Sadie’s POVI tried to push myself up, but his broad left hand shot out and effortlessly pinned my wrist above my head. I let out a frustrated grunt, glaring at him. Who was this man? I raised my leg in an attempt to kick him, but his right hand caught my ankle with ease. His calloused palm brushed over my calf, slowly moving upward, sending an involuntary moan spilling from my lips. Damn it! He had me completely pinned to the bed like it was nothing. What made it worse—so much worse—was the way every inch of skin his hand touched seemed to ignite, trembling with sensations I’d never experienced before. The heavy scent of red wine filled my nose, making me feel almost lightheaded. I didn’t understand the scent. Where was it coming from? It was pungent and sweet, intoxicating. I inhaled sharply. I wanted to smell it forever. What was happening? I’d just accidentally walked in on a naked woman kissing this man, and now he had me pinned to the bed. Was this how the Royal Lycan Famil
Sadie’s POVI woke up startled the next morning. Where was I? I clutched at the unfamiliar blankets, disoriented for a moment. Then I remembered…I was in the Royal Lycan palace. I opened my eyes to sunlight streaming through the window and rolled over. “Hello!”What the? My room was filled with maids, all of them staring at me. I bolted upright, clinging onto the blankets at my chin. One of them stepped forward. “Good morning, Miss Sadie. I’m Maid Gloria. No need to be startled.”I noticed that each of the maids held a beautiful gown. They had clearly been waiting for me to wake up. As the daughter of an alpha, I was used to having maids. But never this many. And never ones so devoted. It made me feel a bit uncomfortable to be waited on by so many people. “Good morning,” I said awkwardly, flashing them an uneasy smile. Maid Gloria smiled back, but none of the others said a thing. They just stared at me with suspicious eyes. It made me feel even more uneasy. “Well go on,” Maid Glo
Sadie’s POVIt was a long walk through the winding halls to the King’s office. Maid Celeste stood outside the door, motioning for me to enter. “He’s waiting,” she whispered. “King Cullen doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”I entered the office, trying to quell the nerves storming up inside me. I tried to hide my trembling hands and noticed that Prince Griffin was there, too. The King was sitting in a high-back chair. Prince Griffin was standing in front of him. I walked in and glanced at Prince Griffin. He didn’t look at me though. The King was everything I thought he’d be: regal and imposing with a strong air of authority. I bowed respectfully. The King gave me a slight nod, signalling for me to rise. I carefully moved my way over the Prince and stood beside him, awaiting the King’s further instructions. “So you’re the one who can awaken the stone?” the King asked in a measured voice. Then he clicked his tongue. I didn’t know if I was supposed to reply or not, so I simply nodded.
Sadie’s POVBeta Joshua left the room to deliver the King’s message. But Luna?They were accepting me as Luna, even though they thought I didn’t have a wolf? I was stunned. Prince Griffin was silent, but I noticed he was fidgeting with his shirt. He seemed very uncomfortable. He didn’t want me. I could feel it, sense it. He didn’t want me to be his Luna. The king’s joy was in complete opposition to the stoic way Prince Griffin was behaving. He wouldn’t even look at me. Was it because he thought I didn’t have a wolf? Was that the reason he didn’t want me? If that was the case, it was only a matter of time before I could assuage his concerns. Soon enough, the suppressant would wear off and I could show him my wolf. If that was really his only concern.“You will begin your Luna training at once,” the King informed me, his eyes still ablaze with happiness. “Training?” I asked with trepidation. This was all happening so fast. I was…going to be the Lycan Prince’s Luna? I was going to b
Sadie’s POVWhat was I supposed to do? I was speechless as I stood there, staring at the ground. My cheeks were so hot I felt like you could roast a marshmallow on them. Prince Arlo, Prince Griffin’s uncle. And Princess Delilah, Prince Griffin’s sister. Which meant…Princess Delilah was Prince Arlo’s niece. How had this happened? How, on my very first night in the Lycan Royal Palace, had I stumbled upon one of its deepest, darkest secrets. Prince Griffin’s uncle and his sister were…involved. I didn’t dare lift my head to meet the gazes of Prince Arlo or Princess Delilah. The Prince led me to the table and we all took our seats. I tried to focus on my meal, trying to appear calm, but my heart raced. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep up the act. I’d seen something I shouldn’t have seen, and they both knew it. I prayed to the Moon Goddess for some sort of guidance. I had no idea what to do!I felt the Princess’s fiery glare from across the table, sharp enough to cut me clean in
Sadie’s POVPrince Griffin escorted me to the etiquette classroom, and I felt the long-forgotten feeling of being a student. I’d always really enjoyed school. As a child, my father had always been too busy to take me to werewolf school, so I’d gone on my own. Walking beside Prince Griffin, I realized this was the first time that someone had actually taken me to a lesson. Although I was nervous about the sheer volume of things I had to learn to be a good Luna, a spark of excitement rippled through me. The spark was quickly distinguished by Prince Griffin’s calm, commanding voice.“We will be attending many public events together in the future,” he said, his voice firm. “You can’t afford to make any mistakes in etiquette. It will bring shame to the whole family if you do.” In an instant, I went from feeling like a giddy school-girl to being nervous again. The seriousness in his voice reminded me that this wasn’t werewolf school and I wasn’t a child. I was the future Luna of the Lyca
