-NIA'S POV-Wincing and grimacing, I gazed through the windscreen and the window from the passenger's seat. “Where are we going?”The muscles in Lykoan’s jaws tightened, and his knuckles wrapped around the steering wheel a little tighter.Lykoan was silent the entire time when he put me into the Porsche and sped off. He drove like a furious madman and there was no opportunity to jump out.We traveled for miles through woodlands and towns and hit a freeway. Not even stopping for the flashing police who blared their sirens, chasing us after he broke every road code and drove on the shoulder of the road. I covered my eyes with one hand when it became too much to bear.Talk about pure terror!At one point, the vehicle slowed down, and I removed my hands hoping we were at our destination. To my horror, he punched the gas pedal and my entire life flashed before my eyes when he pulled the old switcheroo and jumped back on the old freeway.“You do see that fuel tanker that we are about to sla
-LYKOAN’S POV-“Good girl.” I appraised her for finally doing as I told her.Staring at her angrily scrunched-up face, she exhaled a frustrated sigh and closed her eyes. The way her brows creased made something inside me twist. I couldn't resist using my fingers to gently iron them out. In the same way, that's how I wanted to smooth out all her worries.There's something about these sparks that made me not want any other man feeling them. At least not from her. They belonged to Sultan.I folded my arms, wondering what was taking her so long. The rage built every second that she was privately talking to the guy when I didn't know what they were saying. This was not about the bilious jealousy that churned in my gut or the overbearing possessiveness that Sultan meted out to her.It was about making sure that the dude couldn’t break her heart again. He had to understand that Nia was protected by me and if he ever came within fifty feet of her, he would be a dead man.There was also the ma
-NIA’S POV-“Stop here.” I decided to leave Julius at an intersection on the boulevard that was lined with rows of Cape Cod houses. “This spot is good.”We hid behind a tall inkberry shrub at the side of a yellow house on a corner lot.“Ms. Nia, my instructions were never to leave your side and keep you safe.” Julius’ eyes narrowed with concern, unwilling to disobey Lykoan's order.“Well, too bad because your boss is not the boss of me.” I rolled my eyes and decided to explain. “We have to be careful because I have enemies here,” I replied, reaching my hands behind my perspiring neck to bundle my hair. “I want you to act as a gardener and be on the lookout.”I twirled my strands around into a messy high bun and snatched Julius’ black cap, putting it on.The crevice between his eyebrows deepened as he deliberated. “I'll be at the hedges. I'll make a whistle if anyone is approaching.”“Give me half an hour.” I nodded in agreement, wiping the moisture from my brows, and parted from him,
-NIA’S POV-Shell-shocked. My body tensed and I wanted to sink into the floor and vanish away. My nerves felt wired and uneasiness clawed inside of me.It's as though his brooding presence cast an eclipse over me. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't blink.Those devilish cobalt eyes remained stubbornly on me, and oh so slowly, his lips moved, and he breathed out like he had been enduring torture. “Nia? Is that really you?”He stumbled back. Momentarily losing his balance, his body rocked by the sheer force of the sudden realization.A moment of silence ensued before I shook my head. I blinked at my worst nightmare as my mind sluggishly came to grip the god-awful reality.“Dalton?” I hissed, lowly. The name tasted like poison on my lips.The sight of him was like a sting in my chest. A deep, sharp stake, pushing right into my heart, the longer I stared at him.Panic surged through my veins, plunging me into full terror mode. I was not prepared to see him this soon. Not when
-NIA’S POV-Veins throbbed on Dalton’s forehead. He squeezed my neck harder and his knuckles whitened.“Back away from the lady,” Julius threatened with concern in his soot-black eyes.“Are you the chivalry police?” Dalton huffed, turning his head with his dark eyes sizing up the guy standing at the threshold. “Name and purpose.”Julius replied, stoically, “I'm here to help Nia retrieve her belongings.”Dalton's eyes slung at mine with a dangerous glint in them. “You dare to bring a rogue into my pack!” He squeezed my throat aggressively, jerking me so that my head thudded against the wall.My heart shrieked, and I coughed, unable to answer.“Sir,” Julius intervened, trudging forward. “We did not come to make trouble. Nia and I will go if you could please release her.”“Who are you to talk here? Are you her new lover?” Dalton switched positions. He yanked me in front of him, arresting my upper arms to hold me hostage. “Are you the man who left these disgusting hickeys on her?”“I take
-NIA’S POV-“You dare to assault my Lily Bud!” Lykoan roared, with a heavy and dark aura rolling around the room.Suddenly, Dalton’s fangs were ripped from my neck. They gouged pieces of my flesh, making blood gush out."You fucking bastard!" I yelled as tears escaped my eyes. The moron tried to mark me.My shoulders slumped forward in terror and I slapped a hand over the wounds. A fear of dying twisted in my throat as I panicked at trying to stop the bleeding.My heart was slamming inside my chest with a second fear for Lykoan. Despite his build being bigger than my ex’s, Dalton was a ruling Alpha with power that would outmatch Lykoan’s. I did not want to see Lykoan get the crap beat out of him.It wasn’t supposed to be this way.Forsaking a deceased Jeff, Julius rushed over to help me as I sunk to the floor, losing volumes of blood that escaped through the cracks of my fingers.Julius cursed under his breath after he knelt and removed my hand to examine the gashes. He ripped a porti
-DALTON’S POV-“I've been mind-linking you for the past hour,” Brooke complained with a twisted scowl, meeting me at the front of the tundra-gray, neoclassical three-storey pack-house.In a split second, I shifted from my large black wolf into my naked human form to greet her with an uninterested face. “For what?’It ticked me off that she did not move to get my clothes like Nia would. Instead, she stood on the white steps with her hands folded thinking that she could demand anything from me. I passed her and entered the three-storey foyer.She stalked me. “Alpha Haynes and his daughter arrived for the meeting, and you weren't here to greet them.”My strides were long and hurried. She had to run a bit to keep up. Oh goddess, it was time to put up with her nagging again, I groaned inwardly.“I’m here now, aren't I? Why didn't you entertain him like you do with your other men?” I mumbled condescendingly, using a thumb to swipe sweat beads from my forehead. “That’s what you are good at.”
