Cleo’s POV The flames burned for all but a second before they became more of an annoyance. That scared me. Fire, heat anything that extreme should have hurt me. Should have left me scarred, breathless and begging for release but it hadn’t. Flames created my own hand didn’t hurt me, but this was hell fire. Engulfed in flames of hell I felt relaxed a sense of calm and the feeling of home that even Roman couldn’t provide me. As the flames disbursed Freya rose from her knees. In the legend’s hell, the underworld was pictured as an underground cave. Lava rivers flowing throughout waiting to snuff the life from anyone that dare touch and every soul damned to this place. That picture however was very, very wrong. This place looked nothing like the underworld pictured in Hercules as I grew up. No, I wasn’t standing in a cave but what looked to be a desert. The skies were a blood orange which seemed to be home to giant flying beasts as they circled above me. ‘What are those things?’ ‘Guard
Cleo’s POV “Time moves differently here Cleo; you’ve been here what? A few hours? That would be few weeks up there. You really ought to have done your research before venturing places you have no clue about.” Hades lifted his gaze fixing at me for a split second, a small smile playing at the corner of his thin lips. “By now I’m sure your mutt is going out of his mind. That is unless he found some other bitch to share his bed in your absence. Lucille perhaps?” Growling I launched myself in Hades direction only he was two steps ahead of me. Raising his hand, it connected with my face sending me skidding across the ground. Everything within me hated this man and the way he was able to get under my skin with just a few words. Looking at my bump the seriousness of the situation I was in began to weigh heavily on my mind. If the time difference was true, it meant I would have maybe two hours left until my world would change forever. Each minute was now critical. “Oh Cleo, I’m joking. About
Daphne’s POVAfter Eric marked me, he refused to see me. The greater his absence became I could feel the mark on my neck burning into me, the venom wanting me to lose all control. Without me marking him in return my body would begin to crave him. Something that was already beginning to happen. Every thought that entered my mind was of Eric. Nothing about them were sexual which hadn’t surprised me in the least.Two weeks had past, and every day Roman would inject me with something that kept my heat at bay. Though the pain remained the need to fuck was nowhere in sight. Being down here was lonely and in truth gave me time to think. Time to reflect upon the choices I made that led me to being here.More than anything I wished I could turn back the clocks of time and tell that demonic bitch where to go. If I could I’d reveal her true identity. I’d scream it so fucking loud that not a soul in either this life nor the next would miss it. However, I couldn’t. Another poorly made choice I had
Romans POVWithout thinking I smashed through the window catching Cleo off guard yet the man controlling the flames didn’t even flinch. Turning to face me his face shared similarities with Cleo. Their noses, their eyes and even the posture they held were the same. There was no denying this was Hades.“ROMAN! ITS A TRAP GET OUT!” Out of nowhere a flame spiralled around me pinning me to the wall. “YOU HAVE ME, LET HIM GO! LET HIM GO!” I growled hearing how my mate begged for my life until realisation set in.Lucille didn’t want to be Luna, she wanted me here and knew exactly how to accomplish it.“SILENCE!” Pulling the flames that bound Cleo closer to him I thrashed trying to break free and get to her. Every move I made the heat grew stronger burning into my flesh. “You may have the fire element under your belt my boy, but this is hellfire.” He sneered as he placed his long sharp blackened nails on Cleo’s large bump.My heart began to race knowing he wanted the pup dead. As Cleo screame
Cleo’s POV“I’m sorry I think I heard you wrong. I thought I heard you say, ‘I kissed Lucille’ but I couldn’t have heard that because I know my mate wouldn’t do that to me.” Roman’s eyes refused to meet my own only confirming my bastard father correct. “Get out. I can’t look at you right now.” Turning away from him I laid painfully on my side. I had never wanted to meet him originally and in this second, I hated myself for giving into the mate bond to begin with.“You have to understand that you had been gone for weeks…”“Oh well that’s ok then.” Turning back to face him I could feel my face heating from the anger rising within me.“I don’t mean it like that Cleo. You were in the underworld for weeks and I had no clues whatsoever as to whether you were dead or alive. I needed you back and Lucille had a way of getting me to you. Yes, there was a price to pay, and yes, I kissed her but not because I wanted to. I did it because it was the only way she would open the portal. When I got th
Romans POVLeaving Cleo at the hospital I raced back to the pack house. The moment Cleo said her name I felt sick. How could none of us have noticed. We had all spent time with her, so I felt embarrassed to not have even suspected her. My wolf had always been able to spot evil a mile away. She had fooled us all. And to make matters worse my mother asked my fathers to give her a chance and how did she repay her? Orchestrating her death.Several speed cameras flashed as I made my way through the centre of town but right now, I couldn’t care less. It was late so it’s not like kids would be running around and if I hit an adult they should have looked. Pulling up I took a deep breath knowing what I was about to do would hurt someone I loved. Someone that deserved the best of the best and not to be used or manipulated by some sadistic evil bitch.As I threw the door open, I could hear the sounds of giggling followed by the high-pitched squeal of my nephews. Something which instantly drew my
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
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