Felixe’s POV After a restless night, it was morning and I went to work. The whole day I waited for Zephyrus yet he didn’t put up an appearance. What was wrong? My phone buzzed with an incoming call from Derrick. I accepted it immediately. Did Zephyrus reach Hay River instead? “Yes, Derrick?” “Hera is driving me crazy with her questions. She hasn’t eaten a thing since yesterday when she didn’t see you with me. How do I explain your absence to her, Felixe? She isn’t keeping well. If this continues, I’m afraid I would have to admit her to the hospital as well.” My mouth hung open with astonishment. I hadn’t considered this at all! Here I was planning to lead Zephyrus to her while she was torturing herself in my absence. “I don’t know what to say. I can’t meet her Derrick. Please make up any excuse.” The desperation was evident in my voice. How could Derrick not understand my situation when I had explained everything to him? “Hey, I am bad at these things. You’re torturing her, Fel
Felixe’s POV After I forced Lena to leave, I went back to my window to keep an eye on the enemy's movements. Lena rushed to the shopping arcade opposite, and I instantly knew where Zephyrus was. My heart battled with my mind, refusing to lead them on to my mate. So did my wolf. I knew I couldn’t hold on to my sanity for long. I instructed my guards downstairs to tighten the security in and around the building. “Don’t allow any of them inside.” “Yes, Mr. Andreadis.” Yet I watched them the whole time! I couldn’t get any work done. Did I do the right thing in leading Zephyrus here? ‘No. I didn’t abduct my mate to give her up. Heck! I didn’t even get to mount her!’ sulked my wolf. His non-cooperation made it even more difficult for me to decide. ‘Let’s escape to Hay River. Why should we lead Zephyrus to our mate? Let him work hard. Let him figure it out from here.’ ‘Hmm.’ Still, I didn’t commit and paced my room. It was strange that Zephyrus hadn’t attempted a break-in yet. What w
Hera’s POV I didn’t want the kiss to end. It wasn’t a dream as I had expected! He was very much real and here with me. It gave me satisfaction to know he missed me more than I missed him! He stayed away from me not because he didn’t want me but because of the imminent threat looming over his head. His wolf growled deep in his throat, urging me to kiss him back. I gave in, aroused by the sound of his barely suppressed need for me. I dug my fingers into the back of his neck and kissed him. It was hungry, and demanding as my tongue darted into his mouth, dancing with his! The sound of our pleasure-filled moans echoed in the air until I gasped when he licked the mark on my neck. It was the one he gave me! His tongue worked relentlessly on the erogenous zone, while I writhed and arched against him, craving all of him. He released a staggering breath and released me slowly. “We need to stop to get some food into your system. What if my knot doesn’t release soon enough?” I gasped, realiz
Hera’s POV The moment Felixe emerged from the en-suite, I kept his phone back on the nightstand. I was now annoyed with him for hiding such an important thing from me. If Zephyrus had tracked me down to Yellowknife, it would be a matter of minutes before he arrived in Hay River. What would I do then? I refused to leave my mate after everything we shared.Before I could ask him a thing, he disappeared into his walk-in closet. The main door clicked open, and it immediately alerted me. I knew Derrick and Lyra had arrived. “Hera, are you awake?” asked Lyra as she flew into my room. My glance went toward the walk-in closet. Hopefully, Felixe would be fully clothed before he emerged! “Uh, yes. So how was the movie?” Lyra clasped her hands and gave me a dreamy look. “It was super romantic! Uncle Derrick slept through the entire movie! Can you imagine that? He’s such a boring creature!” I giggled at her description when Felixe came out with a scowl on his face. Lyra’s jaws dropped at the
Hera’s POV I could feel Zephyrus and Leandros’ presence beside the back door. Didn’t they know this could kill them? Armed guards protected the entire place. I had to warn them. There was only one way! I tried to establish a mind-link with my twin. Thankfully, he hadn’t blocked me. ‘Why are you here, Zeph? Your life is in danger here. Go away!’ I warned him. ‘No, I won’t leave without you, Hera. I’m here to rescue you from the enemy. You have nothing to fear.’ I was now annoyed at his stubbornness. Couldn’t he realize I didn’t need saving? ‘Go away, please. I’m fine, I really am. He’s my mate!’ I cried out in desperation. ‘No. He’s our enemy. Reject him, Hera. Let’s go home.’ I seethed at my impossible brother. How could I reject Felixe when we had already completed the mate bond? He had claimed me and marked me for life. Disgusted with my twin, I broke the link, leaving him confused. I was now desperately thinking of a way to stop the impending fight. Since Felixe hadn’t come
Hera’s POV I rushed out to ask the guards, but they were as clueless as I was. None of them had seen Leandros or Lyra leave. Even Derrick was missing! I was at my wit’s end by now. Where could they have gone?I went towards the backside to check. Following their scent, I reached the far end of the backyard where a huge Sugar Maple grew close to the boundary wall on the other side. The Mighty Spruce on this side allowed an easy climb and escape. With almost no security coverage here, it was obvious, Zephyrus and Leandros had sneaked in from this end. Maybe Leandros used this route to escape with Lyra! I wasn’t sure, though. Did Leandros really escape with Lyra, or did he abduct her? Nothing was beyond him. He had always been the most reckless of us. Whatever it was, I couldn’t erase the sense of dread that settled in my mind. What if this was a way to take revenge on Felixe? I walked back to the house, deep in thought. I didn’t know how to face Felixe now. He was very protective of
