Roman’s POVI knew without a doubt that Cleo would rather lose herself forever than for our daughter to one day walk this road. A parent’s sole goal is to ensure their children grow up safe. The problem was that Cleo had been looking at it all wrong. Each of us was born with the blood of a god or goddess. However, our pup came from both. The dark and the light are equal parts living in harmony within her tiny body. She was born to rule the underworld, her entire persona more than strong enough to sustain from giving in to a single part of herself. By accepting her role as Queen when she came of age, there was no risk of her losing herself.I didn’t want to believe the things she could one day be capable of, but now I do. I believe she will be capable of as much good just as she will be capable of causing irreparable destruction, but we had time to ensure she chose correctly. She would need Cleo and me to teach her the difference between wrong and right while freely embracing who she w
Cleo’s POVThe explosion in the pack house was like a beacon calling my name. The anger, the fear, and the smell of death excited me. With each death came a vibrant soul, so I knew the world I ruled would flourish with the new arrivals. It was one of the awful yet understood needs of hell.Standing in the center of the courtyard, I watched Moonlight Pack members flee from their homes with their families. Roman had once mentioned tunnels hidden under the older homes, making me wonder if that was where they hoped to make their escapes. Things were in complete and utter chaos, and again the men in charge were to blame.Before I could step, a loud yet deep voice called my name, catching my attention. Elder Johnathan stood there, his fists balled at his side with a long metal blade strapped to his waist. His face was stern and void of emotion, something that didn’t change as his lips curled up in a snarl. Though no matter how intimidating he tried to be, I could smell his fear radiating th
Roman’s POVSeeing Layla in the grip of Brent had us seething. He had once been a member of our pack until he was banished by my mother, forced to become rogue for the assault of several she-wolves. As our eyes locked, he smirked, but Balthazar was quick to unhand him and free our sister.I didn’t have time to think about where my pup may be because I knew Layla would never have gotten caught while she was in her possession. Wherever she had hidden her, I knew she was safe.With Brent remaining in human form, it was clear how he had improved in combat. His fists certainly packed a punch, but he would never hurt anyone again when this was over. With Balthazar retreating, I got to handle the situation personally. Taking a deep breath, I ran at him, dropping to my stomach and using a pool of blood on the ground to slide between his legs, missing his next attack. Swinging my foot under him, he fell but quickly steadied himself.Standing, I wrapped my arm around his neck, placing him in a
Cleo’s POV As the sound of screaming bought me back to my surroundings, I was shocked by what I saw. Never in my life, with or without the darkness, had I committed something so violent and atrocious. The guard’s face was completely unrecognisable. It had been caved in from where id bashed it down on the wooden spike time and time again until there was almost nothing of his head left. I threw the corpse to the ground and took a step back, nausea building within me as my hands began to tremble. I had been so lost in my rampage that I hadn’t even noticed Roman arrive. The look on his face was something that I would never forget. A mixture of fear and disgust. The way his eyes roamed over my face before turning his back to me made me feel even more sick. As addicting as the darkness was becoming, the last thing I wanted was for him to give up on me. He was supposed to be my salvation. I watched as he checked the children over for injuries before ripping the bottom of his shorts and tyi
Cleo’s POVI wasn’t going to let him die, not for me. I didn’t deserve it, and I didn’t deserve him. His pack needed him to survive. After overhearing what Roman and his family intended to do, I knew I had to get there first. This all began because of me, and it would end with me. I’d be damned if anyone else would lose their lives because of me.Closing my eyes, I pictured the Wolf Embassy. The building had recently been refurbished due to a fire a few years ago, and I remembered seeing it on the billboard back in the orphanage. It was shaped like a large townhouse, at least four floors high. The wooden fronts were replaced with blacked-out glass panels from the bottom to the third floor. The fourth floor was brick and held only a couple of windows.Any passerby wouldn’t think anything of it, but in my mind, that would be where they met and held their most secretive meetings. It offered the most coverage and was high enough that they had more chance to get away if something happened
Roman’s POVI thought I was getting through to Cleo until she pushed me backwards and took off. I went to run after her but was held back by my fathers.“Let her go, son; she’s not ready.”“She’s on a mission just as we are. Let her do what she needs to, and then we will help you get her back. Whatever it takes.” Nodding at my father’s, we took the second set of stairs. As much as I hated to admit it, they were right.Cleo had gone to the next floor, so it made sense for us to go up again. Whether she liked it or not, we would clear this place together. Level three was where the armoury was kept. Weapons collected over the centuries from all different species are locked away. From fairy dust, rogue’s poison, and enchanted blades to a witch’s grimoire. Anything they could get their hands on and use would be inside that vault. We just needed to get it open.As proof of how untouchable the council thought they had become, they hadn’t bothered to disguise the front of the vault. The metal
