Emily’s POV. I didn't realize how exhausted I was until my back hit the bed. The next thing I knew, it was morning. “Good morning,” a voice said. Startled, I sat up on the bed and saw him sitting on the couch, casually reading a newspaper. A gasp escaped my lips as I glanced around, disoriented. “It’s morning?!” I murmured, mostly to myself than to him. “I didn’t know you were such a deep sleeper,” he said, his eyes fixated on the paper. “For a moment, I thought you’d slipped into a coma,” he added, not looking up. “I was exhausted,” I defended and slugged my feet out of bed. “You have no idea.” “Clearly. That explains why you snored all night, chasing sleep from my eyes.” “What?!” I gasped and lurched to my feet. “I? Snore?!” “Yes.” “I do not snore!” “Yes, you do. Or rather, you did,” he said, folding the newspaper and placing it on the couch beside him, and then he looked at me, holding back a smile. “But don’t worry. I’m still very much attracted to you,” he
Emily’s POV. Reluctantly, I took her hand and she gave me a gentle tug. “Come on! You will enjoy it!” she gingered. I rose to my feet and she steered us toward the door. The foyer opened up to us, the terrace, and lastly the courtyard. Letting go of my hand, Leia spread her arms, closed her eyes and inhaled the air. “Ah!” Smiling, she reopened her eyes and stared at me. “Nothing beats the morning’s fresh air,” she said. A faint smile touched my lips. I glanced around the courtyard; at the guards scattered about the place. Leia and I exchanged glances and resumed strolling down the pathway. We walked in companionable silence, the crisp morning air brushing against my skin. The courtyard was vast, as usual, lined with manicured hedges and blooming flowers in vibrant hues. The sunlight filtered through the high castle walls, casting a warm glow on the cobblestones. Leia led the way, her steps light and easy, while I couldn’t shake the tension lingering in my shoulders. “This i
Emily’s POV.In the moments following, I walked to the bed and threw myself in. I tried not to overthink it but recalling how I’ve been bullied by almost everyone lately—from Madame Severine to the handmaids, brought tears to my eyes.All of a sudden, the bedroom door came open and my mate walked into the room.“Bella?”I tried to wipe the tears but too late, he saw them. I sat up on the bed and a reticent smile played on my lips.“Hi... You’re back!” I stuttered.“Yes.” He shut the door behind him and stepped toward the bed. “I’m so sorry I had to leave without telling you. Something urgent came up and required my attention.”He covered the distance between us and cupped my face. His fingers brushed against my skin, sending warmth to my body. Closing my eyes, I reveled in the awe of his presence; letting his intoxicating scent soothe me.“Did anything happen while I was away?” he asked and I reopened my eyes.‘And who do you think he’d believe? A mad maiden or three loyal subjects?’
Emily’s POV. Han nodded and bolted out of the room and almost immediately a bell resonated through the walls of the castle. The already tense atmosphere of the laundry room became even more apprehensive. It seemed I was the only one in the room who didn't know what bell was ringing. Guards trooped into the room only then did Calix released his grip on the handmaids. Ivy collapsed on the floor, next to Rose, and both wheezed, coughing with bulging eyes. “Take them away, all three of them!” Calix commanded and the guards swung into action. “Please, my lord, please!” Theresa begged. They were bundled them out of the room and another deadening silence fell in the room. “Bella, is there anyone else in this room that has defied you?” Calix asked. His eyes were still glowing green but softened as he gazed at me. The rest of the servants in the room cowered at his question, they bowed their heads and avoided my gaze. But none of them has ever bullied me. “No.
