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
Zara's POVLevi flew through the forest like a bat out of hell. He was obviously excited, but he also seemed rushed, and I could not help but be curious as to what was causing him such excitement.I trailed after him, playfully nipping at his wolf's tail."I am still faster than you, Beta," I mused over the mind-linked as Kaya ran past him. She hasn't even reached her full speeding potential, giving Louis a run for his money.I smiled as I imagined what an observer would see if they witnessed us playing and running in this manner.Would all they see go past them be a silver line?"I am not trying to win," Levi mind-linked me."So, what are you doing?" I asked, coming to a stop."You will see," he said, running past me.A few yards away, I could hear the roar of the water, and the edge of the forest was marked by sunlight peeping through the dense canopy of trees. We were close.I caught up with Levi when I reached the end of the forest. He was patiently waiting for me, looking a bit m
Zara's POV"Alpha Nicholas, is there a reason you came to see me?" I inquired when I had recovered from my shock.I took a deep breath, feeling my heart thump against my chest."Call me Nic," he grinned.I felt my heart skip a beat when I saw his stunning yet commanding smile. When he smiled sincerely, he appeared considerably younger."Very well," I said, trying again. "Alpha Nic, what made you...?""For the love of the goddess," he growled, irritated, and wrinkled his nose as though he could smell something foul. "Ignore the formalities; we are not with other pack members; we are in a cave. I do not see why you and your beta have to refer to me by my Alpha title while here."I rolled my eyes and sighed.I was brought up to address an Alpha by his title when we were in the company of other people.Was he trying to sidetrack the conversation?Nic fixed me with his gaze, and for a few moments, I felt forced to follow his instructions."All right," I muttered, lowering my head in surren
Zara's POVNicolas stayed with us just before dusk, promising to see me soon. He went back through the tunnels in the same way he came. Our farewell was tearful, and as I watched him go, I felt both heartbroken and cold."Cheer up, old girl," Levi linked, as we made our way back to the pack house.It was time for us to get ready for dinner."It is really difficult," I said sadly. "It feels as though my heart would burst into two pieces at any moment. I am starting to miss him already. And Kaya's adding to the pain. All she wants to do is follow Nic back to his pack.""I think I understand," Levi said. "The bond is making it unbearable to be apart.""Yes," I replied. "And it is even more difficult to accept the fact that he visited me in these conditions. It would have been just as simple for him to ignore and reject me."Nic and I have not formally accepted each other as mates yet, but based on our behavior, it appeared that he was interested and would make the move shortly."He is a
Nicolas POV"You are running late!" Ronan lashed out when he saw Ray come out of the tunnel and into the cave. "Someone seems really nervous," Ray remarked, as I shifted back to being human.I looked back at Ronan and watched him briskly as he paced up and down.Has anything occurred during my absence?"Your father is furious at you," Ronan hissed. "He is waiting on you in his office,"I cocked my head to one side and squinted. It has been a while since I have seen Ronan behave like this."Tell him I will be there shortly," I said composedly as I picked up my pants off the ground."He is itching to see you now," Ronan growled. "He is so angry that he is threatening to take control of the pack.""Your father rocked Ronan's boat again," Ray chirped. "No wonder he isn't a happy camper."My father had the ability to get under Ronan's skin and rattle his little world. I never understood why he took everything my father said personally. I was given the Alpha position by the old wolf eight
Nicolas POV"Concentrate harder!" Ray snarled, getting angry at me. "I have faith in your ability to succeed!""Oh my goddess," I let out a growl. "I am doing the best I can!"Zara's face kept appearing in front of my eyes, and I could not even begin to imagine anything else."You are not!" he exclaimed. "Avoid thinking about Zara! Concentrate!""It is useless!" I sighed, frustrated. "The bond is keeping me from thinking of anything else!""Well you better do something," Ray remarked. "You can't leave your room... not in your current situation!"I still had my cock hard and raised like a warrior heading into combat.I kept my eyes closed, clamped down on my jaw, and visualized myself in the forest."Let me try and help you," Ray said, bringing a forest picture to mind. "Do you see the forest?""Yes," I answered. "How are you doing that?""I am just playing with some old memories from your subconscious," he answered. "You will have to provide the remaining portion.""Like what?" I inqu