Hera’s POV After Sally left, I tried to shift, but Hye didn’t respond to my need. “I can’t take over, Hera!” I sighed, realizing maybe Sally was right. I was pregnant. However, the door flew open, and instantly I blinked out of my daze. I turned around to see Felixe glaring at me. Happiness bubbled inside me at the sight of my mate. Maybe he would calm down when he found out I was pregnant with his pups! I couldn’t wait to start a family with him. I opened my mouth to announce the good news, but he snarled at me angrily. “Stop the drama, Hera. I asked you to talk to your brother. Have you done it? Why is my niece still missing?” I blinked, coming out of my daze. What could I tell him? It had completely escaped my mind. “No, I forgot. I wasn’t..” He didn’t even let me complete my sentence. “Forgot? How could you forget something as important as this? Wait, are you supporting your brother?” I gaped at his line of thought. “Please, stop yelling at me, Felixe. I’m not feeling very
Hera’s POV I knew I wouldn’t last longer with my condition deteriorating every passing minute. I had to talk to Leandros before I crumpled. Once he sent Lyra home to Felixe, I could afford to take a breather. I didn’t expect Felixe to come rushing to take me home after I completed the task. He had kicked me out of his life forever. There was nothing called true mates! Those were for lucky wolves like my brother and my dad. I would pine for my mate all my life. He didn’t care a damn about me! Stavros stopped his car and led me to Leandros’ house. It was his parents’ house where we had so many beautiful memories together. Although his twin, Alexandrios, didn’t want to stay here, Leandros refused to live anywhere else. This place had memories of their little sister, Athena, who had died that night twenty years ago in the attack! Tonight, the place looked different. It was beautifully lighted up and cheerful! What was Leandros celebrating? Stav and I exchanged looks before buzzing the
Hera’s POV I closed my eyes and lay down in my bedroom, listening to everyone enjoying the outside. My birthday celebrations have been the most enjoyable ones so far. Felixe had made arrangements to celebrate Zephyrus’s birthday too, in the same grand style as mine. His cake differed from mine and so were his treats. In fact, he received more gifts than I did! After the cake cutting, I could hardly stand straight. The pain in my pelvic region spread all over my lower abdomen and they carried me to my bedroom. I tried hard to sleep, but the pain started getting worse. Felixe had gone out to get a doctor since mine wasn’t taking his call. “Try deep breathing, Hera! Felixe will bring the doctor over soon. I think you’ll deliver tonight,” said Ebony, stroking my hair off my face. Even Hazel sat with me, trying to relieve the pain with the compress. This time nothing was working! I felt like I was dying! “I’m scared, Ebony. Please, I don’t want to die!” Tears pricked at my eyes and st
Hera’s POV The next two days we all spent together, bonding and enjoying ourselves. Being with everyone made me forget my fear of delivery. Despite the chaos all around, it was Felixe who was always there to support me, to help me. He took a couple of days off from work to bond with all of us. I was indeed indebted to him. Finally, it was my birthday, and the wishes and gifts kept pouring in right from the morning. Lyra might have spoken to Felixe about her predicament since she accompanied him to the office last morning. I could feel Leandros going into a shell day by day. It was obvious he needed help, but it was his own battle. He had to seek help from Zeph or Felixe. I couldn’t interfere in his matters. “Hera, come on, let’s go for a stroll!” said Hazel, walking into my room. With the celebration scheduled in the evening, I was trying to save some energy for the event. “No, Hazel. I’m feeling a little pain in my pelvic area every time I walk. Maybe I should rest a little now
Hera’s POV Tears of happiness pooled in my eyes, and I looked around for my family. I had no idea Felixe had done so much for me while I was unnecessarily doubting him. The guests whom I heard upstairs were none other than my family. While I was sleeping, oblivious to their presence, my mate had arranged for my happiness. “Keep all negative thoughts out of your mind now, Hera. You shouldn’t stress so much about your delivery. It will have a harmful effect on your babies. You don’t want them to feel your stress, right? They’ll be stressed too.” I looked at Ebony and nodded. Yes, she was right. I had been worrying too much lately. I didn’t want it to have an adverse effect on my pups. “We’ve booked the most advanced multispecialty hospital for you, Hera. I’m sure if there’s any complication, the doctor can sort it out. There’s no need to worry so much. Felixe will be with you in the birthing room while we all will be there outside for you,” said Derrick. I wiped my tears and smiled