Emily’s POV. Each step cued me into further anxiety as we headed to the tiltyard; a sickening knot tying in my stomach. It felt like the night of my eighteenth birthday ball when I was first introduced to the public. Calix’s hand holding mine was the only thing steadying me now, giving me the strength I needed. “Are you sure you can do this?” Calix asked, his voice soft. “I can.” I nodded. He glanced at me, his eyes searching mine for any hint of indecision, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. The air shifted as we approached the tiltyard. I could almost hear the low hums of the people gathered inside. Instead of the usual entrance of the tiltyard, Han, Calix, and I walked down a corridor, and then a grand staircase appeared ahead shielded by a canopy. Somehow, this tiltyard was familiar with the one in Azalea, with a special entrance to royalties. I caught a glimpse of the guards flanking the area and the entrance of the gallery. Clim
Calix’s POV. A growl rumbled in my chest. My late father's best friend was the last person I wanted to set my eyes on. “I may not have enough evidence to pin the accusation that he wrote to the Nirian parliament, but I have a strong feeling it's him.” “Could it be he’s here to admit to his crimes?” Han asked. “Mr. Westley? Admit to his crimes?” I scoffed. “Nobody admits to treason certainly not Mr. Westley. He’s smarter than that,” I replied and climbed down the stairs. “So what should I do?” Han asked, joining me. “Send him away.” I glanced at my beta. “Tell him I’m in no mood for visitors.” “Yes, my lord.” Han bowed and doubled his pace down the stairs but curiosity rippled through me. “Where’s he?” I asked. We both halted in our tracks and Han turned around. “I didn’t let him inside. He’s waiting on the terrace,” he said. A smile touched my lips—once again, I was proud of having him as my beta. He knew better not to let an
Calix’s POV. The sight of her was a perfection. My mate stood in the soft glow of the candlelight, her silk nightdress clinging to her curves in ways that left my breath hitching in my throat. Her black hair spilled loosely past her shoulders, the strands catching the warm light and framing her delicate face, highlighting her blue eyes. My gaze involuntarily dipped lower, tracing the curve of her collarbone and lingering on the swell of her cleavage visible above the delicate neckline of the gown. The contrast between the silk dress and her soft skin was maddening. A growl rumbled low in my chest, willing me to close the distance, but I fought against it. If I go to her now, I wouldn’t hesitate to take right there which might be frightening for her. The fire she was unknowingly eliciting in me, was so wild and raw I was afraid if I ravaged her right now, I might leave her with bruises—like the handmaidens. I dragged my gaze back up to her face, willing myself to focus on
Emily’s POV. The sheets were still warm where he had been and his scent lingered—a sign that it hadn’t been long since he left. “Calix?” I called out and sat on the bed. A wave of sadness swept through me as I realized I was all by myself—again, and then I heard the faint sound of water trickling in the washroom. Movements followed and the door swung open. He stepped into the room, droplets of water slid down his damp hair, trailing over his shoulder, down to the hard planes of his stomach where a white towel clung. “Where you looking for me?” he asked and I recollected myself. “Yes. No. I thought you left,” I stuttered. A smug smile spilling on his lips, he crossed the room and sat next to me. “I’d never leave without saying goodbye unless it's inevitable,” he muttered and planted a passionate kiss on my lips, one that left me closing my eyes and leaning into him as he deepened it. Painfully, the kiss ended and he cupped my face. “Good morning,” he greeted. “A good
Emily’s POV.Three years later...“...ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen,” Calix counted with his eyes closed and the pups wouldn’t stop giggling as they scurried about the castle’s garden in search of the best spots to hide.The afternoon sun bathed the castle in its warm light. The trees were perfect green and sparkled with leftover dew from the morning. The sky was blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze.Leia and I were seated on a plush picnic blanket, beneath the shade of a grand willow tree. We watched the game unfold with amused smiles.My ladies-in-waiting—Brielle, Laura, and Adalyn were arranging refreshments on a low table in a corner; pouring tea and engaging in quiet chatter.Rowan, the eldest of my triplets, laughed as he hid behind the water fountain. Caius his brother, crouched behind a thick rosebush near the garden’s stone pathway. Aurora, my only daughter, found one of the most creative hiding spots, slipping beneath the desse
Emily’s POV. Few months later... Leia’s anguished cries shattered the stillness of Nirian Castle. Brielle, Laura, and Adalyn, now my ladies-in-waiting, ran around in the room, seeing to it that everything was in order to receive the baby—several staff members stood by, ready to assist. I sat on the bed with Leia, gently massaging her shoulders as she endured the throes of labor. “What's happening?” I asked the midwife. “Why is it taking so long?” “Everything is fine, Your Majesty. The baby has just crowned.” I might not be conversant with all medical terms, but ever since I discovered I was pregnant, I have read extensively. Crowning meant the baby’s head had appeared at the mother’s opening prior to emerging. I turned to my mate’s cousin and massaged her back. “You’re doing great, Leia!” I encouraged. “You’re almost there.” She let out deep huffs and, with another cry, pushed… A tiny feeble cry of a baby filled the room. The newborn squirmed, covered in blood
“Calix!” I cried. He sucked my n,pple, licking, nipping so gently that I forgot how to breathe. I arched my torso towards him, willing him to take more. His lips curved into a satisfied smile before running a tongue on my entire bre,sts. Calix expertly dragged his tongue to my other brea,st and enclosed my ni,pple with his mouth. Reopening my eyes, I moaned as the sensation of his tongue engulfed me. He was sucking me, biting me, teasing me in a way that made my core throb for him. “Calix, please!” I begged. “Yes, bella. What do you want?” “I need you,” I blurted. With one last tease, Calix straightened, his eyes utterly darkened with need. His gaze locked on mine, he grabbed his member and guided himself to my entrance. “You’re so wet and ready for me,” he said, searching my gaze. I moaned as he flicked his rod at my entrance before pressing forward. I gasped and gripped his shoulder for support. Each time he pressed inside, I huffed because it felt as though my
