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
ChaseI woke early, having slept like crap last night. I had to meet with my security team to put my new measures in place for Lyse’s safety first thing and at some point, most likely after the coronation, I had to take her to meet with my dad and her parents. There was still a lot to talk about, and that’s without her knowing we were Fated. After she figures it out, things will get even busier.My assistant Sam entered and threw the heavy drapes open, letting the brightness of the sunlight pour in, eliciting a groan from me.“Sorry, Chase, but it’s time to start the day. I have your schedule here.”, she said, opening her organizer, glancing through the day’s plans.“Uh, Sam?”, I started.She glanced up and immediately turned a bright shade of pink as she glanced back down.“Yeah. Why don’t you at least let me get ready for the day and meet me in the office.”, I said.“Sure. Sorry.”, she said as she turned toward my private office.“No, Sam. My office downstairs.”, I corrected, glanci
ChaseI was pacing back and forth like a caged lion as Sam went over the day’s schedule.“What was that earlier, Sam?”, I asked, interrupting her.“First of all, you’ve never come into my private rooms without permission, then you question my company.”, I started, looking at her.“I- I’m sorry, Chase. The scent of a female in your rooms just caught me off guard for a second. I usually know who’s around you. It’s my job.”, she said.“No. Your job is to handle my schedule and administrative duties. My private life doesn’t fall under your umbrella of duties.”, I informed her.“I know. I just- we’ve known each other for so long…”, she began.“We have.”, I said, cutting her off. “However, I think that things have become too familiar.”, I continued, noticing her expression of shock and hurt.“All of this because I misspoke?”, she asked.“Not just that, Sam. It was crossing a line. Boundaries have to be put in place moving forward. I’m to be King tonight. That means a new set of rules. For e
ChaseFinally. I thought, impatient to have this line gone so that I could get out of here.I kept glancing around the room, searching her out as she walked around with her mother, talking to members from other packs. She was truly stunning to me. She walked with confidence and poise as she stopped to talk, her eyes seeking mine, giving a small smile when she saw me watching her.I looked up and saw that I was down to the last few well wishers, Havoc pacing with agitation and the need to mate our fated.‘Calm, Havoc. Almost done.’, I said.He all but roared his frustration in my head. I was feeling it too.I was down to my last guest. I looked up to find Harper watching me with a predatory gleam in her eyes as she stepped forward and placed her hand on my forearm.“Congratulations, Your Royal Highness”, she said, eyebrow raised. She ran her tongue over her top lip, becoming bolder as she looked at me.“Thanks, Harper.”, I replied, shaking her hand off of me.“I was thinking that I’d m
DoranI watched them from the shadows, planning.I saw the daughter of Mahogany Mountain’s Alpha go, a look of frustration and irritation on her face. Interesting.I’ll file that away for examination later. I’d bet that the exchange that I saw had some jealousy laden words along with it.I looked back to the window into the palace ballroom, observing her. It had to be her. She had to be the last Astrydian. I felt my dick getting hard looking at her. She was exquisite. And she was mine, even if she didn’t know it yet.I was about to link Simeon as I heard someone yell out…to me.“Hey! Name and your purpose here!”, a guard yelled out, approaching me.I laughed and turned to smoke as he watched on in shock.It was time to make things happen. Before she was marked. Hell, I didn’t even care if she fucked him. For me that part was just the challenge of breaking her, though it was sure to be satisfying as well, thoughts of her hot, wet pussy clinging to my shaft as I pumped in and out of he
ChaseI came back from hunting the Olc that was near the palace. We didn’t catch him, which was pissing Havoc off, but we did hurt him. My guards and warriors were still out following the trail.I had to get back to Lyse.I walked up the stairs and entered my suite, picking up her scent. I smiled to myself, hoping that she’d be the nosey type, at least where I was concerned. And she didn’t disappoint. It looked like she took full advantage of the open door.I inhaled deeply, her scent calming my Lycan as I followed it to my living area, anticipation coursing through my body.I found her curled up in my chair facing the windows that overlooked the forest, fast asleep.I brushed my fingertips over cheek, along her jawline, feeling little sparks run up my arm as I touched her.I leaned down and touched my lips to the shell of her ear, noticing how she moved closer as I said, “Wake up, Sleepyhead.”She looked at me through sleep filled eyes, as though she was waking up from a dream.We sp
ChaseWe made our way into my father’s office, Lyse’s parents and my father giving us smiles as we walked in.Lyse’s face turned pink at their knowing looks.“So”, I began.“So.”, Dad said, a smirk coming to his lips. I was pretty sure everyone in the room knew what we had been up to, between Lyse’s blush and the fact we only had time to get a quick clean up and not showers.“Congratulations are in order, I hear.”, he said, looking at Lyse.“Yes. And thank you.”, she replied, a bright smile cutting across her beautiful face.Her mom got up to hig her, whispering, “I told you it would be okay.”After a few moments of pleasantries and congratulations, it was time to get down to business.“Lyse.”, he began. “We know this going to be a huge adjustment for you. And we’re all here for you through every part of it.”, he finished, looking at her.“It is, and thank you. I’m sure I’m going to need some guidance along the way.”, she said gracefully.Dad looked at the Mitchells. “She’s going to b
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