Xenia sat up quickly and grabbed Jane's arm. "Don't say that!" Xenia didn't mean to yell, but something struck her nerves. "Don't let them define who you are. Being human is not a weakness, Jane. You are kind; sometimes, that can be just as powerful as a werewolf's strength." "Well," Jane said with a sad smile, "kindness didn't keep me from being knocked out, did it?" Xenia didn't know what to say to that. She wasn't even sure everything she said was just for Jane. At that moment, she felt weak and stupid for getting caught. She was lost in thought as Jane helped her back to a lying position. Xenia winced from the pain in her shoulders, but as soon as Jane massaged some cream, the pain was instantly replaced by a minor ache. "Your eye," Xenia asked. Jane absentmindedly touched the bruise. It didn't seem to bother her. "Rick overreacts sometimes. The Alpha yelled at him, so the most logical thing to do is blame me since I was the last person with you." "That is bullshit," Xenia y
Mason walked into his office, barely able to control his anger. She got away and almost got hurt. His best chances of getting Melania back were almost taken away just like that. He thought of Melania, but eventually, the image of Xenia clouded his mind. The ghost of her body felt imprinted in his. He sat in his chair but only wanted to return to her. Touch her. Feel the way her body melted to his. Never let her go. Then the image of her being attacked flashed in his mind. The way she looked when that rogue attacked. She was prepared to die. Frustratedly, he threw everything off the table in one angry swipe. "GET IN HERE!" Lillian, Kane, and Rick cautiously entered the room. They kept their distance, and Mason didn't blame them. They could probably feel the energy in the room like sparks of electricity pricking at their skin. Rodin's anger was rolling through them like waves. They needed to know how serious this situation was. "How did a fucking rogue get this close to my territor
Lillian stood in front of the mirror, waiting for Melania to show up. She held onto the box holding Melania's soul and closed her eyes, trying to calm her nerves. The Blue Moon wasn't far away, and she was no closer to finding a way for Xenia to accept Mason. So far, Rick hasn't been able to crack his little mate. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted as the surrounding candles were set ablaze before an image appeared in the mirror. Lillian opened her eyes to see Melania sitting on a bench under a tree. "Ah, Lill. So nice to see your face," Melania said. Her voice was as sweet as candy. Lillian bowed before her as she felt a ghost of Melania's hand caressing her face. "How is my mate holding out? Keeping him satisfied, I hope." "Of course, Luna. Though…” Lillian hesitated to continue. The one thing she hated more than Mason's indifference was Melania's disapproval. "Lill, tell me now," Melania said as the air in the room seemed to drop in temperature, "before I get angry." "It
Xenia was healing slower than usual but enough for Mason to put her back to work. She couldn't move as much with her injuries and the bandages but was glad to leave the room. Instead of one of the girls coming to get her, Mason sent two warriors in their place. Probably thought it best to send someone she couldn't easily knock out. Though if given a chance, Xenia wouldn't pass it up. She walked in front of them as they shared a hushed conversation behind her. Luckily, they paid her no mind, and she listened well. "Can't believe they stuck us with this human," one of them sneered. "I have better things to do than babysitting." "Tell me about it. I wish I had joined them when they killed all those bandits. It would've been fun getting a few kills under my belt." "I don't know, Bran. Rick said they had magic bombs that made the air taste like blood and dirt. They confiscated them so the Alpha could study them. I saw it in his office, but it didn't look impressive." "That's becaus
Xenia had to remind herself not to cry as she stared at Jane in the doorway. She knew she looked bad but Jane… Jane's eyes were lowered to the ground as silence blanketed the room. Lacey walked over and pulled Jane into a hug. Xenia was frozen, looking over Jane's face, which was heavily made up. Still, the bruises were plain as day. Her eyes were a deep purple, her lip was busted, and a light ring appeared around her neck. Xenia was surprised her face wasn't swollen. As Frieda and Celia walked over to Lacey and Jane, Xenia gripped the island to help her breathe. "I swear that hot bastard needs to be caged like the animal he is," Frieda said. "Fuck that," Lacey yelled. "Someone needs to beat his ass. Give him a taste of his own medicine." "Please," Jane begged softly. "I'm fine. I'm already healing." Jane moved around them until she came to Xenia. "Luna, I'm glad to see you moving around." "Jane..." Xenia could barely speak as Jane bowed and went to her station to prepar
Xenia pulled away from Jane and walked through the door. Lucky for her, Fred and Bran were chatting with the group as she hid the knives behind her back. They hadn't noticed her yet, so the element of surprise was on her side. She could hear Rick speaking to them as they laughed. "Did you see what I did to shut her up?" Rick asked, holding his hand up to demonstrate. That's when the first knife sliced through it like it was butter. It took them a second to realize what had happened before Rick growled and turned towards her. Xenia didn't wait as she threw the second knife, and he blocked with his hand like a dummy. The knife went through like butter, lodging itself in his shoulder. Xenia heard a scream from behind her, and it sounded like Jane. She turned to head back to the kitchen when she felt someone's hands on her shoulder. "How dare you!" Lillian growled as her claws dug into Xenia's skin, causing Xenia to scream out in pain. Without a weapon, Xenia did the only thing she coul
