Adrian’s POVEvery alarm in my head starts screaming when the elderly groundskeeper approaches us, and judging by the frozen smile on his face he feels exactly the same way. He is the first werewolf I’ve ever met that isn’t afraid of the church. “Lycan,” he whispers softly.Pippa looks at him then at me. “What? How does he know?”“He’s a werewolf,” I answer softly. “He can smell us." I hold my hand out to the groundskeeper. "I’m Father Hans,” I say as if nothing has happened, hoping that the man will catch the hint. “This is Sister Theresa.”The old werewolf shakes his head and tries to smile at me when he shakes my hand. “Don’t…don’t hurt me. I ain’t bothering no one. I jest wanna live me life.”“What’s going on?” Pippa asks.Dammit. So much for hiding out here. I sigh and shake my head at the old wolf. “I’m not here to harm you. I’m hiding, just like you.”“You’re not here to take me to that Alpha Caspian fella?”“No. Why would I?”“He pays people to bring him rogues-” the old man l
Pippa's POV “I’m a what?” “A Cambion.” My head spins like a wild merry-go-round, and I can’t think clearly. I’m half demon. He just said it. How can that even be? How is that possible? “I…I’m the antichrist?” “Noooo,” he says. “That’s not how this works. The antichrist is a very human notion. There’s no such thing.” “How can I have a demon parent? Demons can’t die.” “Yeah, no, they can. It takes very specific spell work, but they can absolutely die.” I have gone completely numb. I swear I can't feel anything from the eyebrows down. “But…how? How could I not know that I’m this…this thing? ” “You’re an orphan.” “But…shouldn’t I feel it?” He gave me a lopsided smile. “You do feel it, sweet girl. You said so yourself. You feel wrong and like you don’t belong.” “But…that means I’m evil, right? I’ll go to hell or…or something. I have to. I’m half demon.” He folds his hands around his mug. “You are not evil. You are incredibly good. So good that I’m afraid I’ll…” he shrugs and sip
Adrian's POVThat actually went much better than I thought it would. She is a little freaked out but it’s to be expected. It's not every day that you hear you are part demon. I imagined tearful denials and rending of clothes, but I guess ten days in the company of a Lycan King running for your life really does have a way of changing one’s perspective.I keep an eye on her as she wanders across the farm. There isn’t much here anymore, apart from a few tractors and two Shetland ponies grazing in the paddock. I watch as she casually strolls over to the young chestnut mare and puts her hand on the animal’s flank.The horse whinnies and nervously paws at the ground, but when Pippa puts her head in the pony’s neck, the mare calms right down. A few minutes later, the pony throws her head back and affectionately rests it on Pippa’s shoulder.Whatever else she may be, her kindness is ingrained, and the animal can sense it. She doesn’t fear Pippa. Even from the living room window, I can see my
Adrian's POV “Turn around,” I say. “Why?” Pippa asks with a naughty little sparkle in her eyes. “I have to get undressed.” “So-” she says and opens her arms wide -“undress.” I’m suddenly, and acutely aware, that she’s a virgin and has probably never seen a naked man before. I have never felt this awkward before. “Uh…this is really not how I envisioned it.” “Envisioned what?” “You seeing me naked for the first time.” She laughs softly and perches on the edge of the table. “I have to see you naked sometime, don’t I? If we’re mates? Isn’t that where this is heading?” What the actual fuck? “What is going on with you?” “What do you mean?” “Three hours ago you were a shy little virgin girl, now you’re all…this-” I waved my arms in the air -“whatever this is.” “Oh. I don’t know actually. I just know I feel…funny.” “Funny? Funny how?” She shrugs. “Oh God, we need an experienced she-wolf to tell us what's going on here.” “Why?” “I think this is what happens when the bond starts
Pippa's POV Adrian’s eyes darken and he pulls me tightly against him, but he doesn’t do what I want him to do. He doesn’t kiss me. Instead, he rests his lips against my neck. His warm breath against my skin is ragged and erratic. “You need to leave,” he says, his voice low and husky. “Where am I supposed to go?” “Yes, you’re right – I’ll leave.” He vaults over the table to the other side and runs out of the back door, disappearing from view before I even know what happened. The strange desires I’ve had ever since I returned from the paddock settle down and the urge to throw myself at Adrian passes. I’ve never acted like that in my life, and I wait for the familiar old feelings of guilt and shame, but this time it doesn’t happen. Good. That's good. It's tiresome feeling guilty all the damn time. Smiling to myself, I leave the kitchen and go in search of something to do. The little cottage is spotless, and all I can find to read are a few old religious magazines the previous occup
Adrian's POV The last two weeks had been hell. No matter which way I turn, there she is. I can smell her everywhere, and the more time passes, the worse it gets. Slowly but surely Monty has been rallying the rogues. Every morning, he disappears into the woods, staying away all day and returning with two or three bedraggled and terrified-looking wolves. I had received no warrior training myself, but some of the rogues used to be Caspian’s warriors and they have enough experience to help me get started. At least I’m being kept busy enough by the paperwork each new arrival generates. At some point, I won’t be able to justify everyone that suddenly started moving to the farm, and I’d have to make other arrangements for the new arrivals. The little office adjoining the chapel is the only place where I can get a moment to myself. I crave the companionship of pack life, but I have also grown used to solitude over the years and I need that too. I look up from the paperwork just in time t
