Mia "Going somewhere?" My breath hitched, my hands halted on the door knob that was going to lead us out of this hell hole before a very similar voice made its way to my ears. Slowly turning back, my eyes fell on Balthazer standing at the end of the living room wearing a smirk, his hands tucked behind him as he looked composed as ever. Behind him stood the leech and, of-fucking-course, the snitch Desmond. Calm down Mia, think! Think quick! "Dad!" I exclaimed, pulling Anastasia before me to lock her throat between my arm and my chest. "This bitch! She was trying to escape. Good thing you are here on time!" I heard Anastasia whimper at the sudden action. But Balthazer looked bored. "You really thought I wouldn't find someone out of their bed in the middle of the night, eavesdropping at my door?" What the- no don't panic, Mia. Don't panic. You've got this! "What are you talking about? Who was that dad? Was it this bitch?" I kicked Anastasia behind her knees, making her drop to t
Mia "Goodness Sylvia!" I heaved out a sigh as she removed the hood to uncover her face. "You almost had me throwing a spell at you," she looked at me with an 'are you serious' look. "I understand why that person is lying unconscious-" "Dead," she cut me off. "Pardon?" "He's lying dead," she clarified and I looked at him. "Oh," she actually killed him? With a dart? "It was laced with poison." She answered my thoughts. "Right, so as I was saying before you interrupted me, I understand why he is dead, but I don't understand why you took me out with the dart at the time of the war?" "Ah, so you did see me." I raised my brow with a 'duh' look on my face. "It was to get you away from the field." "But why?" "You remember the paralyzing potion?" I nodded, remembering the one she prepared to take out the wolves at the time of the war. "Well, it wasn't just a paralyzing potion. It was also mixed with an infestation charm." "A what charm?" Was she for real? "An infestatio
Mia All three men pounced on me with their wands held up. Spell after spell which I dodged before firing my arrows at them. Some got them, some they missed easily. Finally, after running out of arrows, I pulled out my blades. This fight is going to get dirty. But there was just me standing alone, and freaking three full sized wizards. Did I even stand a chance against them? Hell no. But was I going to stop until I gave my all? Of course not. I flung the dagger at one of the men, and he stumbled back in pain as it struck a little above his heart. That gave me enough time to deal with the other two. I lunged forward at them, the blades shining in my hand as I shot the only spell I remember, causing a fireball to hit their hands. As a result, they finally dropped their wands. That was all I needed to get near them and start carving the skins with my blade. I plunged the dagger’s blade in their stomach and was ready to shoot more when I heard a warning. “Behind you Mia!” Anastasia c
Mia I couldn’t bring myself to move my legs, no matter how hard I tried. I spotted the last guy standing over a very bruised Anastasia. Her face was under his booted foot, as he applied great force to torment. She cried in pain as I saw her nose bleeding, her cheeks and lips busted. Fuck! “You bitches are going to regret this!” He took his wand up to finally finish her off, but I couldn’t let it happen just yet. My head felt heavy, black dots appeared in my vision every few seconds. With whatever energy I had left in me, I raised my hand to cast another blazing shot at him, but then something happened. My hand froze in the air. “Enough, you brat!” I heard him shout at me, as he squeezed Anastasia’s face further under his foot. His wand was pointed in my direction as he slowly turned to look at me, not letting go of Anastasia. “Just because you learned to do that, does not mean you have conquered the art of witchcraft just yet, Mia. It takes time and practice,” he mocked. “But most
Mia I slowly opened my eyes, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The scent of pine and earth enveloped me, instantly familiar. My gaze fell on the black wooden beams above, and the realization hit me— I was in Christian's bed. My body ached, each breath sending a sharp pang through my side. I tried to move, but the pain radiated from my bandaged arm, a constant reminder of the recent encounter. It was wrapped heavily in bandages and the slight stench of blood filled my lungs. The room seemed hazy, my senses still dulled by the remnants of sleep. How long was I even out for? I heard a knock on the door before a familiar head with long brown hair peeked in. “Hi,” Anastasia spoke sheepishly before observing my wounds. “How are you feeling?” “Like I have been run over by a truck. So it's safe to say I've been better.” “I'm sorry,” she looked at her feet. Why was she sorry anyway? If there was someone who was supposed to be sorry, then it was me. She wouldn't hav
Mia A knock was heard on the door, and we broke out of our trance. “Come in,” Christian ordered, before Julia came in, supporting a tray in her hands. “Here you go,” I looked at the scrumptious food that was placed on the side table and my lungs instantly filled with the mouth-watering aroma, making me feel hungry all over again. “I thought you both would be hungry, especially since you've been skipping meals since yesterday,” she gave a pointed look to Christian which made me frown. “Why were you skipping meals?” I quirked up an eyebrow at him. “Trust me, he won't tell you that he was so freaking worried the whole time you were in the pack hospital, he refused to eat anything till you gained consciousness. I thought, since finally you are up, I should get you both something to eat.” I saw Christian glaring at Julia because I'm pretty sure he did not want his sister giving those extra details to his mate, who, not to mention, had not quite accepted him wholeheartedly, yet. “Enjoy,”