She is perfect, Rodin thought when Xenia stabbed him. He could tell she was scared, but still, she fought him, and that was the biggest turn-on for him. He couldn't help but pull her into a kiss. She was a beast, and he wanted to tame her. Her eyes widened when his lips found hers, and that was precisely what he was going for. She felt her heart pounding in her chest, a mix of surprise and vulnerability washing over her. Confusion clouded her thoughts, and for a second, she felt her body wanting to give in, but she refused. She struggled to escape his embrace, but he held her even tighter. Her hands moved up his side, finding the wounds she had made, and she dug in with her nails. Rodin growled in her mouth, holding her closer and biting her lip just a little in the process. She gasped, and he took this opportunity to plunge his tongue into her mouth. Rodin breathed a sigh against her lips. It was wonderful. The feel of her in his arms, the taste of her lips. At last, he felt at eas
Xenia was in a daze when she returned to the kitchen. "Gurl," Frieda started as soon as they returned to the kitchen, "that was the hottest and craziest scene I've ever seen. A fight and a makeout sesh all in one moment. And did you see what the Alpha's packin'? Pure entertainment..." "I'll say," Lacey laughed. "I've never seen anyone stand up to Rick and Lillian like you did. You're like a little badass human." Xenia saw the girls moving and talking around her. Still, she was oblivious to what they were saying. She sat in the corner, hugging her knees to her chest, rocking herself back and forth. The motion gave her time to analyze the situation. I can't believe he kissed me, Xenia thought, dragging her hands down her face. There was a whirlwind of emotions coursing through her - surprise, uncertainty, and a hint of an internal struggle. A thousand thoughts flooded through her mind, and they all led to the moment his lips met hers. At first, he was rough and dominant, and a sudde
As the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room, Xenia slowly opened her eyes to find herself lying in her room. She quickly sat up in bed, looking around. Was she dreaming? She had to be. That was the only explanation. She jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom to look in the mirror. She was the same as she was before. She pinched herself thinking she was dreaming but she felt pain.What the hell?She absentmindedly touched her face, arms, and hair. Unable to believe where she was. She tried remembering where she was before. Melania. The fight. Nova. She had to get back and…“Xeni?”Xenia’s inner thoughts stopped and she froze. She looked towards the doorway, willing herself to move but her body was shaking with emotions.“Mother?”As if on cue, Delilah appeared in the doorway with a smile on her face. “There you are? What is taking you so long? Put on some clothes and come to breakfast.”Delilah turned to leave but Xenia grabbed her and pulled
Delilah caught Jane before she fell to the floor. Jane gazed over Rick’s lifeless body, her body trembling of what had just happened before. before letting out a heavy sigh.“I knew this was going to hurt, but damn,” Jane laughed. “You would think I would be used to pain.”“Jane, what’s going on?” Delilah asked.“Later,”Jane said with one last look at Rick before shaking her head. “We have to get to the others.”“Agreed,” Archie said, gripping the hilt of his sword. “No delays. Where are the others?”Jane pointed in the direction of the dungeon cells. “Cells are down that way, but we’re not the only ones down here.”On cue, a loud crash could be heard through the tunnels. The group raced forward, coming to a scene of pure chaos. Lacey, Friend, and Danny were in the middle of an all-out brawl against several guards. Lacey was throwing punches like a rabid beast, while Frieda and Danny–both laughing wildly–used each other to break through. Danny swung Frieda around like a rag doll while
The saturated color of the surrounding trees and landscape looked all too familiar when Xenia woke up in the spirit realm. Yet, something felt off. The hues were darker and the shadow loomed over the entire space. Mist swirled around her ankles, and the air carried an otherworldly hum that seemed to resonate in her chest. For a brief moment, the feeling frightened her.“You are finally awake,” a voice called out.Xenia turned to see Nova, moving towards her. Nova’s white fur shimmered like freshly fallen snow under the moonlight and darkness.“Nova,” Xenia breathed, relief washing over her. “I forgot how this felt. Though, it looks different.”“Dark forces are involved here, Xenia,” Nova said, lowering her head slightly, her ears twitching in agitation. “Melania’s presence is growing stronger.”Xenia’s stomach tightened. The name alone sent a chill through her body. Her hands curled into fists, looking around the area for a sign. “Where is she?”“Close,” Nova growled. “Be on guard.”“
