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.
River POVEverything felt perfect between us; she knew what I needed and gave it perfectly. Then I lost control, something deep inside me taking control and demanding we have our mate. I thought it was Chaos, but I felt him before with Athena, and he wouldn't force his mark on her.Her hands came to my cheeks, warmth enveloping me as I felt the heavy weight on my chest drain. It felt peaceful being under her spell. When her hands lowered, I realized she was taking my power, just like she did to my brothers before. I now understood why they submitted to her. There was no fighting the light inside her beautiful soul. Her touch was true peace, an ascension to the goddess and heaven awaiting us after death. I wanted to go there, to finally feel free."What was that, River? That wasn't you or your wolf. Something else was taking over.""It's the darkness, Zeus.""Zeus?" Her eyebrows raised in curiosity."My brothers and I can combine our wolves to unleash a giant beast that nothing can ki
Kiera POVI ran from River's room, fear and anger filling me. I think River was my fated! Drake's and Chase's attraction to me wasn't from the forest; it was from their brother. I liked River the least of the three, but I didn't want to kill him either. I was utterly lost during training. Becky had to keep bringing me back to reality when I stood there staring off into space. After two hours, she put Andy in charge and brought me back to the barracks to relax."I know we haven't been the closest, Kiera, but if you want to talk about what's happening, I swear you can trust me. I hate seeing you like this."I heard Becky's words but didn't fully comprehend them. "What?""Something is wrong, Kiera. Do you want me to get the doctor?" She asked, concern filling her eyes."No, that's ok, I'm ok. I just realized something horrible." I looked to the baby's room, which had three nurses tending to them. I needed to pull myself together."Are we all set to leave?" I asked Becky."Almost. Nurse
Kiera POV"Stay behind us," River growled, standing beside Chase and pushing me behind him. I wasn't usually one to hide, but my mind was still wrapping around what was happening. Ghost being able to possess one of us seemed like an important warning to tell me about before entering these woods."Always the protector." Elizabeth's words slivered from her tongue. "We all know what you really want, River." Her lips brushed against Drake's cheek. I saw him cringe, but I didn't understand why he wasn't moving away from her. Athena heated in my eyes, ready to tear those pretty little lips off her face."River wants to be Alpha, the one and only, doesn't he, sweetie?" Elizabeth's fingers danced up Drake's chest. "He thinks you are all fools. His wolf wants to rip all your throats out." She laughed sinisterly."Enough, Jasmine. Release Lizzy and return to your hole you deserve to rot in." Drake moved her hand off his chest and then shot me a look of worry. Athena was rumbling in my chest an
River POVWatching the two women that my heart was torn between did something crazy to me. Chaos, with Zeus backing him, was ready to end Elizabeth, but I couldn't do that. I fought with everything I had to prevent myself from shifting.Then that damn wolf used her command to paralyze my body. It was like being stuck behind a thick glass. I could see them tumbling on the ground, blood dripping from Kiera's neck until they finally stopped with Elizabeth glued to the floor.I smiled with pride at my little wolf for thinking so quickly, but I still wanted to chain her up for that little stunt she pulled. Then, a new worry consumed me. Kiera could easily end Elizabeth's life. I wasn't ready to let her go, and never like this.When I realized Kiera was only trying to expel the darkness, I couldn't explain my relief. Somehow, they were both ok, alive and still here with me.Watching Kiera save her made me second-guess everything I had been feeling. She really was our Luna, and no one could
Kiera POV"Momma, please don't leave me." A small child pleaded. Her blue eyes streamed large teardrops."You rotten little girl shut your mouth and behave." Some vile woman, tall with brown hair, spoke harshly at the child."Do you need a slap to remind you of your place?" A man, larger than any I had ever seen, sneered at the little girl."This is the girl?" Another man, skinny with a cheap suit, entered the room. I looked around in a haze not understanding where I was, or who any of these people are."Yes, she holds great power. Something rare and very valuable." The mother answered with a sly smile."Well, I don't see anything special about her. We could use her as a maid until she is of age. How old is she?" The thin man asked."She is worth more than the value of some maid." The woman counter."Lady, you've brought me three kids already, and each you swore was something special. I've paid you enough. Take the cash or leave." The man dropped a few stacks of hundred dollar bills on
River POV'I think Athena is running away.' Chase casually said in our mind link, and it sent my wolf into a frenzy. 'She doesn't leave!' Roared through my brothers' head.'Elaborate asshole." Drake said to Chase, both of them ignoring my mental breakdown about to turn homicidal.'She woke up crying. I think a bad dream. She said she had to leave, then Athena took over and raced out of the medical ward. Plus side, Dr. Hazel said she seems to be in perfect health.''You won't be once I get my hands on you.' I growled at him. I immediately linked my head warriors and told them to be prepared to drag Kiera home. She wasn't ever leaving.'She won't leave on her own. Let her have some space, and we can watch the barracks for now. She will come back for her people.' Drake said, but I wasn't listening. The fact she was out there, moving further and further away from me, was making my blood pressure rise through the roof."What is wrong?" Elizabeth asked, her hand coming to my arm."Athena t