ChaseShe stopped just as we were heading out the door. “Hang on a sec. I just have to do something real quick.”, she said.“Everything ok?”, I asked.“Yeah. Everything’s fine.”, she said as she headed toward her rooms.I stood by the back door waiting for her when I smelled the sickly sweet odor of flowers. I turned around to find Harper standing there, just a little too close for my liking.“What?”, I demanded, annoyed at yet another interruption.“Listen, I realize I may have been a little…overbearing earlier.”, she began.I scoffed, a scowl in her direction earning me the satisfaction of seeing her shrink back, if only for a second. I could feel Havoc peeking through in anger.“What do you want, Harper?”, I asked, my patience growing shorter the longer she was in my presence.“I was just going to say sorry to your little friend, Chase.”I looked at her, pushing my aura out, just a little.“I mean, Your Royal Highness.”, she corrected herself, though it sounded as though she was fo
ChaseHavoc was hot on her trail through the forest, knowing she was headed to the flower field when a scent came through on the breeze, almost as though something had run past.The scent of sulfur and death, just like by the lake.I linked my guards telling them to hurry to the fields.I watched just beyond the line of trees, close to her but out of sight.Out of nowhere, she began to run my way, fear and determination coming through the bond. As I watched, a wolf blacker than the night appeared, its blood red eyes on my mate as it tried to run her down.Havoc used his strength to propel us over her and land between them.No way in hell was anything getting close to her. She is mine.Havoc snarled, baring his fangs as he charged toward the wolf. Out of the blue, it was like he vaporized, nothing left but black smoke and that acrid odor.We ran back to the palace under my personal guard, the rest searching for the intruder.As the adrenaline wore off, I noticed Lyse’s wolf starting to
At the second floor landing, Harper watched them go further up, seething with jealousy. Why was he taking her to the third floor? Who is she? Harper intended to find out. No way was she giving up her chance to be queen and expand her dad’s influence and power, and in turn her own. Not to mention, him. She had been after the Lycan prince for some time, but her attempts at getting him in bed had never worked.Annalyse“Hey.”, I heard from a distance. I shifted to get more comfortable. I was having the best dream. In it, I was resting my head on Chase’s shoulder, running my hands down the ridges of his stomach, delighting in every cut of his abs. He had his hands in my hair, a soft groan escaping him as his muscles tensed under my touch. The sounds he made spurring me on as my hand grazed the top of his jeans, his button undone, my fingertips just sliding inside, provoking a hiss of need from him.My lips pressed against his throat as my leg climbed over his, his thigh now pressing in
I answered the knock that came, glad that my mate was getting looked at. I was more than concerned at her lack of healing.I opened the door to find Dr. Jamison, bag in hand and a look of concern creasing his brow.“Your Roy-”, he began,I cut him off. “Dr. Jamison, thank you for coming so late.”, I said quickly.“Of course, Sir. Now why am I here? Are you injured?”I glanced back to see that Lyse was dozing off, and gestured for the doctor to step further into the hall.He looked at me with some confusion. “Is everything alright?”“No. I just wanted to fill you in on a few things before you head in.”, I said.“Of course.”, he replied, looking at me expectantly.I didn’t miss what the look of confusion meant as he kept glancing at the doors that my mother used to live behind.“We’ve been having a problem with what seems to be a rogue pack on the borders. Most of the pack is aware of this as we have warned everyone to stay in groups and keep an eye out as they go about their daily busi
I woke again as Chase and a man with kind eyes and a doctor’s bag walked in.“Hi”, I said, as they walked to me.“Lyse, this is Doctor Jamison. He’s going to take a look to see what can be done to speed your healing. Doctor Jamison, this is Lyse.”, Chase introduced.“Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”, he regarded me with a smile and twinkle in his eyes.“Please, just Lyse. Ma’am makes me sound like I’m my mother or something.”, I grinned, and winced at the same time.He looked to Chase for the flash of a second and I noticed Chase giving him an almost imperceptible nod.“I’ve been filled in a bit, but I’d like to hear from you and see what we’re dealing with here.”, he said, unzipping his bag.“Well, uh, we went for a run tonight and everything was great. Until we got to the flower fields.”, I began, the doctor waiting patiently for me to continue.“I stopped, waiting, and then out of nowhere, a black wolf with the deepest red eyes I’ve ever seen came charging toward me. I ran back
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
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