Emily’s POV. We arrived at the royal garden and Calix gently lowered me back to my feet. Something tells me this wasn’t our destination, but when I glanced at Calix, he was removing his clothes. A flush crept up my neck, my skin prickling with anticipation. Ever since the night Calix and I marked ourselves, we hadn’t made love. “Let me guess, we’re going to be making love in the open air tonight?” I asked. Calix, who was already bare-torsoed, nodded and also twitched his eyebrows as though undecided, before proceeding to remove his boots and then trousers. In a moment, he stood stark-naked before and my poor breath hitched in a way it has never before as I stared down at the strength coiled at his groin. Calix smirked. “I was thinking it was high time I introduced you to my lycanthrope.” “Gabriel?” He nodded. “Are you ready?” My heart thumped with excitement. I smiled. “Yes, I am.” Calix threw back his head and a guttural growl escaped him. His ears elongated, ja
Emily’s POV. “Are you ready?” my father asked through our mind link. “Yes, I am,” I replied him. A pang of nervousness curled in my stomach as we entered the Sacred Moonlit Court and took our first step down the aisle. But then, I looked at the ceremonial arch and my gaze locked with Calix’s. His gaze softened, and he offered me a reassuring, very charming smile. My heart melted. I broke into a grin just as every chain of anxiety shattered. I scanned the gathering. Standing to my right were Elara and her parents. Calix had invited them after officially introducing us to each other three days ago. Elara smiled and gave me a small nod. My father and I approached the altar. My gaze settled on the Tyrese council members, they stood in the front rows of the court towards my left. Their eyes were wide with intrigue as they studied my father—the alpha who’d haunted them for years. Of course, that was before Calix entered the scene. And to my right, the Nirian parliament st
Emily’s POV. Five Days later.... The courtyard bustled from the arrival of guests. They moved in groups, their laughter and camaraderie weaving through the evening atmosphere. Inside the royal dressing room, Brielle and the handmaidens, and the royal stylist worked harmoniously to get me ready for my big day. A knock rapped on the door and Leia walked into the room. She was already dressed for the occasion, styled in a sleeveless dark blue gown. It hugged her form elegantly. Her hair was styled into a crown halo, making her look every bit the noblewoman she was. “You look absolutely breathtaking, My Lady. Goddess above! You were born for this,” Leia purred as she crossed the room and joined me before the tall mirror. “Hello, Lady Leia,” I greeted, taking in her radiant appearance. “You look absolutely fabulous.” “In this?” she asked, teasingly lifting the hem of her gown. “Are you sure?” “Yes,” I affirmed. She grinned. “Randolph chose everything himself—the dres
Calix’s POV. “Land ho!” the lookout man hollered from the crow’s nest. I lifted my spyglass and gazed at the island ahead—Azalea, my mate’s country. Han stood beside me at the bow of the royal ship, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Are you certain about this?” he asked. I wasn’t certain about this mission. I wasn’t sure if this trip was a good or bad idea. But one thing was sure after my mate brought me back to consciousness last night—I wanted to make things right. I wanted to smoothen all paths and strengthen every relationship between friends and family. Whether I liked it or not, Alpha Thane was family since I was going to be officially starting a family with his daughter. Perhaps, an absolution for him—a second chance to mend the past. “Yes, Han. It’s time to put the past behind us,” I replied, lowering the spyglass and glancing at him. “Don’t you think he deserves a second chance?” Han’s jaw tightened. “Alpha Thane…I don’t trust him,” he puffed. I inhaled deeply
Emily’s POV. The royal seamstress circled me for the umpteenth time as she put the finishing touches to my gown. Not just any gown, but ‘D gown’ for my Luna ceremony, slated to take place in five days. Calix announced the date for the ceremony during dinner last night. About last night— Well, last night was incredible. Calix had carried me into the washroom, gently lowered me back to my feet, and prepared our bathwater. A slight shiver did course down my spine upon realizing that it was going to be our first bath together. After preparing the bathwater, Calix peeled off his clothes and bless my eyes! My hungry gaze had drifted lower, following his hands as he peeled off his breeches and tossed it in the laundry basket. My breath lodged in my throat as I took in the strength coiled between his thighs. A sardonic smile lit up his face as he caught me looking. “You know, if you wanted a better view, you just had to ask, bella,” he said, and heat rushed to my face. I immedi
Calix’s POV. I was trapped in the abyss, wandering the desolate land when suddenly a bright light appeared above in the sky—the same bright light that had swallowed my mate up moments ago. It’s true, the spiritual controls the physical. Happiness shimmered inside me upon beholding the light, especially as I glanced down at my wounds and noticed them healing at an insanely fast pace. “Calix.” I heard it, my mate’s soft, sweet voice beckoning me. The bright white light swallowed me whole, and my soul swirled back into my body. I jerked and relaxed under the touch of a familiar palm on my forehead. Her scent wrapped around me—that intoxicating scent of lavender and myrrh. My lashes fluttered open, and the world blurred to focus. “Calix!” Leia gasped in the background. “Calix! You’re awake!” she cried. My gaze landed on my mate, just as she staggered. I caught her wrist and held her in place. A faint smile spread on my lips, a feeling of completeness washing over me. “Hell