Cleo’s POVYesterday stood a building of authority and importance, and now, an ashen wreck. The carnage it caused, the devastation, it rattled even me. To witness first-hand what can happen when power, no matter the source gets out of control. Before now my mind had been like frisbee, back and forth with my decision on returning hellfire to where it belonged. But after today, my mind was set. I no longer wanted this.Twenty-Four hours before…As the walls and floor began to shake, I missed my mark; my fireball hitting the window, sending the glass shattering. Another tremor, and my legs went from beneath me.“You’re too late. You’ve doomed us and yourselves.” Clinging to the furniture, I watched the elder try to escape safely.I was in front of him in a heartbeat, my hand gripping his throat as I turned him to ash. As the smoke began to pool at my feet, I turned around coming face to face with the council’s leader. He pulled a blade from his belt and swung for me without saying a word
Chapter Sixty-SevenCleo’s POVHaving explained Jake’s situation as best as I could, I asked a nurse to help me get Roman into a wheelchair. His grandfather was currently in the ICU on life support, and there was no way Roman was well enough to walk.As we exited the lift, we were met with faces that lined the corridor leading to Jake’s room. Holding my head high, I pushed my mate down the corridor where his fathers met us. Kissing Roman on the cheek, I turned to walk away, leaving his fathers to take him inside.“Cleo, where are you going?” Hearing Axle’s voice, I stopped and turned to face him.“I’m going to get some air while you spend time as a family. It’s all right; you need it.”“Your right, we do, but you’re also a part of this family, Cleo. None of us would be here right now if it weren’t for you. Angel wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to her mate if it wasn’t for you.” Holding his hand out for me to take, I hesitated for a second before accepting.As I took his hand, he yanke
Cleo’s POVAs Angel took her place on the front row of seats, Axel stood with Roman and me. This would be his first act as the leader of the newly formed council, but to look at his face, you wouldn’t think it. He looked more confident than I had ever seen him. If Athena were looking down, she would be proud of her mate for serving her justice and rebuilding after so much loss.The regular couple would now enjoy their reception, eat, dance and be merry, but we had one more ceremony to complete before we could enjoy the remainder of the evening. I was scared shitless, but I knew I could do it with Roman at my side.“Evening, everyone. As you are all aware, tonight is special for multiple reasons. Not only has my son married his beautiful mate, but he will also take his place as our new reigning King. A role of such power is earned, not just born into. Roman and Cleo have shown us time and time again that they are more than equipped to handle anything that’s thrown their way. This new l
Roman’s POVTonight everything would change. Not only would we become husband and wife, but we would gain the titles of King and Queen.I wasn’t normally a nervous man, but today, I was. Today my heart beat wildly in my chest as I counted down the hours until it finally was time. Standing alone under the wooden archway, I fiddled with my fingers, my palms becoming sweaty. There was no doubt whatsoever in my mind I wanted this, so why was I nervous?I had hoped Kai would be back by now, I’d wished to have him stand at my side as my best man, but I understood his situation. He had lost his other half, his reason for living, and had that been Cleo, I knew I wouldn’t survive.Watching out over all the faces in the crowd, I tried my best to remain calm. Balthazar spoke words of encouragement in my mind, but it wasn’t helping. Taking a deep breath, I looked up to the moon and prayed that, for once, Cleo would be on time. I didn’t mind waiting on the woman any other time, but not tonight. If
Chapter SeventyCleo’s POVMy eyes fluttered open as the sunlight beamed into the room through the open blinds. Rolling over, I found the bed empty. Roman’s side had been made and was stone cold. Worrying I’d overslept, I checked the time on my phone only to find a message from the missing man himself.‘I didn’t want to wake you, but I have a few things I need to take care of today. I’ll be back in time for tea, have a good day, and remember I love you.’Smiling to myself, I placed the phone back down. As I went to swing my legs over, a light knock came from the door.“Can I come in?” Angel’s voice came from the door's other side, causing my stomach to form in knots. I knew I’d have to face her today, but I’d at least hoped to have some coffee in my system first.“Of course. Is there something wrong?”“Actually, there is, the wedding….“ I couldn’t decipher the look she was giving me, which worried me.“Roman told you, didn’t he? I’m sorry if I sound like an ungrateful bitch.” And I tr
