Cleo’s POV How had I not noticed the signs before now? Thinking back to when I first opened her door, I should have known something wasn’t right. Sure Daphne was grieving, but never in this life time would she have ever considered self-harming. She was far too strong for that which made me feel like an even bigger idiot. “Who I am doesn’t matter. Why I’m here however…” Without giving her the chance to finish her sentence, I made a beeline for the bedroom door. Only I hadn’t been expecting what happened next. My sister… the person that looked like her appeared out of thin fucking air right before my eyes. “I’m guessing you won’t be coming quietly then. Never mind this way is much more fun” A fireball formed in her hand as I began to back away, an evil smile spread across her face. Whoever this sadistic bitch was could have all the fun she wanted, but I sure as hell wasn’t going down without a fight. “Where is my sister?” Keeping my voice strong I stood my ground dodging the flaming b
Cleo’s POV“What the actual fuck!” Opening my eyes, I find Daphne looking at me as if I’ve grown a second head.“What?” I asked completely confused.“Your mark… it glowed. And I mean night light in the dark fucking type of glow.” Placing my fingers over my mark the warm feeling buzzed through my fingers like electric, leaving my entire body tingling. I knew something was different when I felt the link to Roman open. When the mind link between us opened before it felt natural, but this time it was almost as if another part of me had forced it to connect. A small part of me wondered if it had something to do with the other half of me. The half I wasn’t ready to accept.“Roman is coming, we will get out of here Daphne” and I knew we would. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew Roman would do everything in his power to bring me back to him. There was no denying he had a reputation for being worse than his grandfather when it came to being ruthless, so I knew there was nothing he wouldn’t do.“
Roman’s POVDaphne’s shouting became quieter the further underground I went. It was obvious she cared for her sister and the thought of leaving the cave without Cleo frightened her. But what choice did we have? If I had left her there then who knows what could have happened, and for once Kai agreed with me. Finding a spiral staircase, I climbed each step taking two at a time. This is whole place creeped the hell out of me, but I wasn’t leaving without my mate. The handrail was made from the bones of different supernatural creatures that much I was certain of, making me wonder just how powerful these demons were.“Hurry up I’m losing my grip” a male’s strained voice had me seeing red. No other man was to touch what was mine. Something I would be all too happy to explain.Combining each element, I pictured what I wanted it to do. Forcing it forwards I threw it at the wooden door shattering it to pieces. The explosion distracted the demons for just enough time for Cleo’s wolf Freya to sl
Roman’s POVKai realising his Alpha command wouldn’t help resolve this situation sent a mind link to every unmated male within the pack ordering them to stay clear of our location. The last thing we needed were more lust crazed wolves ready to fight for a chance to mate with Cleo. I didn’t want to hurt the men, but if I had to I would. Not only was I possessive because she was my mate, but because I have Alpha blood it magnified that feeling. Had one man managed to get to her, I wouldn’t be able to prevent my wolf from killing him.“Kai do something” Cleo’s voice for the first time was full of fear. Though I don’t think it was fear for me, but for the men she knew I didn’t want to harm. One thing I had learned about Cleo was that she was pure hearted. I may not have known her long, but I had come to know she wasn’t the kind of woman to allow others to be hurt because of her. I knew she felt she failed her sister in that aspect and didn’t want for anyone else to fall victim for somethi
Roman’s POVCleo ran off after hearing what Kaylee had to say. Through the bond I knew Cleo didn’t want to become a mum, not yet anyway. She had only just turned seventeen, found out her parents weren’t who she had grown up to believe, and been kidnapped by demons. She had been through so much in such a little time. Balthazar howled in my head wanting me to run and comfort our mate, to tell her everything would be fine, but I knew right now she just wanted to be alone.“What else is needed for him to be free?” I needed to know everything. They had Cleo’s blood already and would likely now come for me.“I need to find out to be sure, but if I remember correctly, they need a full moon. You will be their next target Roman you need to watch your back.” Thanking her for the information, I went to look for Cleo. I had put her heat ending down to her being half demon, but now I wondered if it was because she had fallen pregnant.I found Cleo in the garden of the pack house, she looked deep i
Cleo’s POV Roman and I had literally only had sex a couple of times, the first only being two days ago. I had never given being a mum much thought. I hadn’t expected to settle down for years to come, but clearly the moon goddess had other ideas. When Dr. Holland said the pup was measuring seven weeks, I practically shat my pants. Though seeing the relief on Roman’s face as we heard the pup was his, made me wonder if I was actually cut out for this. While he chuffed over the image in his hands my thoughts went to the pup. In two days, a simple sperm had transformed into a seven week old foetus. I had never heard of a pregnancy having developed that quick before. How could five months be anywhere near accurate? “What I would like to do is schedule you to come back in for another scan in four day’s time. I want to get a feel for how the pup grows over a few days so I can give you a more reliable due date. How does that sound?” “Is the pup going to be like me if it’s already growing th
Cleo’s POVFive months later…“Cleo, I… I don’t know what to say”“Then say nothing. She had her whole life ahead of her, and now she’s laying there in that box because of a war she didn’t deserve to be involved in. She didn’t get a chance to find love, to grow old. So there really isn’t anything you can say is there. Nothing will make this pain go away.”“I’m sorry for your loss.” Eric just lowered his head before walking away.Everyone had spent the last twenty-four hours offering their condolences. All the ‘we are here for you if you need anything’ and the ‘you will get past this with time’ sentences were beginning to get to me. None of these people here knew her. None of them had spent an ounce of time with her. “Come let’s go home” Romans arms wrapped around my waist his face sitting in the crook of my neck.“I… I just don’t know why this happened. Why us?” Tears flooded my eyes as I looked at the coffin. “With all the cruel people out there why is it us that’s punished” Roman he
Roman’s POV After hearing what Johnathon had to say my mind was blown. It was a pup. One that hadn’t even been born yet and he wanted me to end its life. To end the life of my mate. My mother had always taught us that evil isn’t born, it’s grown. It’s something that manifests over time. I knew I needed to inform Cleo or what I had learned, but I couldn’t risk it. After we injected her with a sedative her human side fell asleep. Freya however didn’t. She became manic. It was almost like she had been possessed. She killed two of the housekeepers trying to get to Kai. I had wondered if it was something to do with the pregnancy heightening her anger or if it was something to do with the demon that escaped with her blood. But the truth was lying right in front of me. It wasn’t my pup or the demons making Freya this way. It was her demon half.“Roman… can I come in?” Looking to the doorway my mum stood watching me. I knew she was worried about me finding my mate because of those hunting me
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