#Chapter264Alarix's POV.When we neared the castle, I tugged Lila back to give us some privacy. "I need to tell you something," I whispered as she glanced at me.She turned to me completely and raised her brow. "What's wrong?" She asked."When you linked me, I was with King Darius. He knows what our marks are," I replied. "He is getting someone to come to the castle. Apparently, we need to speak to them." I added.King Darius seemed pretty certain he knew why we had the crest. He wouldn't say why or how he knew... he said was when I meet this person; I will instantly know. Why say something to me in the first place if he's not going to tell me?King Darius loves speaking in riddles and not telling us exactly what is going on.Her eyes widened as she gasped. "Why didn't you tell me?" She yelled in a whisper, swatting my arm."We needed to help Levi first... That could wait." I sighed."When are we meeting this mystery person?" She questioned as we continued walking.4"No id
#Chapter265Lila's POV.Today's the big day.I'm excited and nervous. I have never been one to be public speaking. Knowing I have to stand up and declare myself fit to be queen in front of everyone scares me. Plus, they're live-streaming the whole ceremony for all species to witness the bonding between two species... something that is bound to go down in history.Forget excited and nervous; I'm terrified.I groaned, burying my head into the pillow. I wiggled against Alarix, who was still sleeping peacefully behind me with his arm draped over my waist. I'm looking forward to watching him take his rightful place... becoming who he was always meant to be.His arm tightened as he pulled me into him while pressing his chest against my back."Good morning, beautiful." He murmured into my hair as he snuggled closer. "Stop fretting about today... I can practically hear your thoughts." He chuckled.I curled my fingers around his and brought our joined hand up to my face. "How are you
#Chapter266Lila's POV"Come with me," Alarix instructed, standing up.I stood up and followed him to the balcony door. He opened it, motioning for me to accompany him out onto the balcony. I moved forward, breathing in as soon I was outside. I sighed in content as all the different scents of nature overflowed my senses.I'm so glad the king didn't live in the middle of a city. I don't know how I would have coped without living in the countryside, nor would Lola.He was gazing out into the forest. He was nervous; his whole body was stiff. I could see his back muscles tensing as he drew in deep breaths, then let them out shakily."When I spoke to the king yesterday, he told me something that vampires do... especially royal vampires." He babbled. "I don't know if it's something wolves do or you would like to do."He turned around with his hands in his pockets and took a deep breath before taking one hand out of his pocket and shoving it through his hair."When we first met, I w
#Chapter267Alarix's POV.I've only been standing at the altar for a few minutes, and I'm already a nervous wreck. My palms are sweating, and I can't stop my whole body from shaking. I know she's going to be here... I know she wants to marry me, but it doesn't stop the niggling feeling that she's going to realise she's far better than me and run."I can feel your anxiety and worry through our bond. What's wrong? Do you not want this anymore?" Lila's sweet voice appeared in my mind, and the tension I was feeling slowly evaporated."I'm just anxious for you to be here," I answered."I'll be there soon, handsome." She replied. I could hear a tint of amusement in her tone.I grinned and glanced at my three best men. After Athan showed up, I couldn't decide between them all, so I told them they were all standing with me.When I answered the door to Athan, I didn't know whether to hug him or wipe the stupid smirk he had on his face. He and Levi had planned this behind my back... Lev
#Chapter268Elias' POV."What the fuck is your problem?" I snapped. "Why the fuck can't you just leave me alone?"Both Levi and Lila were still struggling to breathe. I had no idea what she was doing to them. I know magic is involved; I can feel it flowing from them. I tried counter attacking her magic, but she was too strong."It's not them you want; it's me!" I yelled. "Let them go. Stop whatever you are doing and take me instead!""E... No..." Levi choked.She waved her hand, and Lila and Levi both heaved in breaths as they filled their lungs with as much air as they could gather. I turned to Levi and breathed out in relief."Times a wasting, my boy... Let's go, Son." Lilith quipped.I took a deep breath and moved closer to Levi. I placed my hands on his neck, resting my forehead on his. I sighed, closing my eyes before opening them again. He whimpered, gripping hold of my shirt as he forced himself closer to me."I love you, Levi," I whispered."Don't fucking... Do this
#Chapter269Levi's POV."How is he? Does he need anything? I can come and be with you both," Lila blustered through our link.I pulled my knees against my chest, resting my head against my knees as I glanced over at Elias."He's sleeping. You stay with Alarix. I'll let you know if I need you." I answered. "He actually wanted you to carry on with the crowning... I told him to get some sleep; I wasn't sure if you were going ahead with it or not.""The coronation is postponed until further notice, don't worry. It gives Elias some time to come to terms with everything. I'm not being crowned queen without my two best friends by my side." She answered with a small chuckle.I don't know how long we spent on the mountain. He sat curled up in my arms and cried. He only calmed down once my dad and Alarix carried Lilith's body away, then it was like something snapped inside of him; a switch flipped, and he seemed... ok.We've been back at the castle for a little over an hour. I brought h
