I walked the doctor out to the landing, not wanting to get too far away from Lyse.“Well?”, I asked him.“Well, I’ve seen this before, but not since the Astrydian’s bordered us. Given that there are no more, this is perplexing.”, he said, a mark of concentration appearing in the middle of his forehead.“Why is that?”, I asked.“Because only one pack is known to be able to leave a mark like that. And only one pack could be affected in the way she has been, until now. I need to get this sample back to my lab and bring her the poultice. We may also need to speak to the King, Your Royal Highness.”, he said.“I’m already on it, Dr. Jamison. Thank you so much for coming tonight to care for her.”, I said, the sincerity in my words softening his gaze.“Of course, Highness. It’s my honor. And congratulations.”, he returned, a small smile on his face as he walked away.I told my guards to allow no one up, except the doctor when he returned. I have to get the measures in place for her protection
ChaseI went back down the hall and knocked on Lyse’s door.“Come in”, she answered, sounding on the edge of tears.I opened the door and looked into beautiful ocean blue eyes swimming with unshed tears.“Are you ok? What can I do to help?”, I asked, hating to see her in so much pain. Havoc was ready to rip through my skin.“I feel like such a baby, Chase! It just hurts so bad. I hope the doctor will be back soon.”, she said, a single tear trailing down her cheek.I cupped the side of her face and wiped it away with my thumb.“It’s ok, Lyse. You’re not a baby. You’re in pain. And it looks painful. Do you want me to sit with you again?”, I asked, hoping to hold her and ease her pain.She looked at me, a pink flush creeping up her cheeks.“I do. But after earlier, it just feels a little awkward.”, she said, avoiding my gaze.Time to lay some of my cards out on the table.“Lyse, I’m attracted to you too.”, I blurted.Shock flitted through her eyes as they rose to meet mine.“You are? But
Doran“Well? Have you found her yet?”, Doran demanded, anger boiling just under the surface.“I believe I have. But there may be a problem, if she is who I believe.”, Simeon answered as he paced, thinking.“What’s the problem?”, he asked, impatience oozing from every part of him.“I saw who I believe to be the girl when I was out on patrol searching tonight. I can’t be sure quite yet, but I felt a stronger pull toward her. I’ll know more tomorrow night.”, Simeon answered.“Why tomorrow? We aren’t even certain of her exact date of birth.”, Doran questioned.“I know, but the full moon will enhance her abilities, if the girl I suspect is indeed the one we’re looking for. However, the problem I mentioned?”, he started.“Continue.”, Doran motioned with his hands.“She was running tonight. I thought I had her. She’s fast. Very fast. I do think that I may have injured her, but I’m not completely certain. But the bigger issue is, she was running with the Lycan Prince.”, he finished, looking a
ChaseI walked back into Lyse’s suite with the poultice and doctor’s instructions.“Is it here?”, she asked me, her eyes begging for relief.“Yes. His instructions are to apply it and bandage it once tonight and twice tomorrow, fresh bandages each time. Do you want me to help?”, I asked.“Please. I’m not entirely sure that I can reach it all.”, she answered.“Ok. Do you think you could stand in the tub if I can get you there? I’d like to rinse it first.”, I told her.“I think so. Good thing that I never got my pants on after our run, huh?”, she said while raising her eyebrows at me.I cleared my throat and picked her up, carrying her to the bathtub.I stood her up and turned the water to luke warm as she leaned against me, doing her best to remain upright under her own power.“Sorry, Chase. I may have to lean against you a little bit.”, she said on a sigh.“It’s ok, Lyse. I don’t mind. Let’s see if we can get this rinsed.”, I said as I picked up a wash cloth and small pitcher.Her sha
AnnalyseIt’s like I can’t control myself. I feel a pull toward him and as soon as his lips touched mine, my body was on fire for this man.The minute the medicine started to cool the burn on my leg was the minute the burn started between my legs. His touch was doing things to me that I had never experienced before.I was all but begging him to ease this new ache that I was feeling without knowing what I really needed, just knowing that I needed…something.His fingertips were brushing over my clit, driving me insane with want. It never felt like this when I touched myself, that’s for sure.I was probably soaking through the comforter on the bed, but I was way past caring, just knowing that I needed him to touch me.“Please, Chase.”, I moaned, bucking against his hand, needing the friction against me.He looked at me, need and want blazing back and forth between us.He began to suck on my neck, where my mate’s mark would be and fireworks went of all throughout my body, needing more of
ChaseGetting out of bed to put my jeans back on, I was elated. Not as happy as I’ll be once I mark her, but for now…wow. I’ve never been with someone so responsive. The way she was in my arms had me craving more.‘You need to tell her, Chase.’, Havoc said. ‘I can feel her guilt through the bond, and there’s nothing for her to feel guilty about.’‘I know. I was hoping to wait until tomorrow, but given that she already feels the pull of the bond, tonight might be the time.’, I answered, feeling guilty for keeping this to myself for as long as I have, no matter the reason.‘If you wait, it might backfire on you. You could really piss her off.’, Havoc said, pacing back and forth.‘You’re probably right.’, I said.I climbed back into bed and pulled her to me. She was beyond quiet, anxiety coming off of her in waves and what looked like tears forming in the corners of her eyes.“Lyse? What’s wrong?”, I asked, knowing the probable answer before she said it.“What did we just do, Chase? We
AnnalyseWhat had I allowed to happen? No, not allowed…encouraged?I wanted him so bad, I didn’t think about the consequences until it was too late.‘Lyse, relax’, Bella said.‘Relax?! How can you say that?’, I argued.‘Because, Lyse, he’s ours.’, she said excitedly‘What do you mean ours?’‘I mean OURS. He and his Lycan are our mates.’, she said.‘There’s no way, Bells.’, I said, not daring to get my hopes up. Chase is the only one that I want.‘But, mom said something about a prophecy and me being the Lycan Prince’s fated. If that’s true, there’s no way that can be right.’, I argued back.I could practically feel Bella’s eyes rolling at me.‘Think about it: the tingly feeling you get every time his skin is even close to yours, the way you got jealous over that Harper bitch, which has never happened before, by the way..’, she started.‘Not to mention how incredibly turned on you get any time he even remotely looks at you, the way your heart speeds up in anticipation. All of it, Lyse.
