Nicolas POV
"I think we found something!" Levi exclaimed excitedly as he entered the basement. His eyes glimmered in excitement.
Celia let go of me, and Claire quickly helped me to sit.
"You look like shit," Ronan commented as he followed Levi inside. His eyes were weary, full of worry and concern.
I internally rolled my eyes—too tired to reply.
"We managed to crack the spell holding Ray captive," Claire chirped happily. "It won't be too long now. Alpha's Nicolas Wolf should be able to return to him soon."
"That's good news," Ronan exclaimed. "I was worried that I would need to rule—"
"That doesn't mean he will not be out of danger," Celia cut him off quickly. "It simply means that his wolf could maybe help him heal and shift...."
My gaze caught the worry in Celia's eyes.
"I can't break the spell sucking the magic from the bond," she continued, her lip quivering out of fear. "That is
Zara's POV"Wow!" Levi gasped beside me and pointed to the door where one of the pack Alphas had just entered. "That one seems even more appetizing than the one before him!"Two beautiful she-wolves, who looked like twin sisters, flanked the Alpha, and his Beta and Delta followed closely behind."Yes, Levi," I said, raising my glass to my lips and taking a sip. "He certainly does."Levi is my best friend. We grew up together, and we were inseparable from the age of four. He towered over my small 5'2 frame at 6'3. He had an impressive physique, featuring massive biceps, a six-pack to die for, and a firm yet powerful body. He had the most beautiful golden locks that stood proudly in every direction, giving him the iconic appearance of having just rolled out of bed. To top it all off, he had the most beautiful deep blue eyes I had ever laid eyes on.Levi was flawless in every way, and even though he drew attention wherever we went, he had one little secret: he was gay.A breath escaped m
Zara's POV"Over my dead body," I spat. "You had your chance!""Zara!" Noah grabbed my arm, and anger flared up inside me, making Kaya release a warning growl. Nevertheless, Noah disregarded the warning, tightly gripping my arm to keep me in place."I think you should let go of my arm before my wolf rearranges your pretty face," I growled. "She will not hesitate to strike and kill you; she is very protective of me."Noah winced, but he held onto my arm."You believe I have a pretty face?" Noah taunted, a grin on his lips. "I feel flattered.""Let go!" I hissed. "Before-""Come one, Zara," Noah said, lowering his head down to my ear. "Do you really think that your wolf would hurt her fated mate?""Do you want to put that theory to the test?" I roared, moving nearer and cocking my head to meet his gaze.Noah and I started staring at each other as our tension increased.I refuse to back down. He had better step down before I let Kaya have him."Luna Zara, Alpha Noah," the hosting Alpha c
Zara's POV"Levi, get up!" I yelled, snatching the blanket away from him."No! Leave me alone!" With a cry, he took the blanket from me and covered his head. "Let me sulk in peace!" He mumbled from under the blanket."No!" I snarled. "It has been three freaking days. You can't stay in bed. We have training to go to. You cannot miss one more day!""Who cares! My mate certainly doesn't!" he yelled.I took a deep breath. I was going to snap, yank Levi by the collar, and drag him down to training because I had reached my breaking point."Levi," I said as I sat down on his bed beside him. "You are now taking this rejection way too far. Other wolves accepted it and moved on.""Name one?" He growled, moving the blanket from his face.Oh no. I was not prepared to break the news of my rejection to Levi."You know, other wolves," I said, getting to my feet.With a roll of his eyes, Levi covered his head with the blanket."I saw that!" I growled. "Now, get up and go get ready for training. That'
Zara's POV "What the heck was that about?" I asked when we entered the hallway, heading toward the offices.Levi appeared even more withdrawn and melancholy after talking to his father."It's nothing," he said."Do not lie to me, Levi," I growled. "I am just as familiar with your father as you are. What was it that the two of you were fighting over?""Damit, Zara!" His hands clenched into fists as he snapped. "Leave it alone. I am capable of handling it on my own."I wanted to say something, but the sound of laughter erupted from my father's office, cutting me off."It seems like someone is with him," Kaya remarked, causing a shiver to run down my spine."Is it someone we know?" I asked.Kaya took a whiff, her eyes narrowing."I am not sure," she uttered. "Yet there is a familiar scent lingering in the air, and it is coming from your father's office."The door to my father's office screamed on its hinges less than a second later, and when it opened, I saw the enormous wolf I called f
Zara's POV "I cannot believe you are doing this to me," Levi groaned, which seemed to be the hundredth time in this hour. He had been complaining about our mating arrangement, and the subject was now officially getting on my last nerve. Was it even possible for him to simply comply with my request and follow along without all the extra drama? The mating ceremony wasn't such a big deal. We were just claiming to be chosen mates until we found a more suitable mate, or maybe our second chance mate—that's if such mates still exist. I sighed, closing my eyes, as I counted to ten. I didn't want to lose my cool composure; it was moments before the mating ceremony, and my father would notice if something was wrong. "Come one, Levi," I said, taking his hands in mine. I was about to beg. This was important to me. He must help me, or else I will be forced to mate with Alpha Noah, and that thought revolts me. "The concept is not all that bad. At least you are aware of the kind of mate yo