Hera’s POV As the days went by, my mobility became more and more hindered. If it weren’t for the therapy classes, I would have been bedridden. This wasn’t fun at all. Felixe, Ebony, and Stella took care of me every step of the way. My birthday was two days later, but I had no enthusiasm left in my body to look forward to it. I would just call my twin and wish him. It was strange that he hadn’t called me once in the last one month. What was he so busy with? After my delivery, I would definitely fight with him if I were alive. “Hera, what’s wrong? Felixe wanted you ready in the evening.” I gaped at Stella, having completely forgotten about it. He had asked me on a date before leaving for work. I had been so preoccupied with my condition, I completely forgot about it. “I can’t go out, Stella.” She smiled, sorting through my closet for the perfect dress. None of them were perfect. I hated my body now. The wish to dress up for my mate had gone forever. What was the use? I could never l
Hera’s POV The main door opened, and Stella rushed out to help unload the luggage. “It feels so good to see you, Hera! Oh my! When are you due?” she exclaimed at the sight of me. “Next month! Give me a hug now!” We hugged one another when Ebony came out. I hadn’t been introduced to her formally yet we knew one another. The few brief encounters we had before were enough. She smiled at me warmly. “Welcome home, Hera, Felixe! Finally, we’ll live together like a family.” “Thank you for joining us here on such short notice, Ebony!” I said, a little awkwardly. It was the first time I was interacting with her positively. “Don’t thank me at all. I’m happy to be here with you. There’s so much to do, I’m excited. Did you book your delivery at the hospital here?” I glanced at my clueless mate. “Oh! I’ll do it right away,” he said, and Ebony ushered me inside. “We can go tomorrow to the hospital nearby, Felixe.” He smiled at his stepmother, looking relieved. “We’ve got the nursery
Hera’s POV We spent our days and nights basking in our love for the next two days. Yet I couldn’t get enough of my mate. Each day, I discovered a new side to his nature. I longed to go home, but the doctor wanted to perform a few tests before he permitted me. So we waited patiently for the reports before announcing it to the family. “The house is now ready for us to move in. Do you want to see the pictures?” asked Felixe as he joined me on the terrace outside. The sun was about to set and we gazed at the spectacular view all around us. “Yes, please.” He showed me our home, making me gasp with longing. All I wanted was to go to our new home with him. I wanted my pups born there. “I can imagine us living there already! When will the reports arrive?” I was impatient to leave while Felixe seemed to be in no hurry. Although he had a business to look after, he showed no impatience for me. He managed everything expertly online. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll collect them and consult the doc
Felixe’s POV Hera’s kiss was the elixir I needed to get through the day. She kissed me so passionately that I could feel her selfless love reflected in her warm kiss. It made my heart swell with happiness. For the first time, I felt happy to be alive on my birthday. It was surprising indeed. For thirty-two years of my life, I had been considering myself the most unwanted and worthless wolf alive. I hated my birthday. I hid from the world every year on this day. It wasn’t a hard task since no one cared about me or wished me. However, this time, I battled with my inner self. Although I was used to disappearing, this time I couldn’t. The entire day I spent with her family, watching her closely. She looked so happy and I knew it was because of me. The way her eyes searched for me in everything she did made me stay around her. I didn’t feel unwanted anymore. I didn’t feel worthless at all. At least, someone in the world considered me her world. She would perish without me. It made me g
Hera’s POV We walked into our suite, hand-in-hand, looking forward to igniting the magic we shared. The last time we connected was in Lucania. It seemed a long time ago. I really missed him too much.The moment he closed the door, my heartbeats sped up in anticipation. He slowly turned around to face me and my breath hitched at seeing the fire in his eyes. I knew he was burning for me just as I was. Slowly, he approached me while I stood rooted to the spot, ready to surrender to him. He stopped inches from me, his gaze roaming over my features tenderly. “Let’s make memories, Hera! I want to resume where we left off. Will it hurt too much if we make love?” His fingers caressed my cheek, trailing down to my bottom lip. I nodded, closing my eyes at his touch. “I want you to make love to me, Felixe.” When I looked up to meet his eyes, I noticed the satisfaction reflected there. He looked blissfully happy! “I’ll be gentle!” Of course, I knew that. I trusted him even with my eyes close
Hera’s POV We strolled hand-in-hand on the terrace, enjoying each other’s company. I waited for him to answer my question. “You know it all, Hera! I’m not very articulate about my feelings, but I try to show you through my actions. When we met, I was a totally different wolf. I wanted to kill you that night, but your beauty, your innocence, and your sass drive me crazy. That night, I instantly knew you were my mate, and I was head over heels in love with you. I didn’t know it then because I never experienced love before. I lost my mother when I was quite young and my stepmother, Ebony, thought me too feral to live with them. She drove me away from home to a rehabilitation center for treatment. For years, I spent my life there, unwanted, unloved, and bitter. I met Derrick there, and he was all I had. As I grew, I became cold, and vengeful, until I lost my family in a fire. It was much later that I knew the truth. Ebony sent me away to protect me from the Flame Hounds.” I listened i