-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
-LYKOAN’S POV-Like a mountain lion ready to pounce, I kicked the door off the hinges, letting it crash to the ground. The scent of incense, milk, and honey greeted my nostrils, attempting to coax me into tranquility.Huffing and puffing with rage, I entered the room, roaring, “Mother! Where are you? Mother!”Mine and Sultan’s anger mingled into an unbearable control. My power leaked out of me like a hot volcanic eruption. She will feel the heat of my tongue today. My eyes darted around the large space. How typical of her to be too busy for me.The well-made bed with a fluffy teal comforter was empty as usual. My heavy feet stomped across the large, globe-like, creamy-white hydrangea flowers that decorated the hardwood floor, kicking them with my black boots, until I reached the tall white French windows that opened to a sea of white, wavy clouds.“My son, what is wrong with you?” A soft, perplexed voice came from behind me.Horn-mad, I whipped around to confront her beautiful face, a
-LYKOAN’S POV-Instead of showing remorse, Mom sniffed and turned her back to me, bowing her head to hide the reflection of her face in the mirror. She was appealing for my sympathy when she was the damn villain. Her sniveling grated on my nerves.Whenever she wanted me to relent my anger, she manipulated me with tears. Well, not today. Not when Nia’s life was hanging.Every cell that I am composed of wanted to rage, to become a monster she feared, and maybe then she would leave me alone or just tell me what the hell she did. What plans were she concocting and to what end?For I could never forgive her for letting me lose Jessanne. My heart was growing cold towards this woman since, because of her, I might never find happiness in this life. Not to mention, that she also stopped my death ritual.This was another reason why I was afraid to even love Nia. To relive the grief and feel the excruciating pain of losing another mate would kill us. Sultan and I only wanted to enjoy the mate we
-NIA’S POV-"Oh, Nia," the celestial woman pleasantly acknowledged me. She rose from the boulder with her warm eyes searching mine, extending her hands to me.Something was urging me to her and I found myself going into her arms, accepting her friendly embrace."So much pain.” She spoke quite motherly, patting my back soothingly. “I answered your call because your emotions cried out beyond the physical world, reaching out to the other realms, upsetting nature.”“Then you know that I don’t want to be here, wherever this place is,” I replied softly, over her shoulder.She heaved a sad sigh and released me from the hug, scanning her eyes up and down my frame. "It takes a toll to visit my workshop; your body is already so weak.”I furrowed my brows, struggling to understand what she meant. "Please tell me this is a dream?" I murmured, hoping it was."Hmm, something of the sort." She paused and tilted her head slightly. "Do you know who I am?" She asked, making a slow wave of her right han
-NIA’S POV-Thunderstruck, I began hyperventilating.Shivers sped down my back. My hands trembled uncontrollably, fingers twitching with nervous energy. The unexpected revelation had sent shockwaves through my entire being.I must have blinked a thousand times in this single moment as my mind struggled to reconcile reality with the shock.Jessanne.That name curdled my blood. Have I heard it before?“I don’t understand.” The words I uttered next were shaky and low.“What use would you have for your body if you are dead? I made you resemble Jessanne so that Lykoan would easily accept the mate bond.” Selene’s candor was shooting from both barrels, wounding me in many ways.But that made no sense. “But I was born this way and mated to Dalton at first.”“As I mentioned, eventually you would have met Lykoan and become his mate, too. Dalton would not have objected since he would have strong ties and power to Volkecrest Krowns.”I flushed and held up two fingers. “Two mates?” I pointed the sa
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