Zara's POVThe inside of the mating hall was beautifully decorated. White wild flowers were hanging from the ceiling, and red rose petals were scattered on the floor, creating a beautiful flowery path to the altar.My father made sure that this stunning ceremony would be remembered for years to come.The hall was packed and overcrowded with huge wolves, and there were even wolves standing outside hoping to get a glimpse of the mating proceedings.Levi was anxiously fiddling with his cufflinks as he waited at the altar. Next to him stood his two brothers, Jack and Frank, three years older than him, playing the best-man part.My gaze roamed over Levi. He looked so handsome in his black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black dance shoes, and navy blue bow tie. His golden hair was neatly combed back, and he had a deep and serious frown stuck on his face. He did not seem to be too happy about today, but as my best friend, I knew he wouldn't let me down.On the other side of the altar, my cousins
Nicolas POVBeautiful.When the unknown she-wolf made her way down the aisles toward the altar, that was the only word that had come to mind. Her warm, rich wildflower scent wafted through the air, filling my insides with lust and adoration.I have never seen such a beautiful she-wolf before. It left me in awe.My eyes swept across her flawless, petite, toned physique. Although my massive 6'8 frame would easily overshadow her small frame, she would fit perfectly in my protective arms.I was drawn in like a siren by her gray, storm-clouded eyes. They were calling me to enter the deep, murky waters, where a maze of secrets lay waiting to be discovered. I was driven to pilot that ship, explore every angle, and unravel all the secrets surrounding her.My cock twitched at the sight of her plump, rosy lips, and I let out a loud sigh. I could already feel their sultry kisses dancing over my tender skin as my fingers became entangled in her voluminous, jet-black hair."You are drooling, Alpha
Nicolas POV I was drawn to Zara like a moth to a flame, and I found it merely impossible to move my gaze away and not stare at her.The pull toward her was strong, even stronger than the one I had with Isabella.My mind became foggy, causing me to see and think in ways I had never done before. The call was too strong to ignore.I turned my gaze away to look the other way, just long enough to be able to shake off my dark and evil thoughts. I was already plotting to lure Zara away from her chosen mate and claim her as mine.Unconcerned about the evil that prowled around, Zara and her Beta were idly strolling about, meeting and greeting their guests. Zara's scent wasn't making it any easier, it was lingering in the air all over the hall.My gaze returned to her, and I paused on her red lips. They were starting to part a little, a smile slowly gathering on her lips. I almost laughed out loud when she replied to the Alpha in such an honest manner. The once-haughty Alpha became quiet as hi
Nicolas POV"I think we found something!" Levi exclaimed excitedly as he entered the basement. His eyes glimmered in excitement.Celia let go of me, and Claire quickly helped me to sit."You look like shit," Ronan commented as he followed Levi inside. His eyes were weary, full of worry and concern.I internally rolled my eyes—too tired to reply."We managed to crack the spell holding Ray captive," Claire chirped happily. "It won't be too long now. Alpha's Nicolas Wolf should be able to return to him soon.""That's good news," Ronan exclaimed. "I was worried that I would need to rule—""That doesn't mean he will not be out of danger," Celia cut him off quickly. "It simply means that his wolf could maybe help him heal and shift...."My gaze caught the worry in Celia's eyes."I can't break the spell sucking the magic from the bond," she continued, her lip quivering out of fear. "That is
Nicolas POV"Take it easy, Alpha," Claire said, placing her hand over mine. Her tender hand was soft and warm against my rough and cold one. "We are almost there! Just a few more minutes and Celia will break the spell....!""I can't hold on much longer!" I cried out in agony, biting down on my jaw, sweat droplets forming on my forehead. The pain was too much. They felt as though they were struggling against an unseen barrier.Tears were spilling over, my body trembling out of pain—even my fingertips and toes were numb as if they were electrocuted.Claire sighed, yet nodded. She was the one who called Celia for help. She believed that she was able to break the spell, but so far all her efforts were in vain. The powerful hold on the bond stayed. It seems unbreakable."Give him a few minutes to rest," Claire said to Celia. "Then try again. We need to break the spell before it destroys him completely. He has already weak
Zara's POVMy gaze moved over the 5'0, dark-headed, blue-eyed girl. She was pretty. She could easily look like a runway model with her thin waist and slim body. She wore a simple white shirt that hugged her huge breasts, designer blue jeans, and some black high heels.Her big blue eyes traveled over me; they were cold and hostile. She sneered. She seemed to enjoy my predicament.I didn't recognize her at all, and I couldn't recall ever meeting her before."Who are you?" I asked, irritation slowly fueling my insides. There was no way that she was the one behind the attacks. She might be lovely and all that, but I surely didn't believe she was the brains behind these attacks."You don't recognize me?" She smirked, placing one of her manicured hands on her hips.Was that pose supposed to make me remember her?I shook my head."I am not a bit surprised that you don't remember me," she said, with venom in h