-DALTON’S POV-Determinedly, I contacted every Alpha just to find which pack Nia was going to. They’ll ensure she suffers so that she would run back to me for protection.As the water from the shower cascaded on my head, I wondered, how long will you make me wait before you come back groveling, Nia?She added insult to the injury of my heart of hearts when she left with them. I cannot accept that.Minutes later as I got dressed in my royal blue jeans and olive green dress shirt, a timid knock came on my room door.“It’s open. Come in.” I yelled while putting on my silver wristwatch.The tracker with a two-toned ginger and white hair entered. Seeing the scowl on my face, he stopped by the door and cast his pearwood color eyes to the ground. “I’m here, Alpha.”“Nia Ravanore,” I spoke, adjusting the watch on my hand. “Do you remember her, Otis?”“Yes, Alpha.”“Why?” I growled, landing on him a cut-throat stare.It pissed me off that he knew her. My wolf bristled as we seethed over the nat
NIA’S POVShellshocked, Ramona froze, blinking once, then twice.“Let’s not air out family business here,” Haynes replied with a sheepish smile, trying to de-escalate the situation he aggravated. “All this nonsense is ruining the evening.”“She’s the one disrupting the harmonious environment,” Ramonda grumbled, dipping her chin. “Offer her the money and she’ll take it. A low class like her is nothing but a woman digging for gold from a sugar daddy. A mutt trying to cash out.” Then her expression dulled, offering a regretful look when she lifted her head, her voice softened sympathetically. “You’ve endured so much already. Maybe you need more time in seclusion. I’m just helping you to keep bad she-wolves away from you.”Gritting my teeth, I laughed bitterly. “It's odd how you know to penalize other people for things you don't have concrete proof of, but disregard it when it comes to your father's obvious theft, your mate's flagrant attempted murder, and the most famous one,” I paused a
NIA’S POVOn impulse, I placed my hand on Lykoan’s thigh, gently patting him. In response, he put an arm around my chair to draw me close until the chairs bumped. Immediately palming my face, he rested his forehead on mine, taking large whiffs of my scent. Lilac eyes locked mine in a fierce, consuming gaze.“I’m not his anymore. He can never have me again,” I whispered some assurance. My words were nothing but the truth, and I gave him a coy wink as my hands coasted up his chest to rest on his broad shoulders. “You have me.”That eased the growing tension in Lykoan, whose features relaxed. It was as though the rest of the universe had faded away, leaving just the two of us gently in the quiet.“Mine.” The deep raspy rumble from his chest lured out ripples of shudders from my core as his nose brushed against the rim of mine.My fingers comb through the ends of his hair, curling the soft strands around my fingertips.“That’s right. Breathe slow and steady,” I cooed, stroking his cheeks,
NIA’S POVLycans.“Alpha General, have you been well? I'm glad that you're done convalescing and could make it to Evangeline’s big day. If I had known you were coming, Ramonda and I would have paid our respects sooner.” The man in his forties with the dark balbo beard greeted with a crooked smile. “I’m Haynes Volkes, by the way.”Lykoan’s smile dropped, and a displeasing shadow passed over his face. He leaned back in his seat and straightened his back as he pinned the man with an icy stare.Haynes extended his arm across the table for a handshake.A stony indifference set in Lykoan's features. He maintained hostile eye contact with Haynes, showing no appreciation for the salutation.“Am I the only one at this table, Haynes?” Lykoan reprimanded in an offended tone, sipping his drink.“Um. No.” Haynes’ aubergine eyes reluctantly swept to me and quickly back on Lykoan as he retracted his hand. He opened his mouth, but the pregnant woman sitting beside him rushed to interject.“Words are
NIA’S POV“Is there something fascinating at that table, Nia?” Lykoan’s jealous voice drew my attention to him. His eyes were demanding and possessive as his hand reached across the table for mine. “Is there space in your mind for me?”“It is a bit funny,” I admitted, chuckling lowly, “It's like they are having their own isekai plot, and we are the side characters in this drama.”“Side characters?” Lykoan scoffed, and I did not miss the brief flicker of amusement that passed across his face when he lifted my hand and softly kissed my knuckles.He did not want my eyes wandering to my ex, even though he knew this wasn't some incredible, romantic reunion. But I’ve mentally checked out of that old fling. Dalton was not on my bingo card anymore.Then he removed his hand to pick up my wine glass, handing it to me. “In their small world, it’s quite clear that the fuss is over you.” Holding my gaze, he flashed that million-dollar smile. “Sultan’s Starr will always be my shining star. No one ca
