Nova observed from a distance as Xenia navigated through the stages of grief, her emotions ranging from mutterings to hysterical crying. Nova felt the urge to comfort her, but every time she approached, Xenia would abruptly jump up with another round of rambling. “It’s possible she got away,” Xenia said to no one in particular. “Right? I mean, we didn't see a body. She probably saw the first light and jumped out of the way. Yeah, my mother is smart like that.” Xenia nodded, seemingly in agreement with herself. “That has to be it. She's not dead unless I see a body.” A moment later. “That explosion was big though. There’s no way she could’ve made it. Oh God please just bring her back. I will do anything. Take me, take me!” Xenia turned to Nova, pleading with her. “Maybe we can bring her back. Like Melania, right? You can ask your goddess or do some magical stuff. Please, Nova! This wasn't supposed to happen. This was all my fault!”Xenia found herself drifting between the tangible re
For hours, Mason remained seated in the armchair, lost in the pages of his book. Occasionally, his eyes would drift towards Xenia, who seemed frozen in place by the window. Perched there, her posture rigid, as though any relaxation might unleash a torrent of pent-up emotions. The silence enveloped them like a suffocating blanket, punctuated only by the heavy sighs escaping Xenia;s lips, each laden with unspoken anguish and unresolved bitterness. Suddenly a timid knock shattered the delicate balance of the room, Xenia’s gaze narrowed suspiciously as the door creaked open, revealing Jane with a tray of steaming dishes. Her eyes darted nervously between Mason and Xenia, who turned her attention back to the outside world.“Excuse me, Alpha,” Jane began hesitantly. “I’ve brought lunch.”Mason gestured for her to approach, and Jane set the tray down on the table. As she turned to leave, Mason halted her.“Xenia needs help cleaning her hands before eating,” Mason commanded.. “I’m not hungr
Mason stormed into his office like a raging bull, his anger palpable as Lillian and Rick trailed behind, hesitant. He paced the room, clenching the letter he just received with frustration. Lillian and Rick shared uneasy glances, bracing themselves for what to come, until Mason finally unleashed a growl of fury.“How the hell is this possible, Lillian!” Mason’s voice thundered, his red eyes ablaze with fury. “I thought you assured me we had nothing to worry about. ‘I think it’s time to get rid of the opposition permanently.’ Isn’t that what you said?”Lillian bristled at his tone, casting her eyes downward. His aura pricked at their skin like pin needles. She could barely breathe in his presence. “You know how difficult it is to kill your brother,” she muttered.“What was that?” Mason demanded, his voice tight with anger.Lillian knew he really didn’t want her to answer so she held her tongue, waiting for his anger to simmer down. Mason gripped the mantle with enough force to crack th
Laurie and Micah exchanged glances across the yard. The market was bustling with people selling or buying items. Lottie’s grandmother was setting up her tent with the most delicious smelling prized pies, declaring it off-limits. They arrived in Greenville the night before after running nonstop and were greeted with a warm invitation. Lottie sent word the day before, so there was already a place for everyone to sleep.The next day, they decided to meet up in the market.“I can go speak with the fishmongers, the gatherers of the pack are usually set up over there, and the warriors would be on their morning run,” Lottie instructed. “Thanks, Lottie,” Micah said. “If we split up then maybe we get as much information as possible.”Everyone nodded in agreement before dispersing into the crowd. Micah’s gaze lingered on the pies, his mouth watering as he almost reached out to touch one. But Grandma Addy, sharp as ever despite her age, smacked his hand away before he could make contact. A low g
The sound of church bells rang in the distance, signifying the moon had reached the highest point in the sky. Occasionally, thunder rumbled in the distance, foretelling the coming storm, but that didn't bother Mason. He had to be here and see this through at her request. Mason stood with his brother, Micah, while the Elder Werewolves members stood in the Nexus' center a few feet away. The Nexus was a sacred ground for the Moon Goddess's worshippers. The gravel aisle led up to a raised circular concrete stage, and in the middle of the circle, chained to a metal spike, was Melania. Behind her were four others kneeling on the ground, weeping about their current predicament. Although she had been a prisoner for months, she looked pristine, untouched by the filth surrounding her in the dungeons. Her clothes looked newly pressed, her hair brushed into smooth waves draping over her shoulders, and her face glimmered as if she was dusted by starlight. At least it looked that way to Mason, w
Mason's body reacted faster than his mind could process. The moment the woman glanced back at him, her eyes widened, and he could see them much clearer now. The color was even more impressive, like a glass of champagne. Mason knew she was going to fall when she looked over her shoulders. He quickly moved through the tables and caught her before she hit the ground. Wrong move. The smell of winter blossoms invaded his nostrils as he pulled her hard against his chest. Rodin, his werewolf, stirred happily in his mind. This must mean she's my… "Mate," Rodin said in the back of his mind. Mason nearly pushed the woman away the moment Rodin said those words. His second chance mate was right in front of him. Of course, he would meet her now. It was like fate telling him everything was coming together. "Hey, what was that for," she said, looking up at him with her hands on her hips. "I didn't need your help in the first place." Her eyebrows furrowed, but the longer Mason stared,
That chemistry was fascinating and terrifying all at the same time. Xenia leaned against the bakery door, trying to calm her heartbeat, but every time she closed her eyes, it was him she saw. His eyes when he stared at her, his lips when he talked, the way his hand touched hers, and the electricity. So much for keeping my heart rate down. Xenia opened her eyes and saw the twins, Dottie and Molly, looking at her with curious smiles. She hated it when they smiled at the same time. It was beyond creepy. "What," Xenia asked, trying to hide the blush burning her cheeks. "Can't a girl have a moment?" "This is a place of employment, Xenia, so…." "No," they both said simultaneously, laughing. Xenia rolled her eyes at them as they went back to work, with their creepy smiles still plastered on their faces. A woman with long auburn hair and dark green eyes entered the room, humming until she saw Xenia plastered to the door like paint. The woman's eyes widened, and she ran over, to
Xenia's mother sauntered into the room with one of her latest victims, Xenia likes to call them, who was drooling behind her. She wore a black and red low-cut dress with a corset revealing her bare breasts like a prized meal. She wore a jeweled ruby necklace that complimented the dress, hanging low on her chest to help 'direct attention,' her mother would say. From the texture, Xenia could tell the dress was made from expensive silk, which was easy for her mother to get these days. After all, she was a highly respectable and much sought-after courtesan. "I can't believe you met a man and didn't tell me," she glared at me. "I prayed to the gods to send you someone better than Cristo-bore." Xenia rolled her eyes. First, her best friend and now her mother are against Cristobal. The guy was a literal angel…well, as much of an angel as anyone could be nowadays. "Mother, you're here early. I thought I was meeting you in two days," Xenia said, casually looking at the man behin