#Chapter270Alarix's POV."Is this everything you dreamed of and more?" I asked, glancing at her.We were sitting at the royal table in the garden. She was watching everyone drinking and mingling together."Very much so." She smiled, leaning her head on my shoulder.Lila wanted to make sure Elias was ok before we went ahead with the ceremony. If she had her own way, the ceremony would have been next week, not two days later. Her parents have to return to the pack, and Elias has been demanding we go ahead with the ceremony every day, so she gave in.Ayla had done a perfect job with the decorations for the ceremony celebration. There is a huge white gazebo filling the whole of the garden. Surrounding our long table are white-clothed round tables scattered around. Sparkling hanging lights were hanging from the inside of the gazebo and hanging off the trees and bushes.Apparently, this isn't a usual conventional way to celebrate a coronation. Darius, who scolded me for still calli
#Chapter271Lila's POV - 5 Months Later."You're going to wear yourself out, Lila," Mum sighed. "You know you're supposed to be resting." My mum scolded, trying to usher me back to bed."This is the fourth false alarm," I growled, pacing back and forth across my bedroom floor.She rolled her eyes at me and chuckled. She grabbed my arm gently and stopped in front of me. "It'll happen, Darling. You can't force it.""I had hoped it would only be two months," I grumbled. "It's been fucking five."I sagged against the wardrobe and lolled my head back against the door. "I'm exhausted."Alarix poked his head around the open door and scanned his eyes around until they landed on me. "How are you feeling, beautiful?"I smiled at him and nodded. "Tired."I roamed my eyes over him and sucked in a breath. He was wearing his official royal suit, and he looked absolutely amazing. I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing him all dressed up and... royal.It was such a fucking turn on, and
#Chapter303WHEREVER YOU GO, I GO“So, we’re going to live in the palace forever?” Callie asked.Brody glanced at me with his brow raised. We haven’t discussed what’s going to happen. I still want to be part of the royal guard, but now I have someone else to think about.What does Brody want to do with his life? Would he be happy staying in the palace? There are all these little things we’re going to have to deal with.Until the threat to my life, well all our lives are dealt with, the best place for us is the palace. But after that, I need to think about Brody and Callie, not just myself.“I don’t know about the future, but yes, for now, we’re staying at the palace.” I answered. “Is that okay with you both?”“I like the palace. I like my bedroom. I like your family. I want to stay.” Callie answered.I smiled at her and nodded. “I’m glad you like it here.”I glanced to Brody, he seemed deep in thought. He smiled sweetly at me and took hold of my hand and Callie’s.“Wherev
#Chapter302LITTLE DETAILSI have no idea how I’m feeling right now, there are so many thoughts running through my mind.I’m confused why I’ve got a mate and a beloved. I know we have a family history of having two... Nanna Ayla had two mates, but they think that was because of the prophecy, and Grandad Leon was always supposed to be her true mate, but never in my wildest dreams would I have expected me to have a mate and a beloved.I’m happy, elated, absolutely over the moon at the fact Brody is my beloved. He’s everything I wanted in a beloved. He’s thoughtful, caring, and a decent being. I’m certainly lucky to have been blessed to spend my life with him.But I’m also worried. No, I’m absolutely petrified. When Luca finds out I’m also destined for someone else, I don’t even want to think about what he’d do. He’s going to be angry and jealous, and that’s a dangerous combination. Jealousy can make even the nicest people do wrong things. Luca is deranged and definitely wo
#Chapter301HIS SCENT“So, you and Brody?” Olivia smirked as she placed some pieces of fruit in five bowls.“I know that face, Liv. There is nothing going on.” I groaned, “we’re just friends.”“Friends definitely don’t look at each other the way you two do.” She snickered.Olivia placed the knife onto the kitchen island and looked at me with a serious expression. She leaned against the kitchen island, resting her chin on the palm of her hand.“In all seriousness, how are you doing now you’re back?” She asked.I took a deep breath, then smiled at Olivia.“I’m glad to be back.” I sighed, “really glad to be back”.”“We’re glad to have you back,” she smiled sweetly. “Are you going with Brody when he gets his scent back?”I nodded and pushed away from the kitchen island. “He’s nervous about it, so I want to be there for him.”"You just want to know what he smells like." Allie quipped.She’s not wrong. I am intrigued to know what his scent is like. When I