Nicolas POV"I think you should reconsider," my father said, bringing up the main topic of our meeting.I was surprised by his words.I never thought he would counsel me against forming an alliance with a silver-blessed pack. Among the blessed packs, the Silverado Pack is one of the most reputable. It would be certain that we would defeat the Red Howl Pack if we signed a treaty and joined forces."Why should I?" I asked, shifting my head to the side. "The meeting is already scheduled, and Ronan has already begun working on the paperwork.""Cease the scheduled meeting immediately!" My father roared."I refuse to withdraw my proposal!" I said, surprised by his sudden outburst. "I will do everything in my power to help them, as they require our support!""You have no idea what you are doing, boy!" He hissed through his teeth."And you are not offering me any convincing reason as to why I should not sign a treaty with them!" I shot back with a growl. "Any issues you may have with Alpha Ri
Zara's POV"Bloody hell, Zara!" Upon seeing me seated on the couch in the living room, Levi let out a sigh of relief. He swooped down on me like a hawk, drew me to my feet, and embraced me tightly in his renowned bear hug."Hi to you too," I gently said, as I stroked his back.I got back home just a few minutes ago.
Zara's POVNic's warmth and scent instantly brought me peace. Despite feeling a little self-conscious, being so close to Nic made me happy.Tiny electric sparks were moving between us. I had to bite my lip trying to control the urge to jump Nic's bones there and then.Nic carried me down the narrow path to the cabin and hurried up the few stairs leading to the por
Nicolas POV"Zara!" I tapped the side of her cheek and shouted out in fright. "Zara, wake up!"I was freaking out. Seconds ago, I had pulled Zara from the water and brought her to shore. She had swallowed a lot of water and wasn't breathing. I attempted to administer drowning CPR to her, but it appeared to be ineffective."Come on, Zara!" I let out a scream as tea
Zara's POV"Kaya, help me!" Sucking down water, I let out a scream. "I don't want to die like this!"When my heat hit, Kaya had already curled up into a ball, so I was all by myself to endure the agony."Mate, he is close by. He will save us!" In an effort to raise her head, she moaned. She seemed to be experiencing intense pain as well.
Nicolas POVI was both endearing and saddened by Zara's trust issues; her expressions of confusion were priceless."Take our mate's hand," Ray ordered. "And do it together. Keep your promise.""Fine," I gave in.The idea that Zara would feel awkward around me was unsettling. My purpose in being here was to fortify the connection and foster trust, not to fracture it."We will do it together," I said, taking her hand in mine, and I curled my fingers around her and the door handle.As she turned to face me again, Zara cocked her head back. The palpable tension in her body told me that she was anxious.Goddess, I hope that whatever is behind that door is as beneficial as what Beta John had promised."Ready?" I asked.I kissed the side of Zara's cheek as she nodded. I pushed the door open after mentally counting to three with my eyes closed.There was a brief hush as our hearts raced in our ch
Zara's POV"Go ahead," Nic urged, motioning for me to take the lead. "Open it. Let's see what awaits us on the other side."Nic was acting in a really odd way; I had never seen him that animated and carefree before."Are you sure you want me to go first?" I asked and hesitated.
Nicolas POV"Where are we going, Nicolas?" As I led Zara down the empty corridor, she giggled at my side.Her heat was intermittent, but I was able to find a technique to keep it from becoming too painful.I spun around and jokingly pushed Zara against the wall, enclosing her and leaving wet kisses on the side of her jaw.
Nicolas POV"What will happen if we don't mate?" My voice was filled with worry as I posed the question."Your future Luna will endure constant agony, and eventually..." Assessing Zara's vitals, Celia's voice betrayed her concern.Beta John signaled for me to follow; I did so grudgingly. I hated to leave Zara's side while she was so weak.
Zara's POVAs the goddess let forth a wrenching cry, a surge of agony coursed through my entire being.I let out a gasp as the agony spread throughout my body.As the goddess grieved for her mate, I could sense every feeling she was experiencing, listen to her inner monologue, and see him through her eyes.