Jane listened on the other end of the door for a response. When she heard none, she knocked again, and still nothing. She bit her lower lip, wondering if the room was really empty. Maybe he just doesn't want to answer, so I'll return later. Jane thought, turning to walk away, but she stopped. Maybe it really is empty, and this is my only chance to redeem myself. Jane took a deep breath and turned back towards the door. She checked the halls to make sure they were clear before sliding her hand across the door's lock. It only responded to the Alpha and Luna of the pack whenever the office was empty, but she knew the way around it. Thanks to Rick. He would talk about sneaking up here just to sit in the Alpha's chair when everyone was gone. He told her it made him feel powerful and safe. She laughed at how stupid that sounded. Rick was nothing but a coward in her eyes and the farthest thing from safe. Jane felt around the edge until she came across a dip on the back panel. She had t
Xenia stretched across the bed with a smile spreading across her face. Everything felt wonderful against her skin and that scent. The heady floral and citrusy scent surrounded her like a sweet and warm caress. It was something she wasn’t used to. She opened her eyes while moving across the bed, searching for something…or someone. Then she suddenly stopped.Everything that had happened last night came flooding back. Mason. Her body seemed to remember every touch of his hands, mouth, fingers, and other things. Xenia shook her head and jumped out the bed as if it was on fire. The movement was faster than she expected. She grabbed the bedpost to steady herself before looking around the room. She was alone, and for that she was grateful. She didn’t know how to act around Mason after last night, and hell, even early this morning. It was then she noticed how naked and sticky she was. She gagged a bit before going to the bathroom. She quickly bathed herself, starting slow at first. The soren
Mason threw everything on the mantle on the floor before gripping the edge. The thoughts of Xenia flooded his mind, and Rodin was no help. Mason didn't want to think of her. Every thought felt like a betrayal to Melania. It wasn't just the thoughts of Xenia driving him crazy but everything else that came with it. Their plan to bring Melania back was being questioned in his mind. Sacrificing Xenia was the only way to go, and he came to terms with that long ago. However, just the thought of something terrible happening to Xenia tightened his chest. He didn't want to hurt her, but at the same time, he wanted Melania back. Before, there was no complication, but after last night and this morning, Xenia has imprinted herself in his mind. His…heart? "Dammit!" He yelled, banging his fist into the wall, creating a fist-like hole. He ran his shaking hands over his head. "I need to calm down. It's just the bond talking. Get it together Mason." He took a deep breath and went over what needed
Did she say my brother’s name? Mason was sure he must have misheard her. Did he contact her? He wondered as he picked her up and watched her nestle into his arms. His body immediately reacted to her bareness and the way her skin felt along his. Mason closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths to push down the desire rising in him. He laid her on the bed and went back to the bathroom. There was blood scribbled on pieces of glass that sprawled the floor from the broken mirror. For a moment, Mason thought she was trying to hurt herself. Maybe what transpired between them was too much for her to take, and she tried to end it. Yet, Nova was in control most of the time, so maybe the shock of everything finally hit Xenia. Doesn’t make sense. Mason thought. Knowing her mother was still here, Xenia would never take herself out of the equation. So, what the hell were you trying to do? Mason looked at the mirror again and noticed the blood on them looked weird. The shape of them wasn’t
Micah. Micah opened his eyes, staring up at the sky. The ghost of her touch felt like a handprint on his chest. He placed his hand there momentarily. Laurie, Erik, and Spencer stood over him with worried expressions before Erik helped him sit up. The campsite had already been taken down as the second part of the group settled around him. “What happened?” Micah asked. “You were talking to me,” Eric said, “then your eyes went white, and you fell back.” “Who contacted you?” Laurie asked, hovering around Micah to see if she could get anything from his spirit. “I felt a familiar sense of magic. Was it Lillian?” Micah massaged his head, trying to get rid of the fuzziness. “No. I think…I think it was Nova.” Laurie, Eric, and Spencer shared anxious looks while Lottie, Archie, and Cristobal looked at each other with confusion. “So it really is true?” Eric asked with a shaky breath. “Is she…really alive?” “Who is she? Xenia?” Lottie asked. “No, Melania. I saw her spirit, so it might be
The princesses and Delilah watched as the guard checked on them before leaving the dungeon. Now that Delilah knew Xenia was alive, she was more determined to leave this place. Delilah gave the princesses’ the look’ before unlocking the cell door. She approached the door the guard left through and saw him standing by one of the tunnels. “Okay, he’ll stand there for a minute before moving further down the passageway. Let’s go,” Delilah said to Aidy, who was still inside the cell. “Move it, Princess,” Carla urged her. “Time is of the essence.” “I...I can’t,” Aidy said, gripping the sides of her dress until her knuckles turned white. Delilah could see Aidy shaking from fear. She rushed to Aidy’s side, caressing her arms. “It’s okay to be scared, Your Highness, but we went over this. They won’t hurt you.” “How do you know,” Aidy asked, looking between Delilah and Carla. “What if we haven’t given them a reason to, and this could be it?” “I’m telling you, Princess,” Delilah said. “The
Xenia woke up in darkness, surprised to see that the sun had gone down and the moon shone in the sky. She looked down to realize that someone had dressed her, and her wounds had already healed. “How long have we been down?” Xenia asked Nova. “A while, I believe,” Nova responded. “Like I said. It is not something I recommend doing. It takes a piece of you every time.” “Right,” Xenia nodded. “Then I guess we have to hope it was enough. For now, we focus on rescuing my mother.” Xenia exited the bed and nearly stumbled onto the floor. She grabbed the bedpost to steady herself. She knew Nova said they would be weak, but this was more than just strength. Her stomach grumbled as a response. Hunger. She lifted her head in the air and sniffed it. She was going to have to get used to doing that. The smell of food was strong. Xenia followed the scent to the door, and in a flash, she stood in front of it. The movement took her breath away as she leaned against the door, trying to catch her
Mason, Kane, Lillian, and Celia made their way through the tunnels toward the ritual circle. Lillian and Celia placed their supplies on the floor. They used chalk to draw a circle with symbols and placed candles at four points. Lillian lit the candles around the circle with the flick of her hand. “I think I’m going to…guard the door,” Kane said. “Didn’t think a little magic would scare you, Kane,” Lillian said with a smile. “What kind of Beta are you?” “The kind that knows when he’s out of his depth, witch girl,” Kane growled while walking away. “How long is this going to take?” Mason asked, shifting on his feet. There was something in the air, and he didn’t feel like leaving Xenia for too long for some reason. The woman was wise, and with Nova attached to her, there was no telling what else she would get up to. “Don’t worry, Alpha,” Lillian grimaced. “We’ll have you back with your mate in no time.” Mason huffed at Lillian while she carried a board with pieces of the broken mi