This chapter contains content that may be difficult for some readers.Ryder saw Cressida ahead and shifted into Axel. When he got to where she had been standing, she was gone. He looked around frantically."Where are you? I just saw Cressida disappear," He mindlinked Zoe. There was no response. Axel tried to pick up her scent, but there wasn't anything. They ran around the area calling for her, but she was gone.Axel ran as fast as he could back to the pack house. They needed to get to Cressida and stop whatever plans she had for Zoe immediately. When he reached the house, he saw all the witch's soldiers were dead. He quickly mindlinked the pack."Cressida took Zoe. We have to go to her forest and get Zoe back now." Everyone in the pack came running to where Axel stood tall with fire blazing in his eyes. "Nathan, bring all the warriors except for two. Anyone else that's been training to fight can come as well. If you're scared or haven't been training with Nathan o
This chapter contains content that may be difficult for some readers."Ryder, please hurry. I'm chained to a wall with silver chains, and she's raping me. If you can come now, you may be able to catch her off guard." Zoe felt relief flood her body, knowing Ryder was almost there. She tried to block out what Cressida was doing to her, hoping desperately to see him come through the door."We're on the edge of her forest. Ariel is trying to find a way in without alerting Cressida. Just hold on. I promise she'll pay for everything she's put you through." Ryder answered. The anger he felt knowing what was happening to Zoe when he was so close made him see red. "What's wrong with you? I'm fucking you with my mouth, and you don't even have the decency to enjoy it." Cressida said angrily from her spot on the floor. She was pissed. Zoe was acting like she wasn't having any effect on her. "What can I say. I'm not into nasty women who are centuries old. You don't turn me o
Warning. Portions of this chapter may be difficult for some readers. Zoe, Ryder, Ariel, and the wolves returned to the pack house to the sounds of excitement. Ryder had mindlinked ahead so everyone would know Cressida was dead and they were on their way home. Nick and Darina were waiting for them with clothes. Once dressed, Zoe ran to her parents, crying. She had been scared she would never see them again. "We're so glad you made it out of there safely. Did she hurt you?" Darina asked, kissing Zoe's cheek. "Not much physically. I don't want to talk about what else she did. It's too humiliating," Zoe said as Ryder walked over to them. She let go of her parents and hugged him. "She was evil and loved to mess with people's lives. What she did and forced you to do is not your fault. You shouldn't feel any guilt or shame. I love you," Ryder stroked her head as he held her tightly. He could feel Zoe's shame through the mate bond. She looked up at him with tears
"I don't understand. What do you mean you had to sacrifice yourselves?" Ryder asked, feeling the tears well up in his eyes. He wanted to hug them, but he was scared to touch them."That was the deal we made with the moon goddess. She would let us live in this realm so we could watch over you and help when the time came, but it was only temporary. We should have died many years ago when Connor killed us," Thane answered. He could feel his life slipping away. Even though he knew it was coming, it didn't make the pain he saw in Ryder's eyes hurt any less."Why didn't you tell us?" Ryder asked as he fell to his knees in front of them. Zoe dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around him. "We didn't want it to have any effect on what you needed to do. Killing Cressida was important. You not only saved Zoe, but you also saved the world. We have something we need to say before we go." Azra answered, sounding extremely weak."Okay," Ryder replied. "When you return,
"What do you think? Do you want to be the queen?" Ryder mindlinked Zoe. He had expected this conversation, but he and Zoe hadn't had time to discuss it. "I never thought about it. What do you think?" She asked. Being a queen and ruling over all the shifters was something that she could have never imagined. Would they even want her as a queen?"Think about what my parents said and what the moon goddess said. I think this is something we're supposed to do. If you don't accept it, they would have to leave the throne to someone who isn't part of your family. Power can change a person, and whoever takes over may not be the right fit to rule. Look at Cressida. Her need for power is what killed her. I'll support you no matter what you want to do." Ryder was nervous about being a ruler, but he felt sure his parents and Selene were telling them it was their destiny. "Let's do it," Zoe smiled at him as they turned toward her parents."You don't have to make your decision
The following day, after saying their goodbyes, Zoe, Ryder, Nick, Darina, and the palace guards left in the helicopter. It took a couple hours to get there, but Zoe and Ryder enjoyed the ride.They watched in disbelief as the enormous palace came into view. It was all white with gold accents. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. The helicopter landed on a large flat service on the palace roof. About a dozen people were waiting as they descended the steps of the helicopter."Zoe, Ryder, this is my assistant, Heron." Nick introduced them to an average-built man with thin grey hair. He looked at Zoe with tears in his eyes as he bowed to the young couple."It's so good to see you again, princess, and to meet you, young prince. We have been anxiously awaiting your arrival. This is Orson; he's the palace's butler and will ensure all your needs are met." Heron looked toward a tall thin man with black hair and piercing blue eyes. He bowed to them."Good afternoon," Or
Five Years LaterRyder was sitting behind his desk listening to an alpha from a nearby pack discuss rogues attacking his pack. Unfortunately, the rogues have become a big problem recently. Ryder agreed to send a few warriors with him to see if they could help find and eliminate the rogues. Once the alpha left, Ryder ran upstairs to his and Zoe's bedroom. When he walked inside, Zoe was lying there waiting on the physician. She smiled at him."How are you feeling?" He asked, rubbing her swollen belly. She was getting ready to deliver their second pup. A female, this time, they had decided to name Samira. Their son Lucas was being kept busy by Darina and Nick until his sister's arrival. "I feel great. Did you have time to meet with the alpha?" Zoe asked. She wasn't really having any pain, but Lyra said it was time."Yeah, I sent a few warriors with him to help with the rogues." They turned toward the door when there was a knock. Dr. Brenton Dean stuck his head in.
