Alice - Point of ViewJames and I were with a real estate agent who showed us a new, luxurious flat. James wanted me to move in with him because he was afraid of Jeffrey showing up at Levy's apartment at any time. Although I felt uncomfortable with the idea, James had a valid point. I knew Jeffrey could go to any lengths to get me back, and the thought of being back in the shackles of his abuse made me uneasy."Are you alright, Alice?" James's concerned voice broke me out of my stupor."I am," I muttered with a smile. The real estate agent walked us through the luxurious facilities, and the technology was so advanced that it was like the magic we used for our daily chores."You like this house," James whispered."Yes, I do," I said. I offered to pay for half the place James would rent or buy, but James declined, saying he wouldn't take any money from me. I looked at James, who was speaking with the real estate agent, and he handed the check to him after signing a few documents.I was
Alice - POVOpening my eyes, my surroundings looked unfamiliar. "You're awake," a voice said. I jerked my head in its direction."James," I rasped, my voice hoarse. He offered me water, which I gratefully accepted. As he took the glass from my hand, his fingers brushed against mine, sending a shiver down my spine. James met my gaze with warmth in his eyes. I resisted the urge to drown in this strange emotion, a mate bond. It scared me, reminding me too much of my ex-mate, a truly terrible individual.Suddenly, I remembered Levy lying pale and gravely wounded on the floor. "Where's Levy? Why am I here?" I asked, my voice rising in panic. I swiftly rolled out of bed and stood, my legs feeling weak."Levy has been taken to the wolf realm to heal. The knife had been coated in poison, and only the wolf realm had the herbs to cure her," James explained. "I sent Varina with Levy for extra protection.""But Levy's human! Why expose her to this mystical, ugly world?" I snapped at James, who on
Alice - POVAfter checking the time, I realized I'd slept for only four hours. Despite the early hour, I was awake and feeling nauseous. This morning sickness was becoming unbearable. Freshening up, I stepped out of my room, hearing James' soft breathing emanating from the other side of our shared space. He appeared to be still asleep.I made my way to the kitchen and inspected the well-stocked fridge. I pulled out eggs, fresh fruit, and bacon, deciding to make breakfast since I felt pretty hungry. Spotting a coffee pot, I gave in to my coffee craving. After grinding some fresh beans, I prepared the brew and poured it into a mug, savoring the aroma before taking a sip. Coffee makes me more nauseous, but I can't help and give in to my caffeine craving."You're not supposed to drink coffee," a deep voice reprimanded. I turned sharply to find James, his sleepy eyes watching me with an amused smile, his shirtless torso making it difficult not to stare at his toned physique."Like what you
James - POV"Tell me, Axon, what scheme have you prepared for me?" I asked calmly. My suspicions of Axon's potential betrayal rose when I saw Jerry speaking with him. Jerry had been trying to get close to Alice in the human world, often meeting her at a local café. Alice had told me about Jerry when I asked her about him."Why do you believe I'm scheming?" Axon countered, his face impassive. Before I could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air. "James, you bastard," Beth spat, storming into the dining room, her eyes flaming with fury."What's going on, Beth?" Axon asked calmly, although I detected a hint of annoyance in his voice."James, how could you do this to me?" Beth yelled."What do you mean?" I asked, confused."You're a married man to your dragon secretary!" Beth accused, her teeth gritted and fists clenched. Her words startled me, but I maintained my composure, not satisfying her to see me ruffled. From the corner of my eye, I caught Axon smirking. It was clear he knew
Alice - POVThe magic shocked me; it was the first time I could wield such ancient magic. "Our baby is the source that stirs our protective maternal instincts, allowing me to harness the ancient magic," Hydra whispered.Jeffery stood as if frozen, and I gazed into his sinister eyes. He was always a source of pain, but now he was rendered helpless as my power held sway over time and the people around us. The fear of this man had haunted me, and now he was here, aiming to take me and the child growing within me away. I wouldn't let fear overcome me this time. Anger flared, and Hydra seemed to regain good control of our dragon magic. I directed magic to strike Jeffery's body, my dragon claws sinking into his flesh. I reached into his chest and pulled out his heart. Blood soaked his body as Jeffery collapsed.I looked at my hand, coated in blood and holding Jeffery's heart. Dropping it, I screamed in fear. "Alice!" James' voice broke through my hyperventilation. He glanced at Jeffery's
Alice - POVI made my way to the kitchen, the memory of James' confession still lingering in my mind, disrupting my sleep. I remembered James wasn't home; he'd left a note in his bedroom about heading to the Hope Realm for work, preparing for the upcoming war.Ella trudged in with tired eyes. "Morning," she mumbled."Where is Isha?" I asked, unable to sense her presence in the house or pick up on Darcus's aura."Isha mentioned she had personal work and would be back by morning," Ella answered, pouring herself a glass of water. "It's so good to be back in the human world," she chuckled."You're not a fan of the Dragon Realm?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."I grew up in the human world. I'm more used to this culture than the nobility and responsibility of the Dragon Realm," Ella sighed. Even though she was raised in the human world, she was a quick learner. She'd grasped the complexities of Dragon politics to help King Darcus run the realm effectively. "What would you like for breakfast
James- POVI closed my eyes, reflecting on my love confession. I didn't regret a single word, but Alice's surprise should have been my cue—Alice didn't feel the same way about me, which was okay. I reopened my eyes, the afternoon sun and its warmth reminding me of Alice's warm smile and elegant face. I had thought I could never fall for my mate, but within a month, my feelings for her had intensified with each passing minute.I felt content in my contracted marriage to Alice. For three years, I would have a chance to be a part of her life. If she still chose to reject me at the end of that time, I would accept her decision and set her free. Yet, I resolved to keep an eye on her and our child, ensuring their safety."Damn, James. I've been calling you. It's like I'm talking to a statue," Dave's voice interrupted my reverie. My Hope realm was eerily silent compared to its usual hustle and bustle, a quiet that hinted at the danger lurking just beyond our door."Dave, I need time to sort
James- POVBeth's telepathy had left me stunned. Archer arrived hastily, Darcus at his side, their faces mirroring my worry. "Isha, you traitor," Darcus hissed. "I apologize, Your Majesty, for failing to protect the Queen and Alice," Isha feigned remorse. My blood boiled at her deception."Stop lying!" Darcus and I said in unison. Our eyes met, and I was surprised that he, too, knew the truth, his anger towards Isha was palpable."I'm lost. What is going on?" Archer asked."Isha, you've betrayed us, handing our mates to the enemy. Ella communicated everything through a mental link," Darcus's voice echoed in the room, causing Archer to glare at Isha in a fury. Archer considered Ella a sister; they had spent some of their childhood together before Ella's father whisked her away for safety, hiding her from past dangers."I received the same information from my alliance," I said, my tone cold. Isha's face turned even paler."I haven't done anything. Majesty, James, you don't have any pro