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"Ah, Zara," my father's voice chimed in my ears, and my gaze turned to where he and Beta John came closer. "Have you finished eating?" "I have, thanks," I replied as I stood up from the dinner table. Levi got up from his chair beside me, holding my hand in his.Beta John stopped my father, and he turned to face him."I will talk about the specifics right now," my dad answered the silent question."And that other problem?" Beta John inquired with a worried tone."It is not up to you to decide," my father replied. "I will talk about it when the time is appropriate."Beta John attempted to countermand, but my father stopped him with a raised hand."Beta, we already have enough problems on our hands," my dad remarked. "I can't add more. Furthermore, how would it alter our lives right now?"Beta John let out a sigh."I honor your desires, Alpha," he said, glancing sideways at me before moving away from my father's side."What the heck was that about?" Kaya yapped from the back
Zara's POVThe Golden Gate Hotel was among the priciest and most opulent establishments I have ever visited.Thick, pricey off-white curtains draped the tall windows, and the reception desk, walls, and floors were all constructed and covered in expensive white marble. Signature paintings by well-known painters lined the walls, and a massive fountain screamed wealth and prestige in the middle of the reception area."I am a little surprised, but that seems like a picture of a famous football player," Kaya gasped."And it is signed," I remarked, looking over the various objects hanging on the walls in astonishment. "What is the reason behind Nic showcasing such a costly item throughout the reception area?""Maybe Nicholas does not really care about expensive things," Kaya remarked. "Or he keeps excellent security," I said, heading toward the reception desk.I was hoping that someone at the front desk would be able to assist me and let me know where in this enormous hotel I could find Ni
Zara's POV"Come," Nic said, pushing open the wooden door. "Business before pleasure. We have a great deal to talk about."I froze in shock as I followed him inside, my eyes going wide with surprise."Amazing!" I let out a gasp. "This is incredible!"The space appeared more like a sizable apartment than a hotel room. It was furnished with exquisite detail, featuring vast white walls and an open area in front of us."I was hoping that you would like it," he said, and he took my hand before shutting the door behind them."It is definitely something," I replied, looking from side to side. "It is the presidential suite," he explained, a soft smile following on his lips. "This hotel's one and only. I typically hold my private meetings in this suite.""I wonder how many private meetings he has conducted here," Kaya mused."And how many attractive women have ever been here?" I commented, feeling a bit self-conscious and jealous. "Do you believe Nic would have shared his bed with them?" Kay
Nicolas POV "Do not push her," Ray warned. "Give her some time to respond to you!"I held my breath, anxiously awaiting Zara's response. She appeared reluctant to accept me as her mate, even though a moment ago I mustered all my courage and threw my heart and soul at her.Where did I go wrong?What did I do wrong?Did I wait too long to claim her as my mate?Should I have stopped the mating ceremony and claimed her then?I released Zara's face and took a step back, hope shattering my heart and sending the fragments flying across my chest like glass, leaving me in searing agony.How could I have been so foolish as to think that after I had hurt her, she would still accept me?This was entirely my own fault!"Zara?" I spoke up in an attempt to get her attention, my voice breaking as I revealed the thoughts running through my head. "You do not have to express anything. I-I-I get it."Zara gave a wild shake of her head, her large, storm-gray eyes brimming with unshed tears."Do not worry
Zara's POV"Slow down!" Kaya let out a panicked cry as I stepped across the river with such force that I almost lost my balance and slipped off the rocks."Why should I?" I whimpered in sorrow.I could not stop thinking about Nic's insensitive comments. It hurt. I should have known that the offer was too good to be true. I should have never fallen for his charms!"He still considers me to be a child!" I responded with a deep, hearty growl. "Why is the pain so great?""Zara, listen to me," Kaya cried out in concern. "You must slow down right now!""How come?" My bottom lip quivered as I asked stubbornly."Because you are going in the wrong direction!" She yelled, fighting for control."What do you mean we are going in the wrong direction?" I stopped and started sobbing.I knew how to get back home from the hotel. All I had to do was sprint through the forest to reach the lake beyond. A few miles further
