AVA“Ava, Beta, you're back from your run early,” Alpha Jacob called out across the room.“I went out last night, Alpha, I didn't have enough sleep for a full run.”He gave me a smile. “We're only young once, Ava. I hope you and the boys had a good night.”I smiled, blushing slightly.“Alpha, that's not the whole truth,” I said in my mind, opening a link with him and the Beta. “We ran into rogues at the border whilst we were running.”“Rogues?” Alpha Jacob replied.“Yes, Alpha,” Beta Alexander added. “Three. They said they were looking for their boss’ mate.” Beta Alexander paused, glancing my way before continuing. “They were looking for a special girl with a special wolf. A special girl that they want to take home to their boss because she’s his mate.”I stabbed my fork into my pile of pancakes hard enough that I broke the plate. Fortunately the room wasn’t exactly full, so I could pretend that I’d just slipped. I thanked the member of staff that cleared it up for me, and wanted to hu
AVAA couple hours after that eventful breakfast, I found myself in the gym, kicking bags. The fight I’d had with Beta Alexander had become the talk of the pack, and both the Beta and Alpha referring to me as Artemis may have let it slip that I had my wolf already…“Fuck,” I growled under my breath, kicking the bag so hard it split.Footsteps suddenly stopping behind me had me spinning around, still trying to keep my temper and Artemis under control. It was the twins. As soon as I saw them, I turned back before they could notice Artemis in my eyes.“Ava… talk to us,” Callum begged. “What happened this morning?”“Just a dispute with your dad after our run, Callum. Nothing major.”“Ava, that didn’t sound like it wasn’t major,” Oscar added.“It’s fine, leave it,” I growled, kicking the bag again.“Ava, please, talk to us,” Noah begged. I turned to face them all, my eyes closed, willing Artemis to calm down.The looks on their faces when I opened my eyes said it didn’t work, and my eyes w
NOAH“And this is Artemis,” dad said, motioning towards the other side of the training grounds.A huge midnight black wolf trotted towards us with bright yellow eyes. Yellow eyes that we’d seen before…The wolf, Artemis, walked over to us, stopping directly in front of us before licking each of our faces in turn. My dad and Beta Alexander chuckled at the show, but the four of us just didn’t know how to react to a massive wolf licking our faces.We’d all seen wolves around the territory before, of course we have, but never quite this up close and personal. I definitely hadn’t been licked by one before.Typically, the first time kids in our pack get up close and personal with other wolves is when they shift for the first time.Unless there’s an emergency, our pack members aren’t permitted to run in wolf form through the middle of the most densely populated areas in daylight hours. We have a lot of young pups, so all possible steps need to be taken to make sure they don’t accidentally g
CALLUM“I’m sure you all have some questions for Ava, but I would appreciate it if you can hold off until after we’ve gone through everything that’s happened today,” Alpha Jacob said, before turning to Ava and my dad.“What happened when you two ran this morning?”“Three rogues by the river. I made Ava hide whilst I shifted back to talk to them. They were here on behalf of their ‘boss’, who believes his mate might be in this pack.”“Of course, we believe they’re actually talking out of their backsides, and he’s planning on forcing a matebond on someone,” Ava continued, before throwing a concerned look towards my dad. “This she-wolf they’re looking for is apparently a special woman with a special wolf.”Dad’s face was stressed, and just got more stressed as he looked at Ava. Was it her?“The three wolves fled before we could do anything about it. All three of them were in the group just now, two are dead, and the third is in the cells waiting to be interrogated,” dad explained.“What e
AVAThe next morning, the twins insisted on joining Beta Alexander and I at the training ground for our 5am run. Of course since they were on two legs they couldn’t keep up, but we took it in turns carrying them around the forest for a while. Callum loved it when I took him; Noah was nervous at first and thought I was going to crash into a tree, but when he settled, he just wanted to keep going.I high fived Beta Alexander after our run, chucking a bottle of water over to him which he caught easily. “Hey, Ava?” he shouted.“Mmm?” I turned to look at him, water bottle still in my hand.“Think fast.”He sprinted at me, going straight for my legs.I rolled out of the way, spinning back to my feet a few metres away from where I started. When he ran for me again, I was ready.I dropped to the ground and spun, kicking his legs out from underneath him.He skidded across the floor from the momentum that he had been carrying, scowling at me when he stood. I shrugged. “You always taught me not
