-NIA’S POV-If I hurt this postman, the news would spread like wildfire, and charges would be laid against me. Undoubtedly, the shopkeeper would take his side. On that account, the major repercussion would be death by Alpha Jacques, and all my plans foiled."Fuck you," I growled, although my voice wavered. I raised my hand, turned into him, and struck his face down with my elbow and palm heel.The postman staggered sideways with a lopsided grin. "Apparently, you won't, but I’m going to strip you down and let you have it.""Are you stupid, Balzac? Are you stupid? What nonsense. Are you normal?" Miss. Petrillo argued, very disgruntled behind me as I spun around and ran.I burst out the door with tears burning in my eyes as much as the disgust and disappointment in the pit of my stomach.Stumbling out onto the plaza, I charged off in what could be the wrong direction, but my vision was too blurry to determine anything. I heard my name being distantly called.Moments later, warm strong ha
-NIA’S POV-Chaos unfolded with a ferocity that echoed the sound of battle across the afternoon skies. The air crackled with formidable tension as the clash of wolves reverberated, a symphony of growls, snarls, and the occasional yelp, cutting through the charged atmosphere.Lykoan was in trouble.Adrenaline laced with anxiety coursed through my veins as I chewed on my thumbnail, watching from inside the Porsche.Patrol lunged at him. Survive, Lykoan. Please survive. My breath caught in my throat as vicious snarls pervaded.One by one they charged at him, from behind, sideways, in front, and jumping through the air. Panic tangled up inside of me and a stab of fear assaulted my gut.I can’t lose him.What should I do? I wanted to help, but how? Where was Gawain or Julius when you needed them? I wished Tank had been here too.Sick with worry, my heart ricocheted in my chest. I couldn’t sit by and not do anything. Through the sharp, desperate uneasiness inside of me, an idea stirred.Gul
-NIA’S POV-Knowing what was next to come, I sidled behind Lykoan, peeking around his left side to watch everything. I noticed the Beta was behind us, keeping a cautious distance but observing the confrontation while the patrol wolves slowly limped away with the wounded."Keep your envy out of my business, Alpha Zeek," Lykoan rasped to the man who attacked me with his wolf before darting his gaze on the other. "What brought you here, Alpha Iscariot?"Alphas? I knew it, but two of them? My heart rate spiked anxiously and my temples throbbed as I got a good look at them. I must say that had I been on my own, I would not have been any Alpha's problem.This was exasperating.“The hell we will.” Iscariot retorted, standing to our left with his Appalachian brown eyes searching me. He swiped his thumb across his sweat-beaded forehead and the wind kicked up the fringes of his champagne hair.I gulped nervously and cast my eyes down at my twiddling thumbs."How out of touch you’ve been.” Zeek a
-NIA’S POV-“Move your damn feet, you sick perversion of nature,” Zeek growled at me with his strong arms around my waist after freeing my mouth.Despite my efforts, I couldn't break free from Alpha Zeek’s dragging hold.Desperation and fear clashed with raw determination as I clawed, punched, and kicked with all my might.“What level of idiot are you?” I cursed him, hoping to deter his foul ambitions. “You’re making a Volkes your enemy.”A regurgitating scream bubbled up in my throat as we reached the field. I squeezed my eyes shut to muster everything within my soul to call out to the only man who could save me. “Lykoan!”My mate’s focus snapped towards us. Scarlet wrath veiled Lykoan's orbs like a laser ready to inflict maximum damage, aiming for nothing but smoke as he watched Zeek bounding for the labyrinth of trees where more growling and snarls pervaded.Lykoan’s muscles coiled. He began half-shifting. Silver fur spouted through his pores and the air around him shimmered, making
-NIA’S POV-The day was a feral, crude, unspeakable horror.My flitting eyes flicked back and forth from Lykoan to the syringe.A trickle of cold sweat slithered down my nape. Dread gripped my heart like a frozen fist and I swallowed as my flesh erupted with painful chills.My lips parted to speak, and I suddenly realized that they were quivering with fear, along with my entire body. “What's in that?”“Death,” Zeek terse. “For you, of course.”“Wait. I….um,” I panicked, unable to think straight, smelling my own blood.“I wouldn't move if I were you.” He kept his cold eyes on Lykoan.My body shook uncontrollably, and my thoughts went haywire. My wolf was so distraught that she withdrew with a whine.Back on the field, Lykoan towered over Iscariot's bleeding body that lay on the grass. He dug his razor-sharp claws inside Iscariot's shoulder, using them as hooks to force him to stand on his feet.Blood spurted as Iscariot howled in pain. "Yaaaaaaa-hoo-hoo!"Good. The bastard was going do
-LYKOAN’S POV-Just by a shift of my thumb, I cracked the two Alpha’s windpipes and flung them to the ground. I instantly blocked out their painful grunts. Served them right.The wild smell of the forest retreated. Death reeked and blood stained the ground like a macabre river.Despite the five unclad Alpha Females that paraded in front of me, lining out horizontally and expecting a life-changing moment. My eyes sift through them to zero in on Nia.Any hopes of her getting out of Zeek’s grip dwindled drastically, since now she was poisoned and paralyzed, whimpering in pain. A deep ache radiated from my chest, sending ripples of anxiety and rage through my veins.Ten minutes. I had limited time to get her an antidote before her organs began damaging, or her recovery period would be agonizingly long and possibly detrimental.It had come to this. Victory demanded pain. Change demanded sacrifice. The truth felt like an anvil of lead down my bowels, blasted by my flames of fury. I clenched