#Chapter300WISHFUL THINKINGI halted in the doorway and frowned. My eyes darted around my dad’s office. My dad was sitting behind his desk with his arms crossed over his chest, with Mum perched on a chair beside him holding his arm. Coby and Ryder were standing by Uncle Elias and Uncle Levi in deep conversation. Grandad Leon and Nanna Ayla were behind Mum and each had their hands on her shoulder."No matter what they have to tell us, I’m here, we go through this together." Allie promised. ”We’re stronger than the rogues."They all looked to me with hints of anger and worry all over their faces.“So, what’s wrong?” I questioned as I moved further into the office, and Brody closed the door behind us.“You might want to sit down, sweetheart.” Dad instructed, pointing to the sofas on the other side of the room.I led Brody towards the sofas and made sure he was sat next to me. I’m going to need him close if I’m going to get through this. Mum and Dad joined us, sitting
#Chapter299THE PLACE IS A MAZE“Lila, sweetheart, wake up.”My eyes shot open, and I stared blankly ahead at Brody’s chest; we must have fallen asleep. It took me a few seconds to register, it was my mum’s voice. I peered over my shoulder. My mum was standing beside my bed, awkwardly shuffling side to side on her feet.I sat slowly to try and not wake Brody, and turned completely to Mum.“Everything okay?” I asked.“I’m sorry, Lo.” She sighed, “I didn’t want to enter your room without your permission, but it’s important, baby.”“Sure. What’s wrong?” I asked.She shook her head and took a deep breath.“Dad is waiting for us in his office.”I raised my brow, then nodded.“Okay, give me a minute,” I sighed.I leaned forward and grabbed the comforter from the bottom of the bed and pulled it over Brody.“Brody should probably hear this as well.” She mumbled.“Meet you at Dad’s office then?” I suggested.Mum nodded her head and took a deep breath
#Chapter298A LITTLE NEEDYCallie was over the moon with her bedroom, the smile never left her face. When I showed Brody his room, she didn’t want to come, she wanted to stay in her bedroom and play with her new toys. I didn’t blame her though, she had plenty to choose from, my parents definitely spoiled her.I left Brody to settle in his room, get a shower or whatever he wanted to do. I showed him which room mine was, and that if he or Callie needed me, they could come to my room.I stood in the middle of my room and dragged in a shaky breath. The last time I was in here, I was with Olivia when we were getting ready for my birthday party. I was starting to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Being alone in the room gave me a weird feeling. I need to not think about before and anything that happened. If I think too much, I may just be heading for a mental breakdown."Can we talk?" Brody’s voice filled my mind, and the little anxiety I was beginning to feel about being alone sl
#Chapter297STUPID SOUNDPROOF ROOMSI introduced Callie to the boys after getting the sweetest hello from them. They definitely missed me as much as I missed them. All four of them clung to me for ages. But the meeting between Callie and the boys was cute and warmed my heart. They were certainly excited to meet her. They got on really well, and I knew they would do.We spent time playing in the playroom while Brody was with my dad. I was glad I was with them, because it took my mind off my dad and Brody; it kept me occupied enough that my mind wasn’t constantly thinking about what is being said. I know Brody won’t tell them anything about what happened to me, but part of me wishes he did, because then I wouldn’t have to. Although Brody doesn’t know everything, I mean, he gets the gist of it, but he wasn’t always there."I’ll be there when you tell them. I’ve got your back." Allie cooed."I’m so lucky to have you."When Brody came to the playroom, I heard him and Corbo
#Chapter296FIERY SPIRITBrody’s POV.His eyes went wide, then he cleared his throat and straightened himself out. “You know about our history?” He questioned, raising his brow and leaning forward.I nodded. “Yeah, my mother um, told me after I met Alora.”“And you still saved my daughter?” He questioned.“I’m not my mother. Alora is special, nothing like what they said hybrids were. I had to get her out of there.” I answered.A broad smile appeared on King Alarix’s face as he nodded and sat back with his arms folded.“The guy that pulled her away, who is he?” Corbon asked.I furrowed my brows. “I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what happened, but I assume you’re talking about Luca.” I replied.“And who is this Luca?" Corbon growled.“He’s a wolf, but I don’t know much about him. I can’t tell you anything else though, it’s not my place to say.” I sighed.“The hell you can’t.” Corbon growled. “Tell me about him.”“That’s enough, Corbon.” King Alarix
#Chapter295WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOUBrody’s POV.I followed King Alarix through the palace. It was huge, I don’t think I have ever seen something so grand. When I think of palaces, I imagine old fashion colour schemes, but this isn’t anything like it. The palace is modern and open planned, lots of space.“Just around this corner.” King Alarix mentioned over his shoulder.I nodded and smiled at him. My mind kept going back to the reunion between Alora and her family. Everything we went through getting out of that place, seeing them all together, was so worth it. I don’t think I have ever seen a mum and dad fawn so much over their children. It was heartwarming to witness.My dad died when I was young, so I don’t remember anything about him. Callie’s dad tried, but my mother wasn’t very maternal, so she complained whenever he showed Callie an ounce of love and affection.Our children need to grow up to be leaders, do not make them weak.Showing love and affection does