Nicolas POVFor what seemed like the hundredth time this morning, Zara's cute face kept popping into my mind."Something feels off," I murmured to myself. "I should not be affected by the bond anymore. By now, it ought to have been severed. The mating ritual happened nearly a week ago."I sighed with annoyance, set the pen down on my desk, and peered out the window.The memory of meeting Zara held my thoughts captive all the time. Her beauty was even more striking up close. Her perfect skin revealed a subtle glow on her cheeks under the moonlight. Her raven hair shone brilliantly. Her silver eyes looked like mercury flowing around her pupils.I found myself thinking about that evening again."Take the Alpha's hand, Zara," her beta whispered, gesturing to my hand.Zara hesitated, unsure of what to do.I couldn't help but find Zara's expression adorable. Almost like a deer in headlights, she hesitated a great deal to take my hand.Did she feel afraid?Was she afraid of me?A few minutes
Zara's POV"Do you suppose they know?" Levi mind-linked me nervously as we walked into the council meeting room.I was not sure what the urgent meeting was about, and my father did not give me any details when we were told we needed to attend.My eyes swept across the well-known room. I have accompanied my father to a few council meetings before, but this was the first time an urgent meeting was called.The room itself appeared like a courtroom, but it was somewhat scarier due to the lingering scents of strong wolves who had all gathered together.There were forty-five chairs on the panel, arranged in four rows of ten, with a row of five chairs at the top designated for each of the selected Silver Blessed Wolf pack elders.The elders would constantly cast you indignant looks, as though they were trying to figure out if you were lying to them.Even though two Silver Blessed packs had merged years ago, all five seats at the top were always occupied.The fact that one pack had two head s
Nicolas POVThis was big—very big. However, I could not comprehend Alpha Noah's motivation for going to such great lengths to mate with Zara."On what grounds?" Beta Ronan growled loudly beside me, filling the room with silence."He claims to be the rightful next-in-line Alpha of the Silverado Pack," the Elder said. "He will take matters into his own hands if the future Luna does not submit to him by the next moon.""That will be the day!" Ray roared from the back of my mind. "Let me have him! I'll show him where he can shove those threats of his!"Zara tensed up beside me, and I could hear her heart thumping like a bouncing ball against her rib cage.She found that idea offensive. So did I."But Luna Zara is mated," Ronan stated. "Just a few days ago, my Alpha and I attended the ceremony. The majority of the wolves present here today saw the ceremony firsthand.""That is correct," the Elder replied, appearing a little uneasy. "However, Alpha Noah claims that he is her fated mate; th
Zara's POV"Could things possibly get any worse today?" I growled under my breath as I observed my image in the bathroom mirror. To my relief, the room was empty, and I released the breath I had been holding."Zara, what the hell are you thinking?" I questioned myself aloud. "You are going to destroy everything your father and ancestors have worked so hard to achieve."I just could not stand the idea of being mated to Alpha Noah. I did some research on Alpha Noah in the days following Levi's rejection.I did not find anything pleasant at all. I was right when I said he was after my pack purely for power. I could not tell how much of a jerk he was, but it was enough to send me running."You will need to be honest with your dad," Kaya remarked. "He will offer you guidance and support.""But when he finds out we lied about all of this, he is going to lose his sh*t," I shot back, terrified at the thought.The idea of disappointing my father was too much for me to handle. He will be in exc
Nicolas POVZana trembled beneath my touch as tiny electric sparks danced between us.She looked up at me, her silver eyes pleading with me to let her go."I am sorry," I said, sensing that I had trespassed into her personal space. "However, I must know."Zara let out a surrendering sigh and lowered her gaze.My heart pounded hard inside my chest as I reached out to take off her beautiful scarf."You know, you could just tie her up with the scarf," Ray suggested."Maybe someday I will," I replied, feeling my cock twitch, having already considered that option.I waved off the naughty notion and carefully moved Zara's dress to one side. But I will have to release her left arm to obtain the information I need."Will you behave?" I asked, knowing she had a temper and would not hesitate to defend herself.Without moving, she slowly nodded.I gave her left hand up and started to slide the fabric off Zara's shoulder while holding her right wrist firmly in my own. But before I could see the m
Zara's POVAlpha Nicolas gave me a cheeky wink, his desire and lust evident in his blue eyes. He moved in closer, licking his lips sensually.His warm breath trailed down the side of my neck and stopped at my ear, making my breath hitch."I cannot wait to be inside you," he purred, and I shuddered, my knees giving way beneath my weight. "I am going to see to it that you repeatedly call my name. I will make sure you never forget my delicious attack on your little, juicy p*ssy. You will always be reminded to whom you belong."My body betrayed my desires, and my face turned scarlet as I whimpered helplessly. My core clenched, and my sweet juices spilled out of my p*ssy, running down the side of my leg. Alpha Nicholas had me hot and bothered once more.I closed my eyes, took a deep breath of his sweet vanilla and honey scent, and felt lustful and intoxicated by this attractive wolf.I really wanted Alpha Nicholas to f*ck me, really, really badly, right now. I wanted to feel his cock slide
