiled wryly, tightening our conjoined fingers together, "Trust me, I wanted to do that too. I debated if killing was the best idea and then choose not to do it.""Why?" He asked curiously and I chuckled softly, bumping my shoulders against his."Because," I started, drawling in a tired manner, "For people like Hansen, their lives matter less to them but their prestige on the other hand?" I shook my head, "That's what their entire world is built upon." Theo hummed thoughtfully, his eyes glazing over. Suddenly he smiled brightly, throwing an arm over my shoulder, "I'm glad I have such a smart mate."I rolled my eyes, stifling the giggle that was t
I stared at my reflection in the large mirror, my fingers playing with the silk robe tied around my waist. After the whole contest yesterday, I was brought into the Queen's quarters and was given strict instructions not to leave there until instructed. Apparently, I had to be cleansed and purified before the mating process began.The dowager had asked me to phone my family and order them to be on their way so they would make it in time for the coronation. That was this morning and I haven't picked up my phone yet,"Black looks good on you,"I flinched, whipping around to face the intruder. Theo was casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed against his chest and a serious look in his eyes,I frowned, puzzled by his appearance, "How-when did you get here?"He shrugged, pushing himself from the wall and stalking towards me, "A while back,"I sighed and turned to face the morrow away, my fingers still fiddling with the knot in front. When he wrapped his large arms around my waist, I
"Should I be scared or nervous?"I gave the man a grim smile, pushing the small cup of tea towards him before grabbing my own. I gingerly took a sip, savoring in the warm sweetness that invaded my tongue instantly,"Which one of the two do you think is more appropriate?" I asked, arching a brow when he pushed his cup away, a small gesture but one I caught nonetheless.I gave him a look, one he not-so-politely ignored, clearing his throat loudly, "I don't quite know, you're no longer a contestant anymore but the mate of the Alpha and future Queen of the entire werekind. It would be stupid not to feel some amount of petrification." My lips curled and I slowly placed the cup back on the table, smacking my lips together, "I'll be straight with you, Lord Hansen," That piqued his attention causing him to lean nearer, "I called you here for one specific reason,"Something akin to uneasiness flashed in his eyes but he quickly concealed it with a cocky smile, "Do tell," "Jessica." I said si
When I was younger, I always wished that I would get like my sister's colour of wolf. Dahlia was my role model, everything she did, I copied and she loved it too so it was only natural that I got her colour. But sometimes, in the secret I would wish for my mother's colour too, hers was a beautiful grey and I loved the way the fur looked underneath the moonlight. Never in my life would I imagine being a white wolf. A wolf so powerful, they were regarded as too much for the werekind. A wolf so special, they were rare to find.So why, why did the moon goodness find me fit to become one?My eyes flew open, burning so bright and powerful. It felt like the sun was scorching me from inside and I couldn't help it. A piercing scream ripped its way from my chest and I curled into myself,My wolf emerged like lightning, spearing through my entire system. My eyes flew open and I shook my head but I realized that I wasn't in my human form anymore.Jessica looked stunned, her jaw was hanging open
The arena was filled to the brim, I was very much certain of that. They had used the same place as the first round where we had to go through different obstacle courses, the same place where I had purposefully broken my leg in a bid to avoid what I was presently doing.I looked around me, at the wild crowd cheering and crying. Their sentences almost inaudible since they were all yelling at once, excitement and tension pooled in my stomach,My eyes met my opponent's but she wasn't focused on me, her gaze was on the crowd. She was smiling and waving at them as though they were chanting for her, probably they were I couldn't hear anything either ways. I wondered if Lord Hansen had told her that his plan had flopped and there was nothing holding me back now. I wondered if she knew just how dangerous I could be once I shifted."Werewolves and shewolves," Lady Calloway spoke through the loud microphone that carried her voice round the entire auditorium. "The moment we have finally been wai