Chapter Sixty-NineCleo’s POVAngel wanted to help organise the wedding, and I begrudgingly agreed. Though now, as the day approaches, I wish I hadn’t. I had never been the type of girl that was bothered by diamonds or gold. I liked what I liked, and that was it. A lavish white wedding had never been in my dreams. I wanted the wedding, yes, but I wanted the marriage more. I wanted a husband who loved me unconditionally and a family we would share.As the seamstress continued with her alterations, I neared wit’s end. The dress wasn’t me. I didn’t like how it sat and was not too fond of the strapless design.“Miss, will you please stand still? With you fidgeting, it’s impossible to get the hemline right.”Oh, and I didn’t like the seamstress. She was rude and snobby, and I didn’t want her.“Ouch!” feeling the point of the pinprick on my skin was the final straw.“Well, perhaps if you did as I asked…” growling, I heated her stupid needle and pins, smirking when they burnt her and caused
Chapter Sixty-EightRoman’s POVI couldn’t be any prouder of Cleo even if I tried. Watching as the darkness held on, its claws dug deep into her, she never wavered. She never once screamed for Henrik to stop, and I’m ashamed to say that I thought she would. The hours that followed were the most heartbreaking. I wished I could take everything from her and suffer in her place, but I couldn’t. We would walk many paths together, but this wasn’t one of them.I remained by her side the entire time, holding her tight and keeping her grounded as her fear took hold. We knew that there might one day be a consequence for stripping Cleo of her rule of hell, that the Brotherhood may seek revenge. But if that day did come, we would fight together.The obstacle we thought would be toughest, however, ended up being the easiest, bonding with our daughter. Scarlett was a bright, strong energy, and I knew she would one day take this world by storm. Seeing mother and daughter together was a sight like no
Chapter Sixty-SevenCleo’s POVHaving explained Jake’s situation as best as I could, I asked a nurse to help me get Roman into a wheelchair. His grandfather was currently in the ICU on life support, and there was no way Roman was well enough to walk.As we exited the lift, we were met with faces that lined the corridor leading to Jake’s room. Holding my head high, I pushed my mate down the corridor where his fathers met us. Kissing Roman on the cheek, I turned to walk away, leaving his fathers to take him inside.“Cleo, where are you going?” Hearing Axle’s voice, I stopped and turned to face him.“I’m going to get some air while you spend time as a family. It’s all right; you need it.”“Your right, we do, but you’re also a part of this family, Cleo. None of us would be here right now if it weren’t for you. Angel wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to her mate if it wasn’t for you.” Holding his hand out for me to take, I hesitated for a second before accepting.As I took his hand, he yanke
Cleo’s POVYesterday stood a building of authority and importance, and now, an ashen wreck. The carnage it caused, the devastation, it rattled even me. To witness first-hand what can happen when power, no matter the source gets out of control. Before now my mind had been like frisbee, back and forth with my decision on returning hellfire to where it belonged. But after today, my mind was set. I no longer wanted this.Twenty-Four hours before…As the walls and floor began to shake, I missed my mark; my fireball hitting the window, sending the glass shattering. Another tremor, and my legs went from beneath me.“You’re too late. You’ve doomed us and yourselves.” Clinging to the furniture, I watched the elder try to escape safely.I was in front of him in a heartbeat, my hand gripping his throat as I turned him to ash. As the smoke began to pool at my feet, I turned around coming face to face with the council’s leader. He pulled a blade from his belt and swung for me without saying a word
Roman’s POVI thought I was getting through to Cleo until she pushed me backwards and took off. I went to run after her but was held back by my fathers.“Let her go, son; she’s not ready.”“She’s on a mission just as we are. Let her do what she needs to, and then we will help you get her back. Whatever it takes.” Nodding at my father’s, we took the second set of stairs. As much as I hated to admit it, they were right.Cleo had gone to the next floor, so it made sense for us to go up again. Whether she liked it or not, we would clear this place together. Level three was where the armoury was kept. Weapons collected over the centuries from all different species are locked away. From fairy dust, rogue’s poison, and enchanted blades to a witch’s grimoire. Anything they could get their hands on and use would be inside that vault. We just needed to get it open.As proof of how untouchable the council thought they had become, they hadn’t bothered to disguise the front of the vault. The metal
Cleo’s POVI wasn’t going to let him die, not for me. I didn’t deserve it, and I didn’t deserve him. His pack needed him to survive. After overhearing what Roman and his family intended to do, I knew I had to get there first. This all began because of me, and it would end with me. I’d be damned if anyone else would lose their lives because of me.Closing my eyes, I pictured the Wolf Embassy. The building had recently been refurbished due to a fire a few years ago, and I remembered seeing it on the billboard back in the orphanage. It was shaped like a large townhouse, at least four floors high. The wooden fronts were replaced with blacked-out glass panels from the bottom to the third floor. The fourth floor was brick and held only a couple of windows.Any passerby wouldn’t think anything of it, but in my mind, that would be where they met and held their most secretive meetings. It offered the most coverage and was high enough that they had more chance to get away if something happened