AVAI took advantage of his distraction; darting behind him before flinging my massive body at him, knocking him onto his back. This time when Artemis had her jaws around his neck, he had no choice but to submit.The applause when he did was enormous, and only got louder as we both shifted back and lay on the floor trying to catch our breath. “Good fight, Alpha Jacob,” I laughed, noticing that my ribs were sore from some of the kicks he got in.“Good job, Alpha, Alpha,” Beta Alexander appeared over us, throwing us both spare clothes since we both shredded everything we were wearing.“What was the final time, Beta? Alpha Jacob asked, both of us still lying on the floor. “One hour and forty eight minutes!”“Jeez, no wonder my ribs hurt,” I laughed, before wincing at the pain.We both got to our feet, and it was only then that I realised Alpha Jacob had come off considerably worse. I winced when I saw his face. “Sorry about the black eye, Alpha,” I grimaced.He just laughed, pulling me
CALLUMI would love to know what Ava said to dad over the mindlink to distract him that much. Since it involved Oscar and I… I had a pretty good idea.I also was very aware that the only reason we were here and Ava wasn’t was because of whatever she had said.She walked in between us on the way back from the field, winking as she went, before pulling the t-shirt over her head, leaving it in one of the spare clothes stashes and shifting to run back to the packhouse.Noah and Theo were on the other side of the group, both still slightly shocked that they’d seen Ava take their dad down. Who wouldn’t have been shocked though?An hour later, dad finally let us go.The FiveAva: I’m lonely, boys. Come join me.Noah: Where are you, Princess?Ava: You’ll find out soon enough. No cheating, you have to work it out on your own.Ava: For now though… enjoy.She followed that message up with a photo of her having just gotten out of the shower. As soon as we saw that, Oscar and I sprinted straight b
AVAI made a point of not seeing any of the twins for the rest of that day. One way or another, they would learn to shut doors behind them like civilised people.I still hadn’t spoken to them by the time I got to the training grounds for what had become my regularly scheduled run with Alex. Not many people could keep up with Artemis, and I needed to run with someone who stood a chance.“Morning, Alex,” I called out when I saw him.“Morning, Ava,” he smirked. “Have you spoken to my sons?”“Not since yesterday. Nor the Alpha’s sons.”He laughed so hard he nearly cried. “Oh Ava, you really are my favourite. Shall we run?”“Let’s do it.”We both shifted, and after Kieran and Artemis’ usual display of respect, we ran straight into the woods. We’d been running for an hour by the time I noticed something was… wrong.“Alex,” I called through the link. “Can you feel that?”“Feel what?”“We’re being watched.”“Fuck. Okay carry on like normal whilst we try to work this out.”“We’re too far out
AVAI couldn't bear it anymore. The pain of feeling Oscar slipping away was too much. With a surge of desperate strength, I pushed against Theo's chest. "Let me go," I choked out, my voice barely above a whisper.Theo's arms loosened, surprise flashing across his face. I took advantage of his momentary hesitation and scrambled away, my legs giving out as I reached Oscar's side. I collapsed to my knees, my hand finding his."Oscar," I whispered, squeezing his fingers. They felt so cold. Too cold. "Don't you dare leave me."I could feel our bond stretching, thinning like a gossamer thread about to snap. Panic clawed at my throat. This couldn't be happening. Not after everything we'd been through."Ava," Callum's deep voice c
CALLUMI could feel Theo's anger radiating off him in waves as we strode down the dimly lit corridor toward Sera's cell. My own fury simmered just beneath the surface, barely contained."Remember, we need information," I said, my voice low and tight. "Don't let her provoke you."Theo's jaw clenched. "I'll try."As we approached the heavy iron door, I took a deep breath, steeling myself. The guard unlocked it with a harsh clang that echoed off the stone walls.Sera sat on a narrow cot, her raven hair tumbling over her shoulders. Those unnerving violet eyes locked onto us as we entered."Well, well," she purred. "To what do I owe the pleasure of a royal visit?"
OSCARI couldn’t tear my eyes away from Ava's lifeless gaze as the healers swarmed around us like agitated bees. The scent of herbs and magic hung thick in the air, mingling with the acrid tang of fear emanating from my brothers and me. My fingers tightened around Ava's limp hand, desperately seeking some flicker of response."Damn it, why isn't anything working?" I growled, frustration boiling over as another potion fails to elicit even a twitch from our mate.Noah placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. "They're doing everything they can, Oscar. We have to be patient."Patient? How could I be patient when the love of my life is lying there like an empty shell? The urge to lash out, to find that witch and tear her apart with my bare hands, was nearly overwhelming.
