Cleo’s POVOnce dressed the nurse helped me into a wheelchair and wheeled me through the hospital. My eyes kept darting to the faces of various nurses as they eyed us suspiciously. I was no fool and knew that if the nurse had been caught she’d likely be in big trouble for helping me leave without being discharged. Thankfully we made it to the transport bay without incident.The nurse flagged down a taxi and helped me inside. After thanking her for all her help I told the taxi driver where to take me. The whole journey was uncomfortable to say the least. Between glances from the driver and the pain I was in I just couldn’t sit still. I silently cursed myself for not accepting the pain relief earlier on.‘You don’t need that when you have me.’ Hearing Freya’s voice startled me. I knew she would be waking up but I hadn’t expected her to just yet. ‘He sure did a number on us, give me a couple of hours and you’ll be good as new.’ Closing my eyes, I nodded. ‘Cleo please tell me you haven’t
Cleo’s POVAs we entered the dining hall we were instantly met with silence. Nobody other than Layla and her fathers were present.“Where is everyone?”“Told to stay clear for today. We have enough to deal with without overhearing ears causing more issues.”“You think someone within the pack would cause trouble, even with the council here?” It wasn’t that I didn’t believe what Layla had said, but from a glance they seemed like a tight knit pack.“Cleo things are never as they seem. News of the councils pending arrival will have likely stirred up memories in more than one pack member. Memories that took a lot to forget.” Axel didn’t even look at me as he spoke.“Because of what they did to Athena?”“You really are hell bent on making this more difficult aren’t you!” Slamming his fists on the table he pushed his plate of food away.“Dad enough! She’s asking because she doesn’t know. She didn’t intend to cause you any pain.” Romans grip on my hand grew tighter as he once again clashed wi
Roman’s POV“We appreciate that he’s young and he’s inexperienced but that won’t change the outcome. He as Alpha had a duty to keep his entire pack safe and he failed.”“It’s the number one rule. Experienced and inexperienced alike, both should know that fact before accepting their roles.”“My son may not have been Alpha for long, but he never once put himself before the pack. Show me one person to complain about the way he ran things because I know you won’t find one. Hell, I’ll even help you look.”“Axel you’re not an Alpha anymore you have no standing here. Your presence is more of a courtesy.”“Like hell I don’t! My family were among the first to be created. I mean you no disrespect, but by that alone I have more right to stand up here and speak than any of you.”“You would bode well to hold your tongue. Speak out of term against the council again and you risk losing it!”“Dad…” seeing things beginning to heat up I knew if he carried on things would take a turn for the worse.“Wha
Cleo’s POVAs I got back to my room I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, confirming that the invisibility had in fact worn off. Hearing voices from outside the door I ran into the bathroom quickly stripping myself of my clothes. Turning the shower on I quickly stepped in allowing the water to soak me. I didn’t need to shower, but it looked better after the lie Roman had told them. After all we were all in this together.“Cleo?”“See she’s missing, what more proof do we need?” Jumping out the shower I wrapped myself in a towel and exited the bathroom. Knowing who was there I acted surprised.“Erm… excuse me…”“Sorry miss we didn’t realise you would be so… in disposed. If you would just…”“I’m in my room, in my shower. How did you think you would find me? Fully clothed? Because I mean why wouldn’t I be showering with my clothes on!” Putting my acting skills to the test, I forced as much anger as I could fathom into my voice. I even went as far as to let my eyes water.“Gentlemen
Cleo’s POVWe had been in the library for over an hour and each one of their questions were beginning to grind on me. I understood they had a job to do but come on! Most of their questions were stupid and an ultimate waste of time. Questions such as where I was born, who raised me and when did I make myself rogue were all things, I’m certain they already knew.After all, once a pup is born, they are registered within the week just like humans. The only difference being unlike in the human world we have to note everything. Notes are made on hair and eye colour. The date and time we receive our wolf, the date we become mated and the date when you leave. So, for them to ask my mother’s maiden name made absolutely no sense.“Miss Barton, we are placing you under arrest pending further investigation.”“WHAT?” The pitch of my voice so much higher as that one sentence caught me off guard.“Anything more will be discussed at The Ballard. Until cleared you will remain in one of the holding cel
Cleo’s POV“It doesn’t look any different.” The moment I held the athame in my hand the smooth silver blade began to illuminate as it took on an orange glow.“You did it!”“Try not to sound too surprised will you Roman. I said I would combine it and that’s exactly what I’ve done. And from what I hear it’s just in the nick of time. The elders have got everyone looking for the both of you. Your fathers are outraged.”“They’ll get over it.”“Will they?”“I can feel it.” The power in the athame called to me like a siren of the sea called to the sailors. It was impossible to ignore as my own power latched on.“Cleo?” Roman placed his hands on my shoulders just as I closed my eyes. Feeling the tug of warmth within me I embraced it calling it forward. “FUCK!” Opening my eyes my jaw dropped. Remembering how I had once thrown fire at Axel using all my anger to form it, this was different. It felt natural, but this felt alluring and dangerous all at the same time. There were no doubts in my min
Roman’s POVHaving snuck out the back of the shop before the door opened, I let out a deep breath. This was only one of the many hurdles I knew we would now face. I knew anything could go wrong but I also knew that Cleo and I would fight until our last breaths if that’s what it took to get our pup back. There was nothing we wouldn’t do.Together the three of us weaved through the crowd of jumpers and dancers, carefully navigating the streets. Which between the decorated floats and food stalls was incredibly hard to do. At this moment we were at us most vulnerable. Normally Balthazar would have been able to pick up on another wolf’s scent, but the smell of burgers, hotdogs and alcohol blended with the crowd’s perfume overwhelmed him immensely. The combination making him nauseous and uncomfortable.I’d hoped to spot Hades in the crowd our pup in his arms before they reached the church, but I couldn’t help thinking he’d had the same idea as us. Disguised themselves and our pup. A couple
Cleo’s POVHaving reached the church, we were met with a welcoming committee. The rogues from before stood united in the street, ready to fight when called upon. Yet the bitch whose life I wanted to claim for myself stood right beside Alpha Sara.Lucille was not going to be making it out of this alive. I had long ago planned to rip her to such tiny shreds that nobody could ever resurrect her again. This I had decided when Roman told me of their kiss. Sure, I should hate him for it, but Lucille had used his weakness to her advantage. She had used his love for me, and I would show that bitch exactly how bad an idea that was.We knew we needed to get into the church; to do that, we knew we would have to fight our way in. There were at least twenty of them and only two of us. They had the numbers, but we had each other, and together we were strong.As Roman took my hand in his own, our eyes locked in understanding. No matter what happened, one of us had to survive. One of us had to get to
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