Kiera POV"Katherine." I spun to face her, steadying my breaths."I thought you were dead. It's a shame you somehow survived.""Good to see you too." I turned from her, placing the necklaces around my neck, and walked as fast as I could out of town. I didn't have the strength to deal with her. Rage was bubbling inside me. Seeing her face and hearing her condescending voice, I knew I did truly want to kill her. 'She isn't family.' Athena spoke darkly, already ramping up for a fight.'I know she doesn't care for us. I can't harm her, Athena. I owe our parents that much.''She dragged us into the stocks, humiliated you to all our pack, and I know she tried to have us killed more than once.' 'I know Athena, please just leave her be. No matter how vile she is, she is still my little sister.''She is not our family!' Athena said again. I know it's true, but we grew up together, lived in the same house, and were raised by the same parents. Thinking of my mom and dad, I knew how disappointe
Drake POV"This fucking wolf!" I shouted, frustration boiling over. I wasn't in the mood to chase her down. My wolf growled in response, relishing the challenge as I shifted."Find her and bring her to my study. It's time Kiera learned who her Alphas are," River growled, his gaze fixed on Athena, whose vibrant red fur seemed to blaze like fire as she disappeared into the woods."Try not to die, brother," Chase taunted with a sly smile, kneeling beside my wolf form. His hand came to my back, and I snapped at it in irritation. "When she guts you for trying to manhandle her, I'll be right here to comfort her. Don't worry," he added, winking at me. This time, I snapped at his face. Chase was annoying.I took off in the same direction she disappeared, relying on my senses and our mate bond to guide me to her. Flashes of her fur shone through the thick trees, and Demetrius grew more and more excited as I continued the chase. He liked this game, the thrill of the hunt fueling his every move.
Drake POV"I'm so tired, Drake. I feel like I have no control over anything anymore. Athena almost killed her. She deserves death, but I can't live with that," Kiera's voice trembled with exhaustion and anguish. Her soft, naked body molded to mine as she sat between my legs, and I held her to offer some kind of comfort."It's not what you think, Kiera. Come back home with me and let my brothers and I explain," I pleaded, hoping to convince her to return.She pulled back to meet my gaze. "Not what I think? I know my sister, and I know she wants me dead. She was behind it all!" Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke."Your sister? Elizabeth, is your sister? That's impossible," I exclaimed, stunned by the revelation."Not Elizabeth, Katherine," she clarified, her tone dripping with exasperation. She rested her head back on my chest and sighed.I didn't understand what happened and confessed, "I'm confused."Kiera let out a light giggle, and the sound warmed my heart. Wrapping my arms ar
Chase POVI struggled to keep my distance, but I couldn’t resist. It had been hours since I’d seen her, and the ache inside me was unbearable. I hoped that knowing her appointment went well would ease my mind, allowing me to give her some space, but it was no help. I tried to convince the doctor to tell me about her appointment and I was met with a tight lip jerk. Even me, a strong Alpha at his throat, and he refused to say a word about her test results. Our little pixie had such a strong hold over everyone around her, and as annoying as it was, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with joy that our pack accepted her. Most that met her already shown they would try and protect her. She was our Luna in every way. I couldn't wait to tell her. She needed to know that we belonged to her and that the North and South were hers to rule. Walking to the barracks to annoy my little pixie with my presence, I saw Katherine in the courtyard, my courtyard. She was told to stay on River's side.
Chase POV"How?" Kiera was at a loss for words as she stared at the large fountain with fairy lights, bright flowers, and a woven picnic basket."There are a few perks to being Alpha." I smiled in delight that Kiera looked so overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery Maggie had created for us. I had only asked for some food for a late-night picnic. Maggie seemed to have gone a little overboard to make it look as magical as possible for us, which I'm not complaining about.I grabbed the soft purple blanket lying next to the basket and spread it out over the grass. "Come join me for a little snack, Cherie." I nodded for her to sit while I grabbed the basket.Maggie went all out, too: chocolate strawberries, triangular finger sandwiches, and a small assortment of veggies with dip. There was even a bottle of champagne and two fluted glasses. "This is gorgeous, Chase.""I would love to take the credit, especially seeing that glowing smile on your face, but this was mostly Maggie. I think she i
Kiera POVI felt so crushed all day, but then Chase took me out for a late-night picnic and made me feel more alive than I ever felt before. The way he made love to me, watching me like he saw my soul and truly loved me, was beyond overwhelming. My insides were on fire with desire to be one with him, Athena suggesting we forgot about everything and just mark him as ours.Then, as Chase was slowly but perfectly inside me, I heard a light growl from not too far off. I looked to my right, and Drake emerged from the gardens: his tall, muscular body, short black hair, and eyes almost sparkling that gorgeous green at me. I wanted him, too.Drake laid beside me as I moaned in uncontrollable ecstasy from Chase. I looked to the Alpha making love to me, then to the Alpha at my side. How can life be so perfect with them both here?"Doll, you came so beautifully for my brother." He kissed my lips softly while Chase sat between my legs, savoring the immense connection we just shared.I gasped as I
River POVI paced my study, filled with frustration. Part of me wanted to go to Elizabeth, and the other half wanted Kiera. I wanted them both, but Elizabeth was right; I wanted them in different ways and for different reasons.With Kiera, her presence just felt natural, even when she was pissing me off. In truth, I liked her challenging me. Athena pushed my buttons and made me crazy with the desire to teach her a lesson, but she didn't know me. Kiera didn't understand the pleasure and danger of tempting my wolf.Elizabeth knew me, though. She knew every part of me. We were more than lovers, and I trusted her more than anyone else. I relied on her more than I should, but it's been this way for what seems like forever. Even without the prophecy, I wouldn't have marked Kiera so easily, not with Elizabeth in my life. I was being damn selfish, but I couldn't help it. I desired to have both of them close to me, and I wasn't sure how to let either of them go.I walked out of my office, dec
Kiera POVLooking over the painting, I was filled with this odd sensation of love. This woman's face seemed so familiar, so comforting. When River said she was his sister, disgust rumbled in my chest. I can't be their niece and have done all the things we have together. That would be beyond wrong.Then, the story the old woman Martha told me came to mind. A fierce woman with purple eyes raided the auction houses, killed the men responsible for selling women for power, and then freed those in chains. Martha said when she met her, a small child clutched to her leg. A brief image of me being that child crossed my mind. I wasn't sure if it was real, though. I had thought, hoped that woman was my mother, but if it were Anastasia, then I prayed not.Martha also said she was presumed dead. River seemed confident she had died, and her daughters sacrificed. I needed more information, but I would rather talk to Chase about it. River was being odd with me, possibly nice, but I didn't trust him.