Zara's POV"That went very well," my father cheerfully told Levi, as we made our way to the car. "Who would have guessed that all the silver-blessed packs would band together to help protect us?""Alpha, is that not normal?" Levi asked, surprised."No," my father said, stopping abruptly and shaking his head. "The Midnight Moon Pack does not support anybody. They lack treaties with the neighboring packs, and they even claimed to have offered his assistance in opposing the Red Howl Pack!"My father was ecstatic about his newfound support and could not stop talking about it.Alpha Nicholas was the first of the pack to offer assistance. Beta Ronan got up from his seat and told everyone present that the Silverado Pack and the Midnight Moon Pack would unite against Alpha Noah and his Red Howl Pack.Alpha Nicholas appeared satisfied with his decision, and a minute later, the other silver-blessed packs concurred without question."Do not forget, Alpha," Levi said. "We also received assistance
Nicolas POVNow that I have resolved my inner conflict about staying away from Zara, I am going to see her.I could already taste her soft lips on mine and hear her sweet moans beneath my touch. I was dying to be with her and eager to taste her once more."It is done," Ronan said, getting in the car.I gave Levi instructions to meet me at their cave this afternoon."Did he say anything?" I asked."No," he answered. "Beta Levi accepted the note without indicating that something was up. Luna Zara will be very surprised to find you there."As Ronan started the black SUV and drove away, my mind raced back.In the few minutes we waited for Zara to clean herself up in the restroom, Levi and I struck up a very interesting conversation—one that would benefit me in seeing Zara anytime I wanted."Just to be clear, Alpha," stated Levi seriously. "Luna Zara and I are not formally mated nor marked."It appeared that Levi was a little nervous to get that off his chest."I have noticed that," I repl
Nicolas POV"Morning, Alpha," Mariana called from the kitchen as I entered the dining room. "Did you sleep well?""You should rather ask if he slept at all," Ronan chirped teasingly. He was casually sitting at the breakfast table reading the daily newspaper.Ronan's words left me stunned. There was no way that Ronan could have heard us this morning, or did he?Ronan slid the newspaper aside, a wide grin painted on his lips as he slowly raised a taunting eyebrow at me, waiting for my response."I slept fine," I quickly said. "Thanks for asking."Ronan rolled his eyes, chuckled, and straightened the newspaper to continue reading.I took my seat at the table, and Mariana's granddaughter, Amelia, quickly came closer with a pot of coffee."Did Luna enjoy the outing to the waterfall yesterday?" Mariana made small talk as she entered the dining room with our breakfast."She did," I replied, taking a sip of my c
Zara's POVI woke up with the sound of the shower door closing and the shower tap opening, and I lazily stretched my body over the bed.The bed was still warm where Nic lay moments ago, and my gaze shifted to the empty pillow next to me. I could still smell his intoxicating scent on them.A lazy smile crept onto my lips.Last night will be one of the most memorable nights of my life.As anticipated, Nic and I found ourselves engulfed in the midst of the storm. We arrived home completely drenched.My mind strayed, recalling how I trailed Nic during the storm."That was the last thing I hoped would happen," Nic muttered as we reached the porch. "I hate it when we get these unexpected storms."I didn't say anything; I couldn't; my teeth were chattering together, and I was shivering from the cold. My hands were tingling and turning blue, and the rest of my body had lost most of its sensation."Oh, G
Zara's POVAfter spending all day in the gardens, Nic and I headed to the waterfall.At first Nicolas seemed to be a bit tense, but later on he started to relax.I guess he was now certain that the dark figure had disappeared, and I wasn't in danger anymore."Did you enjoy the gardens?" Ronan asked as we stopped on the porch to pick up our lunch. "Not many had the privilege to wander the Alpha's personal garden.""Yes, thank you," I chirped happily. "The garden is spectacular. I especially loved the rose garden. The roses smell so heavenly."Ronan nodded, a grin forming on his lips."Ronan helped me lay out the gardens," Nic interrupted. "He planted most of the rose bushes.""Oh? That's interesting," I replied. "Do you love gardening?""Only for special reasons," Ronan stated, his face turning sad.His statement surprised me, but Ronan quickly recovered."Will you be showing Luna t
Nicolas POVThe soft kiss of the early morning sun on my cheek woke me up."Urgh," I moaned, feeling my back hurt. I must have fallen asleep during the early morning of the night, laying my head on top of the bed.I blinked a couple of times against the bright light, rubbing the spit from my mouth as I tried to get my eyes focused."Morning, Alpha," Ronan said, his lips twisted in a mocking smile. "Did you sleep well?""As well as any other," I lied, compressing a yawn as I shifted my attention to where Zara was lying.I quickly furrowed my brows—she was not there.Did he manage to take her while I was sleeping?I jump to my feet, adrenaline pumping through my veins."Slow down, Alpha," Ronan said, his hands in a defensive motion. "Luna is in the bathroom. She didn't want to wake you."Zara wasn't taken?I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and sank back into the chair.