-LYKOAN’S POV-Resentment boiled low in my chest."If she dies, so will you,” I roared, eyes locked on Nia as I jumped over Boaz’s dead wolf.“Go to hell. Don’t come any closer or my claws will rip her throat.” Zebeon negotiated with panic in his tone, positioning a hand at Nia’s neck and trying to hide behind a tree trunk. “My sister for her.”Already my muscles burn and I bleed from numerous small hits. Blood also flowed freely from the deep wound on my shoulder, coating my back and draining my energy. Yet, all these were minor matters. Only Nia’s safety was critical, so much so, that the impulse to save her was staggering.Turning slightly, I glared down at the only chestnut-haired Alpha-female who was lying on the ground petrified, but was looking back at Zebeon. A primordial growl clamored for release.“Get up.”Drenched in fear, she flashed her hazel eyes at me. I had to retract my aura for her to get on her feet.“Go,” I rasped with strong authority.The girl gulped thickly and
-LYKOAN’S POV-Regret torched me and my soul caught on fire, searing me from the inside out, and I dropped to my knees, trembling. This wasn’t right. My whole world was caving in. Letting out a lamenting breath, I put my hand over the wound and blood seeped through the cracks of my fingers.Nia’s orange eyes were wide, staring into mine with disbelief as she stuttered the words, “T-ell M-om…..I’m s-orry.”“You can tell her yourself. You’re going to be fine,” I said quietly, sniffing hard. Her irises rolled up as her lids fluttered nonstop, and her head leaned away from me. Using one hand, I grasped her chin tenderly, bringing her face to look back at me, pleading, “You have to hold on. You hear me? You can’t leave me.”Hail of gunfire, growls, and howls filled the air with death and sadness, stretching out like a rubber band, getting thinner and thinner by the second, but I couldn't focus on anything except Nia. I couldn't let go of her.Tears rolled from the corners of her eyes and my
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
DALTON’S POVLost in my animalistic nature, fist after fist met my naked brother's face. He laid flat on his back, and I towered over him in the nude, pounding in rage. The afternoon sun's searing streaks whipped my back like it was on Pete’s side, hot and brutal.“Stop!” Evangeline shouted, being held back by her father among the crowd in the expansive backyard of the pack house.Roughly grabbing her shoulders, Haynes swung her around to face him. He shouted angrily, “Evangeline, this is unbecoming. Control yourself!”Pack members flocked the grounds. Several Alphas, with or without their Lunas, and the Elders sat pompously on the deck to watch the challenge for the Boulderfist Howlers Alpha title.Dad and Francine were among them. The expression on my stepmother’s face was unmistakable: pure, unfiltered rage and abhorrence.Not caring for appearances, Evangeline shoved her father’s large arms from her shoulders. She ran towards me, dropping to her knees on the lawn grass, and claspe
NIA’S POV“Nia,” Lykoan pleaded with a rise in his voice, hoping to center my focus on the present. “It's just me, baby. Talk to me."“What if you don't like what I have to say?" I inquired timidly, with fear veiling my voice.“Talk to me anyway. What did you steal?" Lykoan captured my chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to look up at him.I swallowed hard, squeezing my eyes shut as if my throat was too dry to function. Here goes nothing. “Weloganite.”Lykoan released the grip on my face and went thoughtful for a second. “Aren't those the electric-powered stones Harrison has recently promoted for their power company?”Blinking at him, I nodded.Taking a deep breath, I contemplated my words carefully, aiming to convey my actions without causing misjudgment.It prompted Lykoan to gently caress my hand, offering comfort.Gathering courage, I delved into explanations. “One night, my parents went into the forest for a picnic. My Mom discovered an underground site where the we
NIA’S POVEvery shadow and shape, every unnatural silence that chased the birds away, was that massive, silver beast. With quiet, light paws, the big, sleek Lycan prowled towards me. The muscles on his furry chest and shoulders flexed with every step he took.Crickets and toads pounced away upon sensing the vibrations of his paws, and the crescent moon above was the only light source that never ceased to illuminate the path.Vulpine and alert, he fixed his glowing pairs of sharp, carnivorous eyes on me, his ears straight up on his gigantic head, and his white nose twitched as he sniffed around my scent. The golden hairs along my spine prickled with warning.Did he spot something?I can’t let him get to it first.Suddenly, Lykoan’s gleaming wolf lay still, down on his belly on the ground of the dark forest. Distracted, Starr scrambled on top of Sultan immediately, licking his face numerous times. Hot air blustered from his nostrils when he was satisfied with her affections.Wanting to