AVAThe moon's absence cast an eerie darkness over the ritual circle, the air thick with anticipation and the scent of herbs. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I stepped into the silver-etched boundary of the circle, my heart pounding against my ribs like a caged bird. Sera's violet eyes gleamed in the flickering candlelight, her raven hair seeming to absorb the shadows around us. I could feel the tension radiating from my Kings through our bond, their worry and love intertwining with my own determination."Are you ready to begin, Your Majesty?" Sera's melodic voice carried an undercurrent of excitement that set my nerves on edge.I swallowed hard, casting a glance at my mates. Callum's jaw was clenched, his blue eyes stormy with concern. Theo's hands were balled into fists at his sides, while Noah's gaze was fix
AVAI bolted upright, a scream tearing from my throat. The room spun, shadows dancing in the dim light of dawn. My heart pounded, sweat plastering my nightgown to my skin."Ava!" Noah's voice, thick with sleep, cut through my panic. His strong arms encircled me, pulling me against his chest. "It's okay, love. You're safe."I couldn’t stop shaking, the nightmare's grip still tight around my mind. The empty crib, the hollow ache in my arms - it felt so real."The nightmare again?" Theo asked softly, his hand finding mine in the tangle of blankets.I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Oscar shifted closer, his warmth a comforting presence at my back. Callum's fingers brushed my cheek, wiping away tears I hadn't realised I'd shed."Talk to us, Ava," Callum urged gently.I took a shuddering breath. "It was... worse this time. I could hear a baby crying, but no matter
AVAThe library door crept open, and Theo stepped in, his blue eyes immediately finding mine. My heart rate picked up as he approached, his muscular frame taut with tension."Ava," he breathed, sinking into the chair beside me. His large hand engulfed mine, calloused fingers tracing soothing circles on my skin.I swallowed hard, bracing myself. "Theo, I—""Wait," he interrupted gently. "Let me speak first, please."I nodded, biting my lip.Theo took a deep breath. "I understand how much you want this. Truly, I do. The thought of having a child with you... it's something I've dreamed about." His voice broke slightly. "But Ava, the risks..."
AVADays passed, and the tension in the castle grew as thick as the snow piling outside. I could feel it in every glance, every touch from my Kings. They were worried, and I couldn’t blame them. But I couldn’t let this go, either.I was poring over ancient tomes in the library when Sera glided in, her presence as ethereal as ever. "Any luck, Your Majesty?" she asked.I shook my head, frustration bubbling up inside me. "Nothing. Not a single mention of the Fertility Invocation outside of what you've told us."Sera's lips curved into a sympathetic smile. "It's an ancient and rare ritual, My Queen. Few have the knowledge or power to attempt it."Her words sent a chill down my spine, both thrilling and terrifying. I closed the book before me, dust motes dancing in the air. "Tell me more," I whispered, my heart racing.Sera leaned in, her voice low and intense. "Think of it, Avelina. A chi
AVAThe howling wind outside the castle walls mirrored the turmoil in my mind as I stared out the frost-covered window. Days have passed, and the relentless snowstorm showed no signs of abating. I pressed my palm against the icy glass, feeling the chill seep into my bones."My Queen," a guard's voice cut through my thoughts. "There's someone at the gates seeking refuge."I turned, eyebrows raised. "In this weather? Who would be mad enough to travel?"As if in answer, the doors to the great hall burst open, a gust of snow and a cloaked figure blowing straight into the castle. The hood fell back, revealing a woman with raven-black hair and piercing violet eyes."Greetings, Your Majesty," she said, her voice as smooth as silk
AVAThe crackling fire cast a warm glow across the Crown Suite as I curled up on the plush sofa, nestled between Callum and Noah. Theo and Oscar lounged in armchairs nearby, all of us basking in the contentment of our earlier run. Outside, fat snowflakes swirled past the frosted windows, blanketing the kingdom in white.I couldn’t help but smile, remembering the joy of our pack - wolves and Lycans alike, frolicking together in the fresh powder. It's everything we worked for.But as I watched the storm intensify, a flicker of worry sparks in my chest. "I heard earlier that this storm is going to keep getting worse," I said, breaking the comfortable silence. "We'll have to arrange resources to make sure the city and the wider Kingdom don't struggle."Callum's arm tightened around me. "You're right, love. What did you have in mind?"I sat up straighter, my mind already racing. "I've got the basics arrang