~ ZoraInstead of confronting me like I anticipated, Abigail slammed the door in my face causing my heart to jolt. I gave myself a couple of minutes to calm down before I followed Emelda out of the hallway and back to the stairs. I couldn't help but feel like I had gained an enemy and a powerful one at that. I decided the best thing to do would be to ask Emelda about her and find a way to win her affection. The moment I got to the stairs, I saw Nox below, looking ravishing in a deep blue shirt tucked into black trousers. He was talking to some men and as he folded his arms in front of him, his huge biceps flexed, giving him a powerful look. The moment I climbed down the stairs, he turned and when our eyes met. His eyes darkened as they roamed over my body all the way down and back up, his lips curled up into a smirk and in a blink his eyes were back to normal. He stretched out his hand to me and I took it, climbing down the rest of the stairs. I gave him a small smile and he frowned
~ Nox According to lycan tradition, there were two kinds of initiations when it came to accepting werewolves into the pack: the blood initiation and the mark initiation. The latter was meant for those marrying any ordinary lycan in my tribe. Once the Exchange took place, it was obligatory for the lycan to complete the initiation by mating with their werewolf partner, and marking them as soon as possible. Only then could they have a proper wedding, and the werewolf would swear fealty to me. The Mark seals the bond, and not only does it unite the couple, but also instills in the werewolf a natural disposition and inherent affection towards lycan people and their culture. On the other hand, the blood initiation was reserved for werewolves marrying high-ranking lycan officials in my government. This initiation was ten times more brutal and painful than the Mark. The purpose of the blood initiation was to grant lycan abilities to the werewolf, making them as strong as their mates. As I
~ Zora By the time I woke up, I felt renewed and brand new. My body felt different: like it wasn’t my own and at the same time it belonged to me. I could sense that I was stronger and closer to my wolf. Asides from all this, I could sense my new tribe. It was like having a sixth sense that worked like a telephone book which also happens to be somewhere in your head and mind. You could reach out to anyone or everyone at the same time. Back at my former pack, everyone’s mindlink was limited to their families except the Alpha and Luna who had the ability to reach everyone and drop announcements. Now, I was able to do that too. Excited to test my abilities, I turned in bed, looking for Nox but to my disappointment, he wasn’t there. I didn’t stay blue for long. I snickered to myself as I tried to mindlink Roman. As Beta, his link was close to mine and I tapped into it. “Hey Hairyman!” I shouted down in my mind’s voice. “Gods!” Roman groaned. “You don’t need to shout, Zora. Ah! Shucks!
~ ZoraBefore I discovered that Tyler would be my mate, I had always daydreamed about what my wedding day would be like. For me, all we had to do was figure out the basics: a place for the wedding, food for the guests, my wedding dress and the rings.In fact, Hailey and I had spent weeks scrapbooking and planning out our weddings in detail. My sister wanted an extravagant wedding, with balloons and lights dangling overhead. She had told me it would be magical and something people would talk about for weeks. I, on the other hand, wanted something simple. The ceremony would be held outdoors, with chairs arranged in an open field. There would be a small upraised stage with a flower arch over us. For some reason, I wanted it to be at night under a full moon but Hailey had looked at me like I was weird. So, I discarded that last thought.Now, that I was getting married to Nox. I still had the same want for simplicity. I wasn’t interested in being over-the-top. Nox had a lot of open space t
~ Zora"Is everything alright, my love?" Nox's voice filled my head but unlike previous times, his voice did nothing to soothe me. It didn't make me feel invincible like it used to.The fact that he sensed my misery and was checking in on me made me feel more miserable. A Queen is supposed to hold her own and not have her King checking up on her all the time, right?"I'm fine." I replied. "Are you sure?" Nox sounded like he didnt believe me. "Yes!" I reaffirmed a little bit harshly. There was silence for a while, and I thought Nox had gone off the mind-link until he spoke again, "Abby is giving you a hard time, isn't she?" I remained silent. I wasn't surprised he guessed right, given the way she made it obvious that she wasn't pleased with me. "I will talk to her." He added. I'm suddenly overwhelmed with panic. "No. Don't!" I blurted down the link. "Why not?" "Because I want to handle things myself. This is between me and Abigail." I replied. There was another pause befo
~ ZoraThe next morning, I woke up in a much better mood and with a renewed sense of determination. The rush of adrenaline that had me feeling invincible the previous day washed over me once more. I felt somewhat proud of myself for putting things in motion yesterday. I may not have influence among the top dogs in the society but at least I can use what I have to help my people.I knew for a fact that Emilia's uprising was gaining traction, and the fact her soldiers were migrating to Moonrise, which is the closest pack to the lycan territory reaffirms that suspicion. Whatever the truth may be, it’ll be my greatest pleasure to be the dark horse she never saw coming.As I showered and dressed for the day, the thought of sharing my discoveries with Nox crossed my mind. My wolf, always eager to be around him, showed excitement at the idea. I rolled my eyes, knowing she would always be biased when it came to Nox. No. I’m keeping this to myself the same way I know he’s been keeping somethin
~ Nox She is changing. I can sense it, just like when one knows, a rainstorm is coming and the atmosphere changes. Zora was no longer looking like the bright-eyed girl whose heart was open for anyone especially me to peek in. No. This girl, Zora, was gradually changing and transforming into a woman. One who is taking the reins as Queen and one whose features were darkened and emotions, guarded. I could tell because I couldn’t feel her as strongly as I used to. I watched her as she ate silently, her full wavy hair covering her face. My fingers itched to touch her soft locks and to sweep it behind her ear, so I could see her properly, but I held myself. The moment, she had withdrawn her hand from me, I knew she was displeased with me, but there was nothing I could do about it. Her safety was my priority and losing her was not an option, so if it meant her hating me for keeping things from her, then so be it. It wouldn’t be the first time I incurred hatred for my actions anyway. I tr
~ Zora “I have to warn you though.” Nox said, catching my attention. “I have my reasons for being private about my people and I would appreciate it if you kept matters relating to the lycans private as well, especially when you get a phone.” I wasn’t a child but I wasn’t about to start an argument on that, I simply smiled and nodded. If this is how politics is played, then I will be an avid learner. I didn’t think getting Nox to approve of me having a phone would be so easy, even though there should be nothing against it in the first place. It would be nice to finally be able to chat directly with Hailey and get feedback on what’s happening at Moonrise. I quickly mind linked Roman. "Hey handsome." I crooned. His reply came almost immediately but rather than sound smug and amused, he sounded tired. "I get that I am handsome but if I have learnt anything when it comes to women, it's the fact that you compliment us when you want something. What do you want? Ahh, let me guess, a new