I 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
7 years ago…AVAI was a nobody, or at least that’s what they told me.They told me I was a nobody and therefore worthless; I deserved to be bullied, because being bullied would make me stronger, more resilient. I know now that it was bullshit, but when you say that to a kid time and time again, they start to believe it.All day everyday, the heirs to the pack, both the Alpha and Beta twins, and even a lot of the girls my own age made a point of making my life miserable. To begin with, it was just verbal, but in my early teens, it became physical too. I had scars all over my back and the tops of my legs that would never heal properly because they were from before I shifted for the first time.Considering I shifted for the first time early... that says all you need to know.I got my wolf early, but they didn’t know that. I never smelled like a wolf because my wolf, Artemis, could hide her scent. Even before they can shift, wolves have a distinctive smell that identifies them; all wolve
AVAThe first Monday in June was always an interesting one at school. It was the first day of the formal summer training season. The weather was warm enough that everyone was expected to train outdoors, and all indoor training was put on the backburner unless absolutely necessary. It was never necessary.I stood in front of the mirror in the changing rooms at school, yanking my curly brown hair into a rough bun to keep it out of the way during my training session with Beta Alexander. Normally my green eyes sparkled with excitement at training with the Beta, but today, not so much.At lunch time, I was cornered in the cafeteria, my lunch dumped straight over my head. I could have taken down the people responsible easily enough, but the Beta and I had determined that I needed to keep what I was capable of under wraps just until I was ready for it to become public knowledge.My wolf was special, and once that knowledge was out, there was no turning back. Artemis was a beautiful black wol
AVAI hated the lessons I had on Tuesdays. Double maths, biology and geography was torturous. Fortunately, today was different. Mr Jones, our maths teacher, jolted me out of my thoughts. “Class, we have a new student joining us today. This is Isabella, she has transferred here from a pack in Wales, and will be finishing her schooling with us. I hope you will all welcome Isabella.”I glanced around the room, suddenly realising the only empty seat was next to me. She sat down, more graceful than I could ever hope to achieve, holding out her hand to shake mine. “Isabella, call me Izzie,” she smiled.“Ava,” I smiled back.She was tall, slim. The exact opposite of me. She had that kind of figure everyone thinks they want. It wasn't just me that noticed either. Leo, our future Delta, turned to stare at her, no embarrassment at all. I shook my head, suppressing a giggle, before pointing him out to Izzie. “You've already got an admirer,” I laughed. She giggled, before retorting back at m
AVAI woke up bright and early the next day, looking forward to what the day would bring. Artemis was excited to show off in training. Even though we wouldn’t be shifting because very few people knew that I could, she was still looking forward to putting everyone in their place if needed.It was going to be a good day!I was up early enough that I headed over to the training ground, planning to let Artemis out for a run. Beta Alexander was already at the training ground when I got there, which is surprising since it was 5am… I was expecting to be the only one.“Ava? What are you doing here at this time in the morning?”“Artemis is feeling cooped up, she needs to run before school today.”Beta Alexander nodded. “Want me to run with you? I’m going to be letting Kieran run too.”“Go for it, Beta,” I smiled, before ducking into one of the little shacks to shift.I trotted back out just minutes later, shaking my fur out. Beta Alexander was still standing in the middle of the training groun
AVAAt the end of training, I walked back over to where the twins, Leo and Isabella were all waiting for me.“That was amazing!” Isabella squealed, throwing her arms around me. “Now I see why you were training on your own!”I grinned in response, “thanks guys.”“Now I know why dad comes home looking like his ego has been hurt some nights, Ava,” Oscar, one of the Beta’s sons, laughed. Callum, his twin, just nodded in agreement.“Yeah… I would apologise for that, but I’m not going to.”“Are you joining us for dinner at the pack house tonight, Ava?” Oscar asked.I very rarely did, but perhaps now I could? It would just mean I had to get through an evening of comments and questions about how I knocked Beta Alexander on his backside…“Sure, why not,” I smiled. “I just need to shower and change, so I’ll meet you there in an hour?”“Sounds like a plan,” Oscar replied, pulling me into a hug. Callum looked jealous, right up until he joined the hug from behind.The Alpha twins looked left out,
NOAHHow we never truly noticed Ava before is beyond me.She’s stunning, both inside and out, and she’s unbelievably strong too. She has an air of having been through more than most people our age, and yet coming out stronger.I’m drawn to her in a way I would never have expected, especially since my 18th birthday is still a couple months away. What is even stranger still is that I know Theo, and even Oscar and Callum feel the same.All four of us cannot and do not want to keep our hands off her, and that’s just unexpected. Sure, Theo and I have shared girls in the past, and I knew Oscar and Callum had, but all four of us? That just sounded like a problem waiting to happen.When she challenged the four of us, all of our faces dropped. We all were very aware that if she could take down the Beta, she’d easily take down the four of us. We’d have to try to overwhelm her with numbers, but that would never work either.She was still smirking as she leaned back against Oscar and Callum’s che
AVAI got suspicious looks from my parents when I got home, but I guess that’s to be expected when your daughter rocks up late at night with her own clothes bundled under her arm just wearing a t-shirt that smells of one of the Alpha heirs.I did explain that we’d been to the lake after dinner and I’d just gotten wet, but they definitely didn’t believe that was all that happened.Fortunately, they just let me head to bed without asking awkward questions.Once I’d showered and changed, I flopped down in bed with a giggle as I thought about the night’s events, before my thoughts were disrupted by the sound of my phone pinging with the creation of a group chat with all four of the boys.The FiveCallum: I had a great time tonight, little one, and I know you did too.Oscar: I’m going to go to sleep thinking about how you feel in my arms.Noah: I hope you’re still wearing my t-shirt, Princess.Ava: Of course, I put it back on after my shower and everything. My parents did look at me funny
AVAThe FiveNoah: Good morning, Princess.Callum: We’re going to the club tonight, little one. Care to join us after you show us all up in training again?Ava: I wouldn’t miss it for the world.Noah: Good, you promised Theo and I an Ava sandwich.I snorted when I read that, my coffee coming out of my nose.Theo: And we plan to hold you to that promise.Ava: Of course, boys. You two can dance with me first.Theo: I call being in front.Noah: No fair!Ava: Tell you what. You two spar this afternoon, whoever wins, goes in front.Oscar: Or, the four of us spar, the winner is in front, the runner up behind.Ava: Maybe next time. You and Callum had me in between you last night, it's Theo and Noah’s turn.Artemis purring in my head distracted me from the chat. “I could go for all four of them fighting over me.”“Of course you could,” I retorted. “Not helpful, Artemis.”School blurred past, and before long, we were at the training ground. I was standing next to Beta Alexander, waiting for ev
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