10 Years LaterJessi's P.O.V. The day has finally come. The day I can show the world that I'm more than just a she-wolf and the daughter of a warrior. I have been waiting for this day my entire life. As I pack my suitcase, I feel a mixture of emotions. Excitement to finally prove myself, nervousness that they will disqualify me just because I'm female, and fear that I'm not good enough. I'm eighteen, and people often underestimate me based on my looks and size. Men have told me I'm beautiful with my long black hair and dark brown eyes, but I don't really care about my looks. I've been training to be a warrior since I was four, and I'm stronger than people give me credit for. I knew from the time I was a pup that this was my destiny. King Ryder and Queen Zoe have always encouraged me to be what I want. What I want is to be a warrior at the palace. Growing up in the Dark Moon Guardians Pack and being the daughter of the lead warrior gave me ac
One Year LaterDavina's P.O.V.I look down at my sleeping daughter, Aleigha, in my arms and smile. She's almost six months old. If she only knew what we went through to have her. One day, I'll be sure to tell her. She has red hair just like me and dark brown eyes like Jock. Despite Trevor's constant teasing that our baby could be Karl's, Rmina assured us that the spell would have killed any viable sperm, so there was no way it could cause me to get pregnant. After defeating Surtur, everything calmed down around here. Jill and Karl returned home to have their twins with a promise they would visit and that they could visit us any time. I didn't let them fight with us because they hadn't trained, and Jill was pregnant, but I was so grateful they had come to help when we needed it. All of our other guests remained at the palace. Zoe and Ryder were fine with all the new people. We're truly a family.Everyone has little ones now. We have a baby phoenix,
Davina's P.O.V. Xantha moves to stand with Surtur while the other demons run toward us. It's time for the battle to begin. Izzy and Shadow return to the skies to do what they can. Our side spreads out, with everyone sticking with their mates. A demon runs toward me and Jock. I leap in the air and kick him in the face while blowing my dust on him to blind him. Jock uses his sword, piercing it through his heart and then cutting off his head. We toss him into the crack that Surtur made. It actually helps us so we can send all the demons where they deserve to go, to burn in hell. We move on to the next one, and I see the others are doing the same as we did, sending the demons to hell. Izzy swoops down, chomps two demons in half, and spits them into the hole in the ground. Shadow picks one up with his talons and tears him apart before sending him to hell. Malantha and Maelani are working with Dion to
Davina's P.O.V. "How did they get you and the kids?" I mindlink Zoe, Ryder and everyone who's fighting with us. "We were hiding in the basement with the kids when we were suddenly outside, and the demons had us. I don't understand how it happened." Zoe mindlinks us back. I can hear the desperation in her voice. This sounds like something Cressida would do, but she's dead. It has to be a witch. Just as I'm about to mindlink everyone, a woman walks out from behind the demons. She's beautiful with long reddish blonde hair, but her eyes are completely black. "She's a witch and not just any witch. Her magic is darker than we've ever seen. Everyone be careful." I mindlink them. "Well, hello there, fine palace dwellers. I have been anxious to meet the people who killed Cressida. I'm Xantha." I glare at the witch. I want to squash her with my foot, but I can't do anything until
Davina's P.O.V.When we see the hounds and lower demons, I look at Jessi. We all know this is only Surtur's first attack. He'll save the best for last, so we need to reserve our energy. "Everyone stay back. Let me take care of these rats." I make myself tiny and fly over those running through the gates. I sprinkle my dust as I go. They all turn into giant rats. Hmmmm, what dance shall we have them do? I know this isn't the time for fun and games, but we need a little laughter before we face the fire demon. I've got the perfect song. I return to the others, and they all look at me."Come on, fellas, show us what you got." I clap my hands, and the rats all line up in rows, standing on their hind legs. When they begin singing and dancing, everyone howls with laughter. "You have them singing Y.M.C.A.?" Jessi asks while wiping the tears from her eyes."Yep, why was there something else you'd rather hear?" Jessi shakes her head while pulling out