AnnalyseI woke drenched in sweat, my heart beating triple time, fear racing through my veins. Something was close. I could feel it. And if my dreams meant anything at all, it was almost certain that I was in immense danger.I got up and stripped down again, making sure that my door was locked and opened the balcony door to allow the smells from the forest in.I stood in the dark, feeling the breeze skim along my sweat soaked skin, remembering the dream.I woke up in the field of flowers, trying to remember how I got here. I sure didn’t come out here alone. The last thing that I remember was taking a cup of tea from Tilda while I was in the garden. Surely she wouldn’t have…?‘Run, Bella!’, I screamed as we ran across the field of flowers, the one with crimson eyes chasing like the dreams before.Only this time, there was no Havoc jumping out to ward off danger as I run for the forest.Once I pass the tree line, a much larger version of the black wolf is there, waiting. I turn to go a
AnnalyseI sat there, ears straining to hear what was being said as I tried to reach out to Bella.‘Bells? Are you there? Please answer me.’, I pleaded.Still nothing. As I sat, I began to panic. What would happen if whatever they gave me killed her?I also felt sick again. And hot, like I was going into another heat. But it was way too soon for that.The talking stopped as the footsteps stalled outside the room we were in.I felt nervous and a little scared, especially without my wolf as the door opened slowly and a familiar scent hit my nose.“Well, look who we have here. A visitor for you, Annalyse.”I looked up, shocked to see what my brain already knew.Out of the shadows and into the light walked Cristabell. My other best friend.She looked at me, disgust written all over her face, jealousy blazing in her eyes.“Crista?! What are you doing here?”, I asked, genuinely confused at this point, hoping against hope that she wasn’t being held here too.“What am I doing here?”, she scof
AnnalyseI felt so groggy and I was worried. Really worried. I haven’t been able to talk to Bella since being taken.I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. I felt like I was underground, the walls around me made of stone that had long ago begun to crumble and mold from lack of upkeep.I was in a cell, lying on a dirty mattress that had been thrown down here. No sheet or blanket and despite the time of year, it was pretty cold down here. A single candle was the only light flickering through the darkened space outside of the cell.I sat up against the wall as I tried to reach out to Bella again.‘Bells? What happened? Where did you go? I’m worried.’Nothing. Not even a glimmer that she was there, though I could feel something stirring inside of me.I couldn’t seem to link Chase either.I wanted my mate. Surely he’d be coming for me.The last thing that I remembered was leaving him to go to the bathroom in the packhouse and hearing Asher crying for help.Then everything goes black.“
AnnalyseI came to with a terrible headache and filled with panic. Bella had gone quiet, almost as if she weren’t there at all.‘Bells?’, I reached out to her.Nothing. Not even a stirring.I tried to communicate through linking.Nothing there either.What had whoever grabbed me given me?I tried to clear the fog from my brain when I registered footsteps coming.I closed my eyes, still trying to gather my thoughts, but I didn’t want to hint to whoever was coming that I was awake.“Dammit, Zane! How much did you put on that cloth?”, I heard a deep voice demand. “Enough to knock her out and keep her from fighting me long enough to get her here.”, I heard another answer.“She should be awake by now. I need her alive.”, I heard the first say.“Everyone processes the mixture differently. It’s possible that her wolf is still working it out of her system.”, the second man answered.“That better be all that it is. We’re working on a minimal time frame at best here. He’s going to find her. Hi
ChaseI was beyond pissed. I had heard every word that that vile girl spoke to Lyse. Havoc was itching to get out and do some damage.As I walked through the trees, watching as the girl was about to hit my mate, fury surged through me. Ryker stepped in just in time, willing to allow it to go only so far.I knew that Lyse could handle herself, but it was my job to keep her safe.She was surprisingly calm and collected and handled the situation with as much poise and grace as one could while being called the King’s whore.I knew what she was doing when she said she’d have to think about a proper punishment. Normally, I would’ve just given one myself, but as much as I wanted to, it was her decision to make.The waiting alone would probably drive the girl a little nuts as it was, I thought with a small smile.Lyse confirmed it a moment later.“Waiting should be punishment enough.”, she said.I gave her a small chuckle. “I thought that’s what you were doing.”, I said.“Yeah, well. It proba