Sadie’s POVMiss Galloway interrupted me as I went to the door.“Where do you think you’re going?” she demanded, her voice stern.“To my room,” I replied. My legs trembled beneath me, tired and sore from the strenuous afternoon.“I have materials for you to review,” she said, thrusting a massive book at me. I glanced at the title: A History of Lycan Etiquette. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “Sit at the table and study through dinner, since I’ve forbidden you from eating this evening as punishment for failing your first etiquette assignment.”I took the book and nodded obediently. I was so tired and hungry, I doubted I’d be able to read a thing, let alone absorb it. But I was trying hard to be a model student, so I sat down at the small desk, in a rigid, proper posture, and opened the book.The moment Miss Galloway left the room, however, I stood up and hobbled over to the comfy, oversized lounge chair in the corner. I sank into the chair, ignoring decorum for a moment. I splayed
Sadie’s POVI wandered down the halls, my legs weary, eager to get back to my quarters so I could rest. I couldn’t believe I’d already failed – it was only my first day in the Royal Palace. What would the rest of my lessons be like? Was I destined to face a stream of failed lessons and brutal punishments? My stomach growled. Would I starve to death? It had barely been twenty-four hours since my arrival, and I’d already accidentally exposed a family secret: Prince Arlo and Princess Delilah’s relationship. I’d failed an etiquette lesson, my first one, and I’d upset the Prince by not meeting his expectations.Was I doomed to fail miserably at my Luna training? And I still didn’t understand who this Albion family that everyone kept talking about was? Some of the maids hated me, I’d made an enemy of Princess Delilah, and just last night, Prince Arlo had pinned me to his bed. What would Prince Griffin think if he knew that?I felt utterly defeated as I dragged myself through the halls. I mi
Sadie’s POVI ran breathlessly through the corridors toward my room, and by some miracle, I didn’t get lost this time. But as I turned down the hallway to my bedroom, I noticed a group of maids gathered outside my bedroom door. I stopped running and my heart sank.Was Princess Delilah waiting for me in my room?I slowed my steps and cautiously approached.As I approached though, I heard a voice call out from inside the room.“She’s not back yet?”It was a familiar male voice, and a moment later, my bedroom door opened and Prince Griffin stepped out into the hallway.Our eyes instantly locked and he motioned with his hand at the maids huddled together in the hall.“Leave us,” he ordered them, his eyes still fixed on mine.“We would, your highness,” one of the maids said, bowing respectively. “But we’ve been instructed to take Miss Sadie’s measurements.”Prince Griffin’s eyes left mine then and darted to the maid. He waved her off dismissively“I’ll handle it,” he said, his tone carryin
Sadie’s POVWhat the?!My eyes flew open wide as the bold, intoxicating taste and scent of red wine invaded all my senses. I could smell it, taste it, feel it.It was the same scent from last night. I was in utter shock! His lips stayed pressed against mine, hot and titillating. But I didn’t want to kiss him. I couldn’t believe this was happening! This was my first kiss! My first kiss ever…and it was with my fiancé’s uncle!Before I could fully process the gravity of that kiss, his strong hands gripped my hips. Effortlessly, he lifted me off the ground. With a forceful grip, he spread my legs and positioned them around his waist. I instinctively reached out and wrapped my arms around his neck to keep myself from falling.He was holding me now, my back pressed up against the wall, my arms around his neck.For a brief moment, my body was on fire, every nerve ignited by the sweet sensation of red wine. But the moment I realized my legs were clamped tightly around his waist, a wave of e
Sadie’s POVI was in a world of trouble. Of all the rooms I could have chosen, why did I have to stumble into this one. He took a slow sip of his drink, his lips still twisted in a sardonic smile. He said nothing, which only made me all the more uncomfortable.What was he thinking? Was he going to torture me? Kill me? How far would he go to protect his secret? I didn’t know, but maybe I could still get away. My back was still pressed against the door. I forced a nervous smile and stammered, “I-I just happened to pass by and accidentally came in.”I kept my eyes locked on Prince Arlo’s as my hand crept up behind me, where he couldn’t see it. I fumbled for the doorknob. If I could just find the doorknob and twist it open, I might have a chance to escape.But he met my eyes with a piercing gaze. Slowly, he set down his drink with a clink on the table. My hands groped the door. Where the hell was the doorknob? My palms were sweaty with fear. He rose from his chair and started towards me