Caspian's POV “Maybe we should go on a date or something,” Denise says. “Get out of the palace so you can clear your head.” “No.” Denise is my mate. I have her because I need a Luna. The pack insists on it, and it makes them stronger, but I love her about as much as I love my other bitches. She’s useful, that’s all. I never understood the mate bond. I don’t understand wolves that will live and die for their mates. Denise loves me to the point of simpering adulation. She’ll do anything for me. It annoys the shit out of me, and some days I catch myself fantasising about killing her. Maybe one day. When I don't need her anymore. When I have the Cambion. I can see it so clearly in my head. Slitting her open from throat to groin and dipping my hands in her warm, sticky blood. Stroking my hard cock, I order, “Get on the bed." Giggling like a little teenager in love she jumps on the bed and stands on all fours, ass in the air, eager to feel me inside her. There was a time, right at th
Pippa's POV Adrian is quiet while we eat supper. He somehow managed to avoid me all day. After I told him about Tammy, the she-wolf who explained to me how to take his mark, he left with some lame excuse about inspecting the bakery. He did not come back until the wolves who took it upon themselves to cook our food called him in for supper. “What’s the deal with these wolves serving us?” I ask just to break the silence. “Hm?” Adrian grunts and looks up from his plate. He hasn’t eaten a thing, just moved his food from one side to the other. “The wolves that keep…doing stuff for us?” He drops his head again and doesn’t even look up when he answers me. “They’re Omegas. It’s in their nature to serve.” He’s not the same man I met nearly a month ago. The one who snuck into the storage room and whispered sexy promises in my ear. It’s as if he fears me now. “Why won’t you look at me?” Slowly he lifts his head to stare at me. His eyes are on fire with dark desire, and his jaw is so tightl
Dear Readers, And so we have reached the end of Adrian and Pippa's journey. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it - although this was a painful and difficult story to write at times. I am always short on words at the end of a book. I never know how to properly thank my dear readers for all your support and kindness. A 'thank you for reading' always seems inadequate to me, but please know that it means so, so much to my dark little heart. Your love for Adrian and Pippa brightened my days, and more than once your comments made me smile. Thank you for every gem, comment, review and word of support. Much love as always,Celice
Adrian’s POV In the weeks and months that followed Caspian’s death, the kingdom was in turmoil. No one knew what to expect from the new Lycan king, and everyone went on as if Caspian was still alive. They feared me as they feared him. After the execution of the traitors, Bryce and Terrance went back to their families and lives as pack Alphas. It was what they wanted and they deserved to live free and happy lives. Slowly, but surely, people started to realise that things are changing. One day, the Lycans started coming home. I thought the ones that were at the palace were all that was left of our kind, but I was wrong. Over the months, dozens showed up, including Thespian – Pippa’s father. They had been in hiding all this time, waiting for their true king's return so they could come home. We tracked down Denise’s family, and her sister came to fetch the Berger children. They asked for leave to change their names, which I granted, and they left. Their pack had been devastated like so
Pippa's POV For a long time, no one moves. It’s as if the world itself is holding its breath. I can scarcely believe it. After all these months of running and hiding, after all the years of torment Caspian wreaked upon the wolves, it’s over. Just like that it all comes to an end. I can't quite place myself in their shoes. I only had a glimpse of the suffering they have suffered, and that was bad enough. How immense their relief must be. How complete. Adrian gets to his feet and pulls back his aura. The terrified warriors don’t move. Even Bryce can’t seem to find the words, and simply stands there, staring at Caspian's lifeless, headless body. It's a fitting end for a man who kept two heads in a jar for more than a week, I suppose. Adrian looks up at me with eyes that are filled with tears. I can’t sense his emotions as strongly as he can sense mine, but I know that despite his remorse for killing Caspian, he’s relieved, overjoyed, and a little scared. I don’t know if he truly wants