Zara's POV "Oh, that's nice," Luna Mary sneered when she saw me coming down the hallway with Luke. She is Luke and his brothers' mother, as well as Alpha Jack's mate.Luke's expression twisted with rage; he froze in place, not exactly thrilled to see her."You are being rude, mom," he said, before she could continue and say anything more.I have never received much affection from Luna Mary, and when she found out that Luke and I had dated for a while, her demeanor only became more icy."I am not being impolite," Luna Mary became enraged and threw her long blond hair over her shoulder, her eyes turning emerald green. "A she-wolf should not come around at this hour, especially if they are—""What time is it?" I interrupted her by asking."After 2 am," Derek answered."Gosh," I muttered. No wonder Luna Mary appeared annoyed that I was here at this hour. "My apologies, Luna; I have lost track of time.""Looks like you have lost more than just your sense of time," she barked. "Look at you
Zara's POV "I am sorry for taking so long," Alpha Jack said, settling into his desk chair. "And for the way Luna Mary behaved."I stood up and nodded, but Luke motioned for me to remain where I was."We will be over to sit with you shortly," Alpha Jack remarked.Andrew hurried to answer a knock that was rather softly coming from the office door."Who would bother us in the middle of the night?" With a growl, Luke cast his gaze downward at his watch."An omega," Andrew retorted, oblivious to his sibling's rage."What does she want?" Luke growled, clenching his teeth and putting his hands across his chest."She is bringing food," Andrew replied as he pulled open the door."What for?" Luke asked."So that your precious Zara can stuff her face." Luke's eyes darted to me as Andrew sarcastically answered. "She did not eat, and her hunger sounds apparent.""When was the last time you had any food?" Luke asked."Yesterday at ten o'clock," I answered."In the evening?" he inquired."No, morni
Zara's POV"Do you, Alpha Nicolas Dalton, take Zara Silverwood as your beloved mate?" the councilor asked.Nicolas smiled at me and rubbed his fingers over my hands, leaving sparks under his touch."I do," he said, his husky voice sending tingles down my body and ending at my core.I loved this wolf more than anything in the world."And you, Luna Zara Silverwood, do you....""I do," I replied, interrupting the councilor."You're always in such a hurry," Nicolas teased, holding my gaze."I hereby, with the power invested in me, pronounce you..."Nicolas didn't give the council a chance to complete his thoughts. He drew me in, crushed his lips against mine, and kissed me deeply and passionately.The wolves howled and cheered behind us, sending shivers down my spine.We had officially mated in front of the Goddess, following tradition and the law.Nicolas pulled away, and I whimpered at the loss of contact. I wanted more. I wanted to taste him again. Pregnancy hormones only intensified m
Zara's POV"Zara," Levi's voice chimed in my ears as he opened my bedroom door. "Are you ready?" His gaze swept over the room in search of me. It's been almost a month since the kidnapping.Levi gasped. His gaze trailed over me."Close your mouth, Beta," I said. "People might think you're straight."Levi blinked a couple of times and shook his head. He stepped forward, taking my hand."You..." he trailed off, searching for the right words. "You look amazing. Alpha Nicolas will not be able to keep his eyes off you...""Neither would he be able to keep his hands to himself," my father's voice filled the air, making me blush.My core tightened, causing my fluids to spill out. For the past few weeks, Nicolas and I have been inseparable. We couldn't get enough of one another, and his collection of my panties, positions, and places grew bigger and wider by the day..."Father," I smiled, pushing the naughty thoughts to the side, and reached out to him. He came closer and kissed my cheek."Yo
Zara's POVI managed to escape from under Levi's watchful eye. He quickly attended to Ronan, and I slipped away into the cave.I took care to remain invisible; I didn't want them to know I was there.I crawled closer on my belly, hiding my scent. I could hear Alpha Jack, smell the sulfur in the air, and feel the vibrations of Nicolas's heart pounding uncontrollably with anger."She's back!" Kaya suddenly mused happily, making me frown."Who...?" My thoughts trailed off, feeling the surge of power burning through my veins."My magic?" I whispered, surprised. "She is back? She feels kind of pissed?"Kaya nodded, getting on her feet. "She doesn't like what Alpha Jack just said!""Me too," I replied.It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen and experienced.The indescribably strong surge of magic coursing through my veins was incredible.I wasn't sure how my magic found its way back to me, but I guess when