Zara's POVThe sound of water continuously dripping nearby yanked me awake, and a low groan escaped my lips. My tongue felt thick and swollen in my mouth, and my lips were dry and cracked.I had no idea where I was, how long I had been unconscious, or what time of day it was. Neither did I have any idea what had happened to me.There was only one thing I was sure about—I had this uncontrollable pounding feeling inside my mind, and it was driving me nuts."F*ck!" The word slurred as it escaped my raw and raspy throat. My voice sounds foreign to my ears. It sounded dry and tired. It sounded nothing like me.Was I drugged?How did it happen?Who would do such a thing?I tilted my head back and prayed for the pounding to stop. I couldn't think clearly with all the noise inside my head.However, it didn't.It must be the toxic dose they gave me. It was negatively impacting my mental and
Nicolas POV"There was a reason why Beta John saved Levi," Claire stated. "And when he marked me, he revealed everything to me in the most intricate detail.""I assume Levi has some special ability we don't know of?" Ronan asked curiously. He has been attentively listening to Claire, keeping his interruptions to a minimum.Claire proudly stated, "Zara's twin brother sent him to guard her in the mortal world," causing me to gasp in astonishment. "He is the immortal Beta. He served Zara's brother as the crown prince."Claire's gaze shifted to Levi, a tender smile following on her lips. She looked so proud of her youngest son."That's why he was so hard on me," Levi muttered under his breath. "He was grooming me to protect and look after her.""And that's why he was suspicious of you not being Zara's mate," I added.Claire chuckled yet nodded."We knew that Levi was gay," Claire stated."You knew?"
Nicolas POV"I don't blame you for Beta John's death," she said warmly.Her words startled me, and an audible gasp escaped my lips. There was no resentment in her voice. No anger. No pain.Claire slowly pulled her warm hand back, leaving me feeling cold.She looked at me with only love and acceptance. There were no traces of hatred in her eyes."My mate fulfilled his destiny and can now return to the Goddess's side," she went on explaining."What do you mean by that?" Ronan asked, his face twisted in confusion."Beta John was not my fated mate," she answered. "He is not my boys' biological father.""Wait, what?" Levi lashed out, in surprise and jumped to his feet. The bewildered expression on his face indicated that he had never been part of this huge family secret."What are you saying?" He ranted on. "Beta John is not my father?"She shook her head calmly, while Levi shook with anger.
Nicolas POVWarm natural colors greeted us inside of Beta John's house; his home was bigger and more welcoming than I expected it would be."Have a seat, Alpha," Levi's mother gestured to the seats in the big living room.I nodded and took a seat in the far corner in the cozy living room.Ronan came to stand next to me, crossing his arms around his chest, all businesslike. He acted more like a bodyguard than my beta.My gaze swept over the small 5'2 she-wolf. Her long blond hair was neatly tied in a bun, her eyes the same color blue as Levi's. However, it was her calm, warm, and motherly demure that put me at ease.A smile flicked to the side of my lips; Ray would have stated she was the total opposite of Beta John. He would have been right. I guess the saying, "opposites attract," is true.Levi's mother smiled tenderly, her warm presence filling my surroundings. It felt as though she was embracing me simply
Nicolas POV"Friends and beloveds," a priest's voice chimed in my ears, while sad whimpering surrounded me. "We have gathered here today to honor our dear Beta John. Death has taken away a genuinely wonderful pack member, and more importantly, a loving mate and father..."My heart clenched in my chest. Everything seems so unreal. I struggled to comprehend Beta John's absence. He sacrificed his life to save mine, and now I was standing next to his open grave giving him my last respect.My hands clenched into fists. He deserves more than just respect. He deserves to be revenged.I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Yet the same scene flashed before my eyes—Beta John's last moments."That should have been me," I muttered under my breath. His brutal death leaves an indelible mark on my memory. "He sacrifices himself to save mine.""Are you okay, Alpha?" Ronan mused next to me. He must have heard me mumble to my
Zara's POV"You look breathtaking in that dress," Luke said as he took my hand in his."Well, thank you," I replied, feeling my cheeks warm as he left a butterfly kiss on the top of my hand. "You cleaned up nicely yourself."Luke gave me one of his mother's older dresses. He assured me that his mother would not object, as he had received instructions to discard it and donate it to a charitable organization.My eyes grew wide when he showed me the dress, and my hands instinctively reached for it—it was so pretty.A light, silver-colored silk material made the dress. It had an open back and a very revealing low-cut front. It was one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever laid my eyes on. I couldn't believe that anyone would just throw out such a rare jewel."I had to," he stated teasingly. "A princess needs to have a prince with shining armor next to her. Besides, if I didn't polish my armor a bit, I would ha