Sadie’s POVI wandered down the halls, my legs weary, eager to get back to my quarters so I could rest. I couldn’t believe I’d already failed – it was only my first day in the Royal Palace. What would the rest of my lessons be like? Was I destined to face a stream of failed lessons and brutal punishments? My stomach growled. Would I starve to death? It had barely been twenty-four hours since my arrival, and I’d already accidentally exposed a family secret: Prince Arlo and Princess Delilah’s relationship. I’d failed an etiquette lesson, my first one, and I’d upset the Prince by not meeting his expectations.Was I doomed to fail miserably at my Luna training? And I still didn’t understand who this Albion family that everyone kept talking about was? Some of the maids hated me, I’d made an enemy of Princess Delilah, and just last night, Prince Arlo had pinned me to his bed. What would Prince Griffin think if he knew that?I felt utterly defeated as I dragged myself through the halls. I mi
Sadie’s POVMiss Galloway interrupted me as I went to the door.“Where do you think you’re going?” she demanded, her voice stern.“To my room,” I replied. My legs trembled beneath me, tired and sore from the strenuous afternoon.“I have materials for you to review,” she said, thrusting a massive book at me. I glanced at the title: A History of Lycan Etiquette. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “Sit at the table and study through dinner, since I’ve forbidden you from eating this evening as punishment for failing your first etiquette assignment.”I took the book and nodded obediently. I was so tired and hungry, I doubted I’d be able to read a thing, let alone absorb it. But I was trying hard to be a model student, so I sat down at the small desk, in a rigid, proper posture, and opened the book.The moment Miss Galloway left the room, however, I stood up and hobbled over to the comfy, oversized lounge chair in the corner. I sank into the chair, ignoring decorum for a moment. I splayed
Sadie’s POVPrince Griffin escorted me to the etiquette classroom, and I felt the long-forgotten feeling of being a student. I’d always really enjoyed school. As a child, my father had always been too busy to take me to werewolf school, so I’d gone on my own. Walking beside Prince Griffin, I realized this was the first time that someone had actually taken me to a lesson. Although I was nervous about the sheer volume of things I had to learn to be a good Luna, a spark of excitement rippled through me. The spark was quickly distinguished by Prince Griffin’s calm, commanding voice.“We will be attending many public events together in the future,” he said, his voice firm. “You can’t afford to make any mistakes in etiquette. It will bring shame to the whole family if you do.” In an instant, I went from feeling like a giddy school-girl to being nervous again. The seriousness in his voice reminded me that this wasn’t werewolf school and I wasn’t a child. I was the future Luna of the Lyca
Sadie’s POVWhat was I supposed to do? I was speechless as I stood there, staring at the ground. My cheeks were so hot I felt like you could roast a marshmallow on them. Prince Arlo, Prince Griffin’s uncle. And Princess Delilah, Prince Griffin’s sister. Which meant…Princess Delilah was Prince Arlo’s niece. How had this happened? How, on my very first night in the Lycan Royal Palace, had I stumbled upon one of its deepest, darkest secrets. Prince Griffin’s uncle and his sister were…involved. I didn’t dare lift my head to meet the gazes of Prince Arlo or Princess Delilah. The Prince led me to the table and we all took our seats. I tried to focus on my meal, trying to appear calm, but my heart raced. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep up the act. I’d seen something I shouldn’t have seen, and they both knew it. I prayed to the Moon Goddess for some sort of guidance. I had no idea what to do!I felt the Princess’s fiery glare from across the table, sharp enough to cut me clean in
Sadie’s POVBeta Joshua left the room to deliver the King’s message. But Luna?They were accepting me as Luna, even though they thought I didn’t have a wolf? I was stunned. Prince Griffin was silent, but I noticed he was fidgeting with his shirt. He seemed very uncomfortable. He didn’t want me. I could feel it, sense it. He didn’t want me to be his Luna. The king’s joy was in complete opposition to the stoic way Prince Griffin was behaving. He wouldn’t even look at me. Was it because he thought I didn’t have a wolf? Was that the reason he didn’t want me? If that was the case, it was only a matter of time before I could assuage his concerns. Soon enough, the suppressant would wear off and I could show him my wolf. If that was really his only concern.“You will begin your Luna training at once,” the King informed me, his eyes still ablaze with happiness. “Training?” I asked with trepidation. This was all happening so fast. I was…going to be the Lycan Prince’s Luna? I was going to b
Sadie’s POVIt was a long walk through the winding halls to the King’s office. Maid Celeste stood outside the door, motioning for me to enter. “He’s waiting,” she whispered. “King Cullen doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”I entered the office, trying to quell the nerves storming up inside me. I tried to hide my trembling hands and noticed that Prince Griffin was there, too. The King was sitting in a high-back chair. Prince Griffin was standing in front of him. I walked in and glanced at Prince Griffin. He didn’t look at me though. The King was everything I thought he’d be: regal and imposing with a strong air of authority. I bowed respectfully. The King gave me a slight nod, signalling for me to rise. I carefully moved my way over the Prince and stood beside him, awaiting the King’s further instructions. “So you’re the one who can awaken the stone?” the King asked in a measured voice. Then he clicked his tongue. I didn’t know if I was supposed to reply or not, so I simply nodded.