Roman’s POVOnce again, I let my rage get the better of me. My mother was the only person to truly understand me and now she was gone. Torn away from me by a one-night stand that I had already killed or thought I had anyway. A viscous feral hair standing growl ripped through my chest causing Eric to step back and whimper in submission. Kai unaffected took a step towards me his fists clenched by his sides knowing how unpredictable I could be while in this state. I hadn’t felt like this in a long time. Remembering the breathing techniques my father Axel had taught me I tried and tried to calm myself, to calm the wolf that was ripping my mind to shreds wanting out to get the blood and revenge he so craved. But it was no good.Feeling my body launch forward my fist connected with Kai’s jaw sending him hurdling to the ground. Straddling him I continued pommelling his face with my fists, blood splattering my clothes as I beat him. Suddenly I was thrown backwards as his wolf shifted anger rip
Cleo’s POVAfter spending the night in the cave behind the waterfall I managed to convince Roman to go back. He protested at first knowing that not only his siblings, but his fathers would be waiting for him to return ready to rain hell on him for his behaviour. Honestly, I didn’t think he would be the one to get it but me. It was my sister that had taken Athena not only from this world but from them. I just couldn’t get my head around it. Daphne had never been like that and the more I thought about it the more I began to develop a headache. Sure, she got into fights back in the orphanage but even they only happened when she was getting me out of a situation that I had created. In my mind we had an argument nothing more. Had she put her stubbornness behind her when I tried talking with her this whole thing could have been avoided. Nausea rose within me knowing that now it was to late. Any chances of us having reconciled now gone along with my mate’s mum.Roman had told me about his pa
Roman’s POVI hadn’t slept an ounce when my alarm went off. It wasn’t that it was my mother’s funeral today but the memory of me ripping out Lucille’s throat that had been playing on an endless loop in my mind. There was no possible way she could have survived that. I watched the light leave her eyes. I heard her heart stop beating and I felt her body go limp and cold. Had she miraculously survived her father wouldn’t have spent the last months chasing me. When Cleo asked me if I thought her father had something to do with it, I wanted to say no but I couldn’t. Truth is it was very likely he had played a massive part in Lucille’s return. Witches were powerful I’d give them that, but not even they had the power needed to resurrect corpse that had spent the better part of a year decomposing.As hard for me and my family the death of my mother is, I couldn’t ignore how hard this also was for Cleo. Her and her sister had both been welcomed into not only my home but my family. Everything s
Cleo’s POVI couldn’t be mad with Roman or his family for their accusations. Had it been my own mum I’d want answers too. I hadn’t however expected Layla to stock the wardrobe for me though as I vaguely remembered Roman saying she was a hard person to get along with and that she hated everyone. Once I got dressed Roman came up beside me lacing his fingers through mine as he bought my hand to his lips placing a gentle kiss. My heart fluttered at the small romantic gesture.“So, what will Henrik do?” Keeping my voice calm I needed to know in order to mentally prepare myself.“I honestly couldn’t tell you, but my father would know. He wouldn’t allow it to go ahead if her didn’t. If you want, we can both go and ask?” I thought he would say that. I wanted to stay here in the safety of these four walls but at the same time I wanted to support my mate in his darkest day and to prove to everyone else it would take more than this to force me away. What I didn’t want though was for other pack m
Cleo’s POVAs the candles disappeared, I couldn’t help but feel agitated. It felt as though everyone including my mate was against me as they all stood idly by watching as I entered a candlelit circle that could have ended me quicker than the blink of an eye. Warm tingles spread throughout my fingers the tickle feeling growing stronger the more wound up I got.“Is that how you protect your sons’ pup? Your sick in the fucking head all of you!” As I screamed at my mate and his father’s my hand went from warm to burning hot. Roman’s eyes flickering to that of his wolf he stepped towards me. “DO NOT COME NEAR ME” raising my arm in his direction a bright red glow appeared. Before I could even blink a flow of fire headed straight for him. I wanted to close my eyes knowing I could have likely harmed my mate yet somehow, I couldn’t look away. It was as if time had slowed down everyone around me standing still all except for Roman. He moved quicker than anything I had ever seen creating a shie
Roman’s POVBy the end of the night, I knew my mother would have been proud of the way her service had gone and I knew that she was now resting in peace which was what she really did deserve. Don’t get me wrong I would much prefer her to be here with me but when Henrik mentioned my mother’s depression that’s when I remembered how much she had truly endured in her life. Thinking back to all the times I found her crying and popping pills because everything had become too much. Back then I didn’t understand it, but now I do. She went through such trauma with her sister only to then suffer the consequences years later. As much as I wished she would be able to meet my pup I was just glad she was no longer suffering. As the she-wolves disappeared to take their pups to bed after a long and tiring day, the men continued to hang around the fire. Beer and whiskey in their hands as they listened to stories my grandfather drunkenly told about my mother as a child. A few times he would stop himse
Cleo’s POV As we made our way to the hospital Roman tried to give me the run down on what happened last night however each word he spoke was drowned out by me puking. Before now I had only been sick once or twice but since waking up this morning I haven’t stopped. Everything from smells to bright lights had my stomach churning. I had wanted to walk to the appointment he made but Roman refused. He said that driving would be the quickest option. He wouldn’t be wrong however every bump and turn in the road had me feeling worse. I felt as though I was standing on a boat in the middle of the sea as it was rocked and thrown about by relentless waves. As I stuck my head out the window trying to intake as much air as I could Roman began to rub my back in small gentle circles. I could feel Freya beginning to stir after having been out for a couple of days, her uneasiness bleeding into me. “We’ll be there in two minutes, and I’ll get the doctor to see you immediately.” I could hear the worry
Cleo’s POV“She what? H… how is that even possible?” I’m sure my eyes practically ejected from their sockets. Never in my life had I heard of a pup being able to shift before having been born.“I know it’s possible to be an early shifter as both my grandmother and I shifted earlier than the normal wolf, but this is a first for even me to hear.” Shifting my gaze to my mate I was glad to see I wasn’t the only one stunned by this revelation.“Is that why I’ve been having sharp pains?” The moment those words left my mouth I instantly regretted saying them out loud. Roman had asked me every day if I had been feeling ok, he even made me promise to tell him if ever I was in any kind of pain. I didn’t need to look at him to know his eyes were burning into the side of my head for I could feel his anger sizzling down the bond we shared. The feeling so hot I had to fight the urge to cower.“You’ve been having pains and kept it from me? Cleo, you promised you would say something.”“They haven’t 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