Zara's POVA deep and lengthy breath escaped Nic's lips, and my attention quickly shifted toward him.If he couldn't see me, how could I possibly calm him down? He was ready to obliterate everything in his path like a hurricane.Nicolas's body suddenly relaxed a bit, and the wind abruptly calmed down a bit.My gaze fixed on the window—the storm was still there, but it seemed to be preparing to destroy.How was Nicolas controlling the weather?Was it because of me—or was it because he knew there was danger roaming around?I placed my hand on top of Nic's, hoping he would be able to feel me, or just maybe he would sense that I was next to him.That's when the strangest thing I have ever seen happened.While Nicolas held my hand, a soft glow appeared between our hands, and I could feel how a warm current—his magic—moved between us.Nicolas stiffened next to me, yet he didn't l
Zara's POV"It's nothing to be too concerned about," the now-familiar husky voice chimed in my ears. The voice belonged to the infirmary doctor, and he was explaining to Nicolas what was wrong with me.I was having some kind of out-of-body experience, standing next to Nicolas, and I wasn't sure how. I was able to observe everything that was going on around me and still feel, smell, and hear everything—as if I were awake. I scrunched my nose in disgust; the distinctive smell of hospital chemicals was burning my sensitive nose, making Kaya whimper.Kaya sounded in distress; it must be because we were inside the infirmary—she hated hospitals."Alpha, I can assure you that Luna Zara will wake up soon," the nurse chirped next to my bed. Her soft flower scent was all over me; she had checked my vitals earlier, and her soft, warm hands were skillful and precise. Now she was fiddling with the annoying beeping heart monitor ne
Nicolas POVIt was way after 9 pm when Ronan and I got back home. The guards quickly spotted us, greeted us, opened the gates, and Ronan drove inside.A mile further down, Ronan took the turn that led to my private home."I am glad that's over," Ronan said as he brought the SUV to a stop in the parking area."I agree," I replied and unbuckled my seat belt."I am hoping that, now that Alpha Noah has no right to Luna Zara, you will bring our new Luna home," Ronan said, searching my gaze.A smile grew on my lips; I knew it wasn't a question, yet I felt I needed to answer him. The pack members have been waiting for a new Luna and an heir."I intend to discuss that with Luna Zara tonight," I answered.Ronan's eyes lit up, and he smiled. I opened the passenger door, got out, and waited for Ronan to drive off.As soon as he was out of sight, I headed toward the front door."I wonder if Zara is still awak
Zara's POVA tremendous sense of anxiety washed over me, and I began to pace the room.My appetite had gone with Mariana's account of events, and I began to fear the worst when she informed me that Nicolas had been called to an emergency council meeting.I didn't want to stay indoors anymore, yet I knew I couldn't just go outside and explore the territory.Mariana looked anxious and confused, as if she didn't know what to do."Luna, please calm down," she pleaded. "I have faith that everything will turn out just fine. Even in death, Alpha would fight.""I know. I know," I sighed as I sank into the chair, letting out a sigh. "However, you are aware of the unpredictable nature of the council, and Alpha Noah is not without his tricks."Carefully, Mariana drew near enough to grasp my hands in hers. There was a great deal of worry in her kind blue eyes. Her momentary reluctance was likely due to her fear that I co
Nicolas POV"It's unbelievable that the council would even consider giving Zara to Alpha Noah," Levi pouted in frustration. His blond hair stood in all directions, and his blue eyes had lost their sparkle. He appeared emotionally spent.Although Levi had been relatively silent during the proceedings, I could tell that he was tense and that the situation was distressing for him. Since Zara is his best friend, and they had a long history together, I could see why."Everything will work out the way it should," Kyle mused as he stroked Levi's shoulder. "Just have faith.""It's difficult to do so when the council could decide against them!" Levi let out a sigh. "All I can hope is that the council will see Alpha Nicholas as her fated mate and realize how much he cares for her. The two are good together. I have never seen Zara this happy before. They belong together."The side of my mouth curled into a gentle smile; I was pleased that Levi liked me.Ronan noticed my smile."How are you takin