Daphne’s POVEverything happened so quickly from that day. Had Cleo just done as I asked her and left me, everything would have been ok. She never would have found him, and I never would have ended things the way I did. That place had done nothing but tear us apart. We had spent our entire lives together, always having each other’s back. The day she found out who she really was happened to be the same day he found out she existed. He became the reason everything happened the way it did.Present day…Never in my life had I seen a white wolf. Sure I had heard of them, everyone had. But they were incredibly rare. The ground shook beneath my feet as I tried to stand causing me to lose balance and topple back over. Having heard the heavy pounding of paws as more wolves approached, I knew we were in trouble. That was until they came into view. They didn’t smell like rogues which bought an all new kind of trouble our way. There was no doubt we had made the mistake of stumbling onto pack terr
Cleo’s POVIf felt like electric was attacking my body as the guy picked me up. I didn’t have the strength to care that he was holding me while we were both completely naked, the poison from the rogue’s bite coursing through my blood. I gritted my teeth as I fought the urge to thrash in his arms as the burning became unbearable. The guy sensing my pain held closer to him and for some reason it helped take the edge off the pain. Suddenly I shot up and vomited as blood trickled from my nose. The guy panicked as he clung to me like a lifeline before picking up speed. I was so delirious that I hadn’t registered we were in a hospital until a man in a long white coat stuck a needle into my arm. My body began to convulse as my eyes rolled to the back of my head.“Shit. DOCTOR!” was all I heard before the feeling of electricity came back as the guy that carried me held me in place on the bed.“She’s going into shock. The anti-bodies aren’t fighting the poison quick enough. She’s a rogue so he
Cleo’s POV “Heat?” I must have sounded stupid. I knew exactly what would happen once marked, yet that was all I could say. “Yes Cleo” Roman chuckled as if it had been the funniest thing he had heard, only confirming I did indeed sound stupid. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just I hadn’t thought about it that way. Look, your right I don’t know you and I’m not sure I really want to. All I know is what Agatha told me and to be quite frank, what she did say wasn’t exactly a great selling point. I’m sorry… Raymond, is it?” “Roman” I had to fight the urge to laugh as he growled at me for calling him the wrong name. “Well, ‘Roman’ I don’t want a mate. I had all these plans for when I was old enough to leave. I want to travel the world, to embrace new cultures, try new food. Not be mated to a bloody wolf that wants to fuck until I produce them a pup. A mate that ends up causing my fucking death after what I’m sure would be an epic love. Thanks but no thanks. I don’t even know who I am
Cleo’s POV“I’m sorry what!” I shook my head as I spoke. She couldn’t be right. She just couldn’t be. Hades was the name everyone in the supernatural world knew of, but not one person had seen him in years. Or so the rumours say. He was the man people would mention when they told a scary story, the kind parents would use to keep their kids from getting up and sneaking out at night. “You’re not deaf, are you?” The condescending tone she used had me wanting to knock her out. Who the fuck was this bitch? She didn’t know me so for her to speak to me that way was bang out of order.“Kaylee!” Roman’s brother grabbed the woman’s wrist as she stalked closer to me. “You don’t know what you’re talking about so shut up and leave her alone”“What is she to you?” Kaylee looked between her mate and Roman. Her eyes widening as she pieced the bits together. “She’s your mate isn’t she? The wolf you’ve spent ages trying to bloody find, and now you’re going to lose her all over again” Roman growled as h
Roman’s POVWhen Cleo was dropped with the bombshell that her father could indeed be Hades, it floored her. We had spent the entire evening talking between us about how it could possibly affect her, and as a result we were beginning to get on really well. That was until I told her she was staying in my room for the duration of our stay. She threw the mother of all strops claiming all I wanted was to fuck her, when in reality I wasn’t like that. After giving her my word that I wouldn’t touch her, she finally drifted off to sleep. She didn’t have to like it, but she needed to accept it. She would soon come to realise I always stuck by my word. I watched silently as she fidgeted in her sleep, her bond seeking out mine. I smiled to myself as she shuffled closer and closer only settling once her head was rested on my chest. My wolf Balthazar now content with knowing his mate was finally sleeping peacefully, he stopped pacing in my head and went to sleep himself. I wished I could sleep asid
Cleo’s POVNever in my life had I allowed anyone to see me fall apart. Since my parents died, I had always kept my emotions in check. Sure, I’d struggled from time to time, I mean who wouldn’t? But I had Daphne, and she was all I needed. Roman wasn’t at all how I’d expected him to be. Let’s face it, with a reputation and a family like his, sympathetic isn’t a word you’d think to associate him with. Last night however proved just why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. He listened to each and every word I spoke. Not once did he but in or try to tell me I should have acted differently, and to be honest… it was refreshing. As much as I loved my sister, Daphne could be very judgemental. Though I hadn’t marked Roman, I could still feel everything he felt for me. His mark on my neck acting like a tour through his feelings and thoughts. He genuinely cared for my wellbeing and not just because of the mate bond.When I grew tired, I’d asked Roman to show me where my room was to which he t
Cleo’s POVAfter having heard about the extent of Daphne’s leg, guilt formed so quickly it made me feel physically sick and dizzy. Roman was quick to my side having felt it through the bond making me sit down and sip some water. Here I was discovering how I felt about my mate, all the while she had lost the ability to shift. A massive part of what made us not only who but what we were. Freya whined in my head knowing she would never get to run beside her sister again. Roman could tell just how much I loved my sister; we were the definition of ride and die.Having gotten dressed Roman led me out of his room and down two flights of stairs. His hand never once left mine. Don’t get me wrong the sparks from his touch felt amazing, like nothing out of this world. But it would certainly take some getting used to.“This is her room. From what Kai has told me she’s refusing to eat and has also refused to take her pain medication” the ball of nausea once again forming in my stomach as I picture
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 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