Mia I stood staring at the stars, pondering over where life had brought me. Three days had gone by, and I had somewhat started to feel the physical pain fading. But the emotional pain. It was still fresh and raw. Like I was stabbed just seconds ago. Not in the arm. But in my heart. I tried getting over it. I seriously tried! But how can someone just erase their whole life from their minds within seconds? How can someone come to terms with the fact that the only person who he or she was devoted to, the only father, the only family he or she had, was never theirs to call in the first place. It was all a web of lies. All a plan to achieve their personal benefits. I was staying in Christian’s room once again. The only difference was, instead of having another bed in the room, he simply decided to sleep on the couch and let me take the bed. I still wasn't comfortable sharing the bed. I couldn't. I was just so overwhelmed with everything that had happened in the short amount of time. Mor
Mia's Pov My head rested on Christian's chest, as we sat in silence. I don't know when, but he had picked me up during my sobbing session and had us situated on the couch. Only dried tears marked my skin and my nose was completely red by now, I was sure. I sniffed a few more times and felt Christian rub my back gently. Knowing that I probably resembled the haunted Anabelle doll right now, I pulled back, wiping my face with the back of my hands. “Sorry, I just got carried away. I didn't mean to-” “It's fine, fire.” He cut me off, gazing deeply into my eyes. “You never have to apologize to me for showing your emotions. Trust me, I will always be with you, especially at your weakest.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I took a proper look at our position and blushed immediately when I noticed that I was completely on him. Like I was actually straddling him, my core directly over his….shit. I felt something hard poke me, and by the heated look on his face, I knew what it was.
Christian's POVA year had passed since Mia and I stood before our pack, surrounded by family and friends, and pledged ourselves to each other. The memory of that day was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday, yet the time between then and now had been filled with more life and love than I could’ve ever imagined.I stood on the balcony of our suite in the packhouse, watching the early morning sun rise over the treetops. The territory was peaceful this time of day, the woods that bordered the pack lands bathed in golden light. The packhouse was bustling with activity on most days, but in the quiet hours of the morning, it was serene—almost like the calm before the storm.Inside, the sound of giggles filled the air, followed by Mia’s soft voice calling out to our pups. Alaric was always the first to wake, full of energy and mischief, while Sylvia took her time, blinking up at us with sleepy eyes, like she needed more convincing to start the day.I walked back inside, and there they w
Christian's POVThe last few months had been a blur of sleepless nights and the kind of love I never imagined existed. Holding my children, Alaric and Sylvia, in my arms, watching them grow stronger with each passing day, it was like discovering a new part of myself I didn’t know was there. But even amid the chaos of fatherhood, there was one thing that I couldn't stop thinking about—the wedding. Our wedding.After everything that had happened, from nearly losing Mia to the joy of becoming parents, I needed to make her mine in every way, just like I promised. To see her walk down the aisle, to vow my life to hers before the world and not just in the way of our kind but as man and wife, before humans and every species alike. It was important to me. I wanted everyone to know that she was my everything.Planning a wedding, while also taking care of two pups, wasn’t easy, but I had a lot of help. Julia and Anastasia were incredible, practically organizing everything while Mia focused on h
Christian’s PovThe sterile smell of the hospital room filled the air as I stood by Mia’s side, gripping her hand tightly. My heart pounded in my chest as the doctors prepared for the surgery, and I made sure everything was set exactly as it needed to be. I had insisted on a female doctor and healer for Mia, knowing how important it was for her to feel comfortable during this delicate time. But no matter how many precautions I took, I couldn’t shake the fear clawing at my insides.Mia’s gaze flickered to mine, her eyes wide with anxiety, but I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, trying to give her some semblance of reassurance. “I’m right here, baby. I won’t leave your side. We’ll get through this together.”The room bustled with quiet urgency, the healers whispering to each other as they prepared the tools, but all I could focus on was Mia. Her face was pale, but her grip on my hand never faltered.The doctor, a calm and steady woman named Dr. Alina, approached Mia’s s