The clash of metal against metal echoed through the kitchen as Jane ducked, barely dodging the swing of the spiked chain now wielded by Rick.Rick grinned as he twirled the chain like a predator with a toy. “You thought you were clever. Wielding this chain like you had a chance against me. Haven’t you had enough today?”Jane was breathing hard, her muscles aching from the fight, but still she laughed, shaking her head. “Obviously not, if I’m defying you again, but you know what Rick. I don't care what you do to me anymore. I will be free from you whether you like it or not.”“Don’t test me, Jane.”He swung the chain and Jane ducked as it hit the plates just above her. The glass sprayed everywhere causing a few cuts on her arms. She moved back against the counter, and her hand grazed the surface, feeling for anything useful. Her fingers brushed against something cold and metal–a pie tin. Her heart leaped as she remembered its contents. The silver and wolfsbane pie she’d baked earlier,
The path they took wasn’t going to the dungeons but through the Alpha’s secret hideaway in his office. The sudden change as they entered the small cave made Xenia’s stomach tighten. “Where are we going?” Xenia asked, her voice more high-pitched than she liked. The warriors remained silent, their faces unreadable as they waded through the icy water to reach the other side. Xenia’s heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears. The dim, suffocating tunnel brought back the memories of her escape with her mother. Her breath hitched, and her legs faltered as the faint echoes of her mother’s screams mingled with the falling of debris.“Xenia,” Nova’s voice rumbled in the back of her mind, firm but soothing. “They did this on purpose. Fight through it. Breathe.”Xenia gritted her teeth, drawing strength from Nova’s presence as she struggled to keep moving. The warriors exchanged glances but said nothing, their grip tightening to keep her moving. Nova’s presence swirled protectively around he
Jane waited until all the warriors had left for the ritual before making her way through the halls of the packhouse. Her fist tightened around the key wrapped in a note she received from one of the guards–a man with a creepy obsession with Frieda. Jane thought it was a trap set by Lillian, but at the moment, she didn’t have any other option. “They locked Lacey and Frieda in the west wing, the room with the black doors. After the feast.”Jane cursed under her breath again. The west wing was desolate, but she knew there would be a guard or two stationed there. As she approached the main staircase, she slowed her pace, her ears catching the faint murmurs of voices below. She peeked over the railing and spotted two warriors stationed at the bottom of the steps. Sneaking past them was impossible. She needed a distraction. She looked around and noticed a small statue perched on a pedestal. Quietly, she slipped toward it, her heart pounding. With much more effort than she anticipated, she
This worked way better than expected. Lillian thought as she strode into the room where Mason lay, his muscular arms wrapped protectively around a trembling Xenia. She twirled the little pouch to break the spell, seeing the control Melania had over him was still in effect. Though if it was up to her, Lillian would let the effect last as long as she could. She approached the side of the bed where Xenia was looking straight ahead, her eyes wide with unshed tears. Lillian crouched down, her face level with Xenia’s. When Lillian’s hand reached out to brush a strand of Xenia’s hair back, Xenia flinched, but Mason’s grip kept her in place.“You brought this on yourself, you know,” Lillian mused. “All you had to do was cooperate.”“Fuck… you,” Xenia stuttered.Lillian laughed. “I think we both know who just got fuck. What? You can’t handle a bit of rough play?”Xenia wanted to reach out and claw Lillian’s face but Mason had her locked down. Lillian crouched, meeting Xenia’s angry gaze with
**TRIGGER: ASSAULT**Xenia’s fingers brushed the cold windowpane as she gazed out into the night, the Red Moon hung ominously in the sky. Its crimson glow bathed the landscape in an unsettling light, a reminder of the ritual to come. Tonight, everything will change. She could feel the weight of it pressing down on her. No matter how much Nova tried to reassure her that everything was going to be okay.“Do you feel that?” Nova asked. Xenia knew what she was talking about. There was power in the air. Something that seemed to call to the both of them. Or more like someone.“Mason?” Xenia asked.“No. Micah.”Xenia closed her eyes, searching in the darkness for something to hold on to. Was he really here? Was she really saved? A hand on her shoulder shook her from her thoughts as Tammy stood behind her with her dress.“Everything is safely tucked in, Luna,” Tammy said, laying the dress on the nook bench. Xenia exhaled slowly, gripping the towel wrapped around her as if she was cold, but
Mason stood in the dimly lit chamber, the flickering light from the torches casting shadows on the stone walls. In front of him, chained to opposite walls, were Micah, with bruises all over his body, and Cristobal, bound and barely conscious, yet still seething with defiance.Rick stood silently by the door, arms crossed, his eyes flicking between the three of them, awaiting orders.Mason tapped his fingers on the hilt of the knife he held, lazily spinning it in his grip as if it were a mere toy. He paced back and forth in front of his captives, stopping occasionally to inspect them with a twisted sense of amusement. "So, plans, dear brother. Let's discuss those. I’m sure you didn’t crash my little party just for a scenic tour of the dungeon." He stopped abruptly, crouching in front of Micah, his smirk twisting into something crueler. “Or are you going to let our brave soldier boy here spill his guts for you?”Micah didn’t respond. His breathing was labored, but his eyes—those damn e