AnnalyseThe man at the back of the crowd watched the proceedings with interest, and quietly.No one noticed that he didn’t belong, or even that he was there for that matter. The following celebrations added to the distraction of the already confused crowd and gave him the opportunity to slip away unnoticed.I was walking around the celebration, smiling and nodding while also paying attention to the whispers that surrounded me when no one thought I was there. “The King sure seems awful close to Lyse. What’s going on?”, one girl asked another.“I don’t know, but were you there when he kissed her on his way up to the pack house before?”, the other asked back.I recognized them both from school. Mean girls who had nothing better to do than gossip and well, be mean. Bianca and Eloise.“I knew she was nothing but a little slut. First Jace, now the Lycan King.”, the first said.We had opted not to tell many about the fact that we’re fated mates yet. Mostly because the situation with the O
Annalyse“You are aware that by giving him your blood, you may also transfer some of your Astrydian ability to him as well?”, KIng Arvand asked.“Yes.”, I answered. “And what better man to give them to? He served my father faithfully, has loved my mother and kept me safe and protected all of these years. He should have been a born Astrydian as far as I’m concerned.” I said.My dad pulled me to him in a quick hug. “Thank you, Lyse. It’s been my honor and privilege.”, he said quietly.Chase and King Arvand looked on, Chase turning to his father.“They are both remarkable.”, he said with a small smile.“Yes. They are.”, King Arvand answered.“Alright then. Now that that’s settled, let’s get this show on the road!”, Chase said.“How do you feel, Dad? Are you ready?”, I asked my dad.“Fine and yes.”, he said with a wink as we headed out the door toward the back grounds of the pack house to begin the ceremony.Outside, the night was warm. It seemed as though everyone from the territory was
ChaseThis bastard was really pissing me off. How dare he speak to my mate the way he was. Kudos to her though; she was handling it all beautifully. Grace and dignity befitting the queen that she is was oozing out of her. Watching the confident woman in front of me with the calm demeanor and glowy eyes, I was beyond proud. She was going to be the perfect queen to our packs.When she flipped her hair back to reveal her mark, the shock in his eyes was worth the price of admission.“I… I”, he stuttered.“You what?”, Lyse asked him. “You were just going to apologize? Well, go ahead then.”, she finished, a hand on her hip, waiting.I looked at him, my Lycan command clearly causing him pain. “She’s waiting.”, I said.“I’m sorry.”, he said, hatred and disbelief flaring in his wolf’s brown depths as he worked to fight the command of another Alpha.“I’ve come not only as a guest tonight.”, I started, easing up on the command to make sure he wasn’t too uncomfortable to listen to my words.He s
AnnalyseI smiled as Chase winked and closed the office door behind him. I was trying to calm my anxiety, nervous for what I knew would be a pretty big confrontation.“I’m going to run to the bathroom real quick”, I said to my parents as I turned to head toward one of the packhouse bathrooms.“Are you alright? You look a little pale, Sweets.”, Dad said with concern.“I’m okay. I think it’s just the anxiety of everything that’s happening. I think it’s catching up with me. That’s all.”, I said, knowing that that had to be it. It’s been a whirlwind of the last few weeks.“I’ll be right back.”“Should I come with you?”, Mom asked, starting to stand.“No, don’t worry. I’m just going down the hall.”, I assured her, knowing that Chase wanted me safe, but figuring that I’d only be a couple of hundred feet away.I walked down the hall in a hurry. I could feel my stomach getting ready to revolt any second and I had to get there before it did.I closed the door and locked it just in time to turn
ChaseI gave Lyse a quick wink as Ryker entered and I closed the door behind us and stepped next to my father, giving him a nod.“Everything is ready, Your Majesties.”, Collin said, a smile of pride on his face. One that was about to come crashing down.“It is.”, I started. “However, I’m afraid that it’s not Jace who’s to become Alpha today.”, I finished, letting my words register.The office was silent as my words died away. I would wait for as long as it took him to grasp my meaning. He who speaks first loses, after all.Collin looked from me to my father and then back again, his face beginning to pale.“What are you saying?”, he asked slowly, as though waiting for the confirmation of his thoughts.I was happy to oblige. I tossed a file down onto his desk. All of the damning evidence against his son now available for him to see.He picked it up and began to thumb through it. My guys had been busy gathering statements of the girls he had been rough with, and in some cases forced unde