Arnold’s POVMy journey to the Valley of Death had been the most tasking one I’d ever embarked on and I had the scars to prove it. My wolf’s abilities were null and void as I approached the Valley, and the bushes that I had to ride through were full of thorns that’d gotten stuck in my skin or left a few cuts that didn't heal.Six days.All of which I battled to stay sane through because I knew that if I chickened out I’d never get back everything I’d lost. Six days later and I was now finally in the Valley of the Death.Even before I entered its depth, I noticed that a dark cloud that was ridiculed with lightning bolts hung over it to differentiate it from the rest of the forest, the entrance was full of signs that warned whoever dared to step through of curses and beasts that lay awake if you went further, the trees within it had red barks, and the first thing I’d stepped on were a trail of scorpions that masqueraded as dark soil.In fifteen minutes of arriving, I’d contemplated turn
Layla’s POVEveryday I walked out of my chambers, I was met with the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations and each time I looked at them I was overwhelmed with the decision that was drawing nearer by the second, a decision I didn't have a definite answer to.“Look alive darling, the stylist will be here any minute” Nadia said as she waltzed into my room.From those dry lips of hers that had been glossed the last time I saw her, I could tell that she’d been making out with Castle at some point; hence the giddy nature of hers.“I can't believe he’s going ahead with everything despite knowing how conflicted I’ve been” I rolled my eyes and leaned back on the bed.“I have a feelings things will work out just fine, okay?” Nadia mushed my cheeks by holding both of them in her palms as she spoke.“You don’t know th—” I was cut off by a knock on the door and I locked eyes with Nadia as we wondered who it could be.“Ah, the stylist! That must be her, I'll let her in” She walked to the door
Ethan’s POVMy mind had been occupied with several thoughts, but none stuck as much as my thoughts of Layla, she’d unknowingly crept into my heart and built a home for herself in it. I’d never felt this drawn to anyone in my entire life and at first I’d been in denial, but I didn't think I could have from it anymore.Indeed I was irrevocably in love with Layla and I’d finally come to terms with it, what I felt for her was so overwhelming that it swallowed me whole from within. On that note, I knew that there was nothing I wouldn't do to make her mine forever, and I’d go to any lengths to make sure that my love was also reciprocated.Thinking of what being loved by her would feel like made me giddy like a child being handed candy, it would be surreal to be with her without being resisted because of another man, without worrying that she’d ask me to let her be, without worrying that I’d end up making her unhappy in the long run.My heart beat nervously as I imagined hearing her confess
Layla’s POVThe long awaited day had arrived, my 18th birthday.However, for some reason, I didn't feel like there was anything worth celebrating, I still had a life defining decision to make and I was still torn despite knowing that I was in love with Ethan and he felt the same way about me.Night had fallen and I was resting on the windowsill while I watched the moon make it's way from underneath the clouds. Somehow, the sheer beauty of the full moon wasn't enough to wash my worries away or the tension that had clouded my entire being since morning.As newly dating sweethearts, Nadia and Castle had tried to boost my serotonin levels by thoughtfully gifting me a lovely birthday cake and singing as they presented it to me, but as much as I appreciated the gesture, it didn't do much to relieve the tension I felt raging through my body with a vengeance.In my head, I was more focused on Arnold and Ethan’s absence on a day that they’d both looked forward to. Arnold had been missing from
Layla’s POVEthan immediately broke into a huge grin, one I’d never seen before to show just how happy he was that he’d turned out to be my fated mate after all. I’d never seen him that happy since we met and it was so intense that I could feel his excitement through the mate bond as well, it felt like nothing short of pure undiluted joy.Even his hand clutched his chest in relief as he stared at me with eyes full of love and longing, and I was certain that my eyes equally mirrored those emotions of his as he ran toward me with leaps of joy and gathered me in his arms and lifted me off the floor.Before I could even express my happiness in words, he’d placed me down and covered my lips in a passionate kiss, like he was emptying fragments of his soul into mine as he moved against my lips and this time I didn't hold back, I kissed him back with the burning desire within me that had been awakened the second I confirmed that he was my mate.Without breaking the kiss, he carried me into hi
Arnold’s POVThe moon goddess hadn't forsaken me after-all, I thought as my successful journey finally came to an end as Crescent Valley came into view.From the second I saw the pearly palace gates open, a huge smile crept onto my face and I rode in waving at the guards that manned the gates like we were old time friends. I was beyond elated that I’d finally found a tangible solution to both of my problems and I couldn't wait to execute my plan and watch everything slowly turn back in my favor.After I’d dropped off my horse at the stable, I waltzed into the palace humming a joyful tone and I couldn't wait to surprise Layla, especially since I’d put in the extra effort to arrive before her birthday was over.And as though my prayers were being answered on the spot, the first person I saw as I was headed toward my room was Layla. Something was making her glow from within, maybe it was the fact that her birthday night was blessed with a full moon, but all I wanted to do was to gather h
Layla’s POVI woke up with a huge yawn and my arms stretched out by my sides like a baby, I felt refreshed and satisfied like a person that went through a renewing moment the night before. It was odd that my body felt that good especially because I was sore in certain areas because of what I and Ethan had been up to the night before.By simply reminiscing the events of last night, I felt a blush rise to my cheeks and I was certain that my ears had turned red as well because of how incredibly shy I felt. Everything was fresh in my memory and as the details came together I felt like burying myself under the sheets and never resurfacing.While I was overcome with lust and only focused on going all the way with Ethan I wasn't this embarrassed, but it seemed like that lust fog had cleared and I was inclined to hide away elsewhere as I recalled how I’d been much more forward than him the entire night. I practically initiated most of what happened and now I wondered where I found the confide
Layla’s POVNadia was sitting across from me with a pout as she tugged on my sleeve like she’d been doing for the past ten minutes, like a needy pet.“Tell me everything, everything!” She whined again after she claimed that I only mentioned that Ethan was my mate and nothing more.“There’s nothing more to tell, I found out that he was my mate that night and we were both happy” I shrugged as I spoke but she shook her head at me like that was still not enough.“Layla, you didn't sleep here that night so I know there's more to it than you both being happy” She probed further just like I’d expected.“If I tell you everything will you stop doing all of that?” I gestured at her pitiful face and her hand on my sleeve.“Of course” She smiled brightly and nodded at me eagerly.“Fine.” I said and she finally let go of my sleeve and sat up attentively.“It feels wrong to admit it so early but it feels beyond amazing and being with him completes me, I doubt that I can even find the right words to