Adrian's POVWith Ryker by my side, we sneak across the overgrown land bridge. Far below us, the ocean churns and smashes against the cliffs, signaling the incoming tide.We swing to the left, keeping to the palace walls until we reach a hole in the fence. We crawl through it into an unkempt garden. I suppose at one time it might have been beautiful, but the fountains are crumbling and ivy is growing out of control, strangling the rest of the garden to death.“Glad to see he took such good care of the place,” I say.“The last year or so, things started to unravel quickly. That’s why I left. He began to look at me in the same way he looked at the Stonefang twins.”“Yeah, that sucks,” I say. “Maybe you shouldn’t have helped him to kill his father, hm?”“Hindsight is a luxury many can't afford. The two of us included.”I decide it's better to shut up. He's right. As we make our way through the eerily quiet gardens, I ask, “Why did you do it?”“Carter was going to name Damien his heir. At
Pippa's POVI open the window and inhale deeply. I have never seen the ocean. The rising sun glitters on the deep blue water and the air smells fresh and clean. I lick my lips and taste salt on my skin. Smiling, I have to resist the urge to stick my head out of the window like a dog.The cold wind wakes Tammy and she scoots over to my side to look out of the window with me. “It’s so big,” she says in awe.Lucille looks over her shoulder at us. “Have you two never seen the ocean before?”“What yeh be talking about woman?” Monty asks with a smile. “I’ve never even seen the sea, have I? We lived where we was born, we did.”Beautiful as the ocean and the surrounding coastland are, I’m eager to get to Adrian. There's no time to slow down and enjoy it. Time is growing short, and for all we know he might have already invaded. “How much longer?” I ask.“Another hour or so.”I glance at the clock on the dashboard. It’s already seven. We’re not going to make it at this pace. "Can you speed up,
Adrian's POVWhile I’m busy talking to Pippa, the scouts I sent out to get the lay of the land return. As quickly as I can, I end our conversation so I can pay attention to my wolves. “There are no guards,” the first scout says."Are you sure?"“Yes,” another agrees. “It's strange. No guards, no children laughing, people talking, not even the scent of food cooking. There's nothing…the place looks deserted.”I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. When everyone told me that Caspian was alone, I didn’t think they meant that he is completely alone, but that seems to be the case. “What about lights?” Bryce asks.“One, Beta,” the scout says. “At the topmost tower overlooking the land bridge.”I side-eye Bryce. I can already see which way his head is turning. “He won’t be there. It’s like a beacon.”“A trap?” he asks.“Perhaps.” I answer. “Or maybe someone forgot to switch off the light before they left.” I turn back to the scouts. “Anything else?”“No, King.”“Thank you. You may go.”I
Pippa's POV “Who are you?” “I was a friend of your mother’s.” At that exact moment, Adrian decides that it’s a good time to stop blocking me. “Pippa? What’s wrong?” “Nothing,” I lie. There’s nothing he can do anyway. He’s too far away. I wish I knew how to block him so he wouldn't feel my emotions. There must be a way - if he can do it, so can I. “Tell him that you are fine,” Lucille says as if reading my mind. “I am not going to harm you.” “I already did,” I tell her, “but he won’t believe me.” Lucille gently squeezes my upper arm. “It’s true. You will be just fine.” “Pippa?” Adrian asks in my head. “You need to talk to me.” “I’m fine,” I reply. Even if I’m not, I get to talk to him one last time and just hearing his voice makes me a little less afraid of what's to come. “Where are you?” I decide to change the subject, and perhaps buy myself a little time so I can talk to my mate just a while longer. “On the border of Azuria. We invade tomorrow.” “Are you scared?” “Scared
Pippa's POVI didn’t think it was possible to feel this bad and live to talk about it.When I woke up, I thought I was just tired and not used to an all-night sex session, but I feel sicker and sicker as time moves on.At first, I try to ignore it so I can help the Omegas to break the camp, but after an hour, Tammy stops me. "Have you tried to shift? Maybe that will heal you."I haven't even thought of that. With Tammy by my side, we go back to tent where I attempt to shift, but I can't. I try to talk to River, but she doesn't answer me. I don't tell Tammy, but she's not stupid and I can see the concern on her face. "Maybe you just need some sleep," she says.“I can’t let you do everything by yourselves,” I disagree.“No offence, my queen,” Tammy replies, “but you are just in the way. We have enough hands. You are sick. You need to rest.”I don’t have it in me to keep fighting with her. I thought I had been sick before, but the monthly sniffles I used to get before my wolf woke are no
Adrian's POVFor once, no one bothers us, but I wish they would. It would make me feel better. I feel as if I failed these people. I should have done something sooner, instead of hiding in the church like a fucking coward.Tonight, the campfires are cold, the wolves are quiet, the children are softly sobbing in their tents. “Where are the Berger kids?” I ask Pippa.“Monty gave them their own tent. Brendan didn’t want to stay with us. He says he’s old enough to take care of his own sisters.”“He’ll be a good Alpha.”“Are you sure?” she asks. “Considering his…lineage.”“Do you think people are born cruel?” I ask as I unzip our tent flap and usher her inside. “Denise raised Brendan. He has his mother's kindness and his father's strenght. It's a good combination. With a little guidance, he'll make a great leader.”“A leader without a pack,” Pippa says, her voice reflecting all the sadness I feel.She’s not wrong. If everything the mage told us is to be believed, Caspian wiped out his own