Christian’s PovAs the tension in the room finally began to ease, I wiped the remnants of tears from my face, still holding Mia’s hand like a lifeline. Her breathing had stabilized, though she still looked pale and exhausted. The doctors had done everything they could, but seeing her so fragile made my chest tighten all over again.The door creaked open softly, and I looked up to see Julia, Anastasia, and Alpha Dominic enter. Their faces were lined with concern, especially Julia, whose eyes immediately darted to Mia.“She’s okay,” I whispered, barely able to hold it together. “She’s… she’s going to be okay.”Julia rushed over to Mia’s bedside, her expression softening with relief. “Thank the moon goddess,” she breathed, reaching down to stroke Mia’s hair gently.Anastasia stood behind her, nodding in agreement but still looking concerned. Alpha Dominic’s imposing figure lingered by the door for a moment before stepping closer, his eyes trained on Mia’s still figure.“She’s strong, Chr
Christian’s PovThe second those lines on the heart monitor went straight, my world stopped. No. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening.“Mia!” I screamed, my voice cracking as I lurched forward. The doctors were swarming around her, shouting orders and moving in a blur. Everything felt distant, muffled, like I was underwater, and the only thing I could hear clearly was that relentless, high-pitched whine from the machine that told me her heart had stopped. Her heart had stopped.My mate, my Mia, was slipping away, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do.I surged toward the bed, grabbing the nearest doctor by the collar, yanking him back with all the strength I had left in me. “Do something!” I snarled, my voice barely human. “Save her!”“We’re trying!” The doctor’s voice trembled, fear flickering in his eyes as he tried to pry himself free from my grip. But I didn’t let go. I couldn’t. If I let go, it felt like I was admitting defeat. Like I was letting her go.The room spun arou
Mia’s PovI found myself standing in a place I couldn’t recognize—an endless expanse of white, serene and calm. The air felt cool, not like the sterile cold of a hospital room, but something softer, almost comforting. It was quiet, too quiet, but I felt no fear. Instead, there was an overwhelming sense of peace, like I had walked into another world where the troubles of reality couldn’t touch me.I took a step forward, my bare feet sinking slightly into the soft ground that didn’t seem to exist yet held me all the same. My heart felt lighter, the pain I had experienced moments ago in my body now a distant memory. As I moved through this space, something in the distance caught my eye—a garden, vivid and lush, teeming with colorful flowers that seemed too perfect to be real. Drawn to it, I walked without hesitation, my heart inexplicably pulling me toward the scene.At the far end of the garden, I saw a figure kneeling among the flowers, her hands delicately plucking the petals of a blo
Author’s PovMia’s world dissolved into a swirl of chaos and darkness. Her body, though fainted and still in the hospital bed, was trapped within the depths of a vivid, horrifying memory. It played out before her eyes like a movie—too real, too painful. She was no longer the adult Mia. Instead, she felt herself small, fragile, and terrified—a four-year-old child once again.The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and the deafening sounds of cries. She stood in the corner of her childhood home—her pack, her tiny frame trembling as she clutched her knees to her chest. Flames licked the edges of the walls, and the screams of her pack members echoed around her. They were dying. She could hear it—shouts, cries, the horrifying crackle of fire devouring everything in its path.Little Mia bawled, tears streaming down her face as she watched people—people she knew—falling to the ground. Her tiny body was shaking, her heart racing in terror. She felt helpless, too scared to move. The de
Author’s Pov4 Months LaterThe sun bathed the garden in a golden glow, casting soft shadows over the blooming roses and perfectly trimmed hedges. Mia sat comfortably between Ana and Julia, her hands resting on her swollen belly as they enjoyed their afternoon tea. It had been months since the ceremony, and with each passing day, the anticipation of the baby’s arrival grew stronger. They laughed, their conversation carefree as Ana excitedly showed Mia a variety of tiny gifts she had bought for the baby—soft blankets, little shoes, and a beautifully carved wooden rattle.Mia smiled warmly, feeling the gentle kicks of life inside her. The baby wasn’t due for another month, and despite the natural aches and discomforts of pregnancy, she had felt relatively good. "Look at this," Ana beamed, holding up a little onesie with "Beta in Training" stitched across the front. "Isn’t it adorable? He’s going to look so cute in this!"Mia laughed softly, touching the fabric. "It’s perfect. Thank you
Mia’s PovThe moment Dominic disappeared, leaving behind an awkward silence, the royal music began to play—filling the grand hall with a soft, majestic melody. It was as if the music had been timed perfectly to diffuse the tension in the air, giving everyone an excuse to focus on something else. The elegant chords of violins and the regal notes of flutes swept through the room, calming the uneasy murmurs that had begun.Christian turned to me, his smile softening the moment. “Dance with me?” he asked, his voice low and inviting, one hand outstretched toward me.Despite everything, I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. “I’d love to.”I placed my hand in his, and he guided me effortlessly to the center of the dance floor, where other couples had already begun to pair off, the royal rhythm guiding their movements. The grand chandeliers above shimmered, casting a golden glow over everything as we stepped into position.Christian’s hand settled on the small of my back, pulling