Davina's P.O.V. After Karl gave his sample to Rmina. We got him, and Jill settled into a guest room. Rmina kicked me out of her bedroom when I kept asking her how much longer it would be, so now I'm pacing in the hallway. I could make myself tiny and get back in, but I don't want to make her mess up the potion. Jock is leaning against the wall, watching me. This is our chance to have a baby, and we both feel anxious. When the door to Rmina and Trevor's bedroom opens, I stop. Rmina walks out with a smile, holding up a small glass bottle. "I made it into an oil. You need to rub it all over your body and let it soak in for an hour, and then you can take a shower. After that, you should be able to get pregnant." She hands me the small bottle and I wrap my arms around her. "Thank you. I love you, Rmina." She chuckles and hugs me back. "I love you too, you crazy fai
Davina's P.O.V. "So, can I have some of your semen?" I look at Jill and Karl, and they both look like they're ready to run away. Jessi, Wyatt, and Trevor are laughing so hard I think they might fall over. This is no laughing matter."Why do you need Karl's semen?" Jill asks. I guess I should have explained it a little better."I need it so I can have a baby. So can I have some?" The others are laughing even harder while Jock's hold on me gets stronger. What is wrong with everyone? I'm telling the truth. Jill stands in front of Karl like she's going to attack me if I get near him."You want to have sex with my mate?" She asks through clenched teeth. I shake my head."Let me explain." Rmina steps forward. I wish her luck because I told them what I needed it for. What else is there to say? "I'm Rmina, and I'm a witch. The demon Asmodeus had a spell placed on Davina so she couldn't get pregnant with anyone except him. She is now mated to Jock, the man w
Rmina's P.O.V.While the others are going through the palace looking for any more spies, Trevor and I are working on a special project. Even though Asmodeus is dead, the spell on Davina is still in place. I need to find a way to remove it. I feel bad now that she's explained why she always picks on me. It has to be hard on her knowing she can't get pregnant when she wants a child so badly. "Any luck?" Trevor asks, putting his arms around me from behind. "Not yet, but I think I'm getting closer," I answer as he kisses my cheek. Most people see him as nothing more than a warrior, but I know the truth. Trevor has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. He doesn't always know how to show it because, let's face it, Gabe and Cressida weren't exactly good role models. His hands slide down to my belly to cover my small bump where our son is growing. "I can't wait until he's here," Trevor says against my ear. "Me neither. I know he's a pup, but
Gabriel's P.O.V. No one ever asks for my help. Most people don't even know I exist. They think of other shifters like wolves or bears, but there aren't many like me. I'm an alicorn. My alicorn's name is Thunder. He's dark gray with blue eyes like mine. We're running to the palace rather than flying because we'd be noticed by humans. Selene reached out to me and asked for my assistance. I was honored that she considered me. I spend all my time alone. After my parents left me when I was a foal, I've been alone ever since. They said I could take care of myself because I was a shifter. That was over twenty years ago, and I'm now thirty. Thunder reaches the palace gates and shifts. An advantage of being an alicorn is that we have a little magic and can shift without removing our clothes. I run my fingers through my golden brown hair while the guards look at me with their mouths open. Well, at least someone is impresse
Surtur's P.O.V. I can't believe that idiot thought he could go after Davina and the others with guns blazing but with no plan. Well, that's one nuisance out of the way. Asmodeus wasn't even worthy to be down here, in my opinion. He was too caught up in all his women. I understand he was the demon of lust, but there is more to life than sex. One of my hounds was spying on him, and he saw the entire fight. Even I almost laughed when he said Davina made Asmodeus and his hounds do the Macarena. That fool was probably madder than hell. He didn't have a firm grip on anything, it seems. Two of his daughters and his head hound turned their backs on him and chose another life. That would never happen to me. The people around me know if there was any type of insubordination, they would be dead. I look at the demons in front of me who have agreed to go against Satan and take over the Earth. It is time that w