NIA'S POV“If we must.” I nodded hesitantly.Lykoan helped me down from the vanity and I linked my arm through his.My nerves wound tighter as we left the room, going into the elevator to head down to the ballroom. It dinged, opening up to the elaborate lobby. We take the left and walk down the hallway on a lavish gray carpet.My wolf knew we would see Dalton again tonight, that we would see the male who rejected us. The one who didn't care to save our baby. The same man who made us rogue. The instigator of my downhill life.A part of Starr loathed him. Once again, he has declared to the world that he never intended for me to be his Luna. Only to be used until I was no longer useful. My disdain for him churned.On the other hand, tonight was mine and Lykoan's first debut as a couple. It was also my first time attending such a grand function. My first time going in public with my arm looped around a man's own. A man who proudly owned me. A man who walked along my side, with his head hi
NIA’S POVIn awestruck wonder, I gasped. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes overlooked the two pairs of gold earrings to gawk at— “My jade triskelion.”Blinking my shock away, I reached inside the box and snatched my triskelion, running my fingers over the shiny surface. After noticing the slender gold chain necklace attached to it, I realized that the jade was too big for a pendant. It was practically the size of my hand.Looking up at Lykoan, I gaped at him accusingly. I wondered when he removed it from my room. Going into my personal belongings and taking out my stuff was an invasion of privacy. Was he searching for the Weloganite stones? Either way, he should have asked.“You had no right to take my triskelion. This is dear to me.” Bemused, I narrowed my eyes, searching his. “How could you?”Part of me feared what he had to say. Upsetting thoughts rolled around in my head, sowing seeds of doubt where there had once been burgeoning hope and intrigue. It was self-preservation—a defe
NIA’S POV-Not even flinching, I sucked in a calming breath. Thinking quickly with the slyest smile, I beamed, “One of your favorites.”He halted his strides to swerve a dangerous look to the girls. “Which one of you told her that?”Panic flashed in Tameka’s and Kourtney’s eyes. Their bodies went into seizure mode, shaking their heads vigorously because they had nothing to do with it.“Lucidora,” Lykoan muttered in realization, cursing silently. He returned his stormy eyes to me, resuming his steps. “Then wear it only for me. You are not leaving here looking like you’re up for grabs. Please change into something more conservative.”I tried not to roll my eyes.“We are going to, um…” Kourtney trailed off, moving sideways towards the door with a firm grip on Tameka, dragging her along.The girls scurried out of the room to avoid his wrath, leaving me alone with this puffing beast. Kourtney made sure to close the door behind them.When I did not move, Lykoan’s patience wore thin. Stoppin
NIA’S POV“Tonight will surely be unforgettable,” Tameka muttered, roaming her dubious eyes up and down the risqué dress I had on, clearly not thrilled. She had a few dresses hanging over her arm that she thought were better options. “That one is going to come back to bite you.”With one hand on my hip, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, doing a half-turn to the right and then to the left. I could barely recognize myself. What little amount of fabric there was in the outfit clung to me like a second skin.“Lucidora packed it, and I’m rocking it.” I chuckled, pushing at my bosom and wondering when my breasts got bigger.Tameka did not even crack a smile. She hummed, contemplative, with a finger tapping on her lips.The silver dress was slightly vulgar and incredibly sexy, very sexy. It was unlike anything I had ever worn. But my eyes lit up, and I knew it would be the second dress of the evening, as soon as I saw it on the rack of gowns in my bedroom at the Protostarlet hotel pe
DALTON’S POV-“Evangeline Volkes, by the will of the moon goddess, Selene, I pronounce you the new Luna of the Boulderfist Howlers Pack!” Elder Sixsmith announced with glee. “May the power of the night be with us. Let the union be the start of a stellar new life together with love to spread and power to hold.”The other Elders, in their long, gray, black, and white robes, rose from their chairs to bend in a low bow at us. They saluted in unison. “May the moon whisper her blessings on your union tonight.”Me, in a tuxedo suit of the same colors, returned an Alpha’s respect by bringing a firm fist to my chest and extending it out to them.All the wolves at the late function in the backyard of the packhouse began howling in celebration.Showing her appreciation, Evangeline turned to smile half-heartedly at the crowd. She wore the traditional gray gown with lace. It was backless with a deep V-neck, flowy style with several slits and knotted strings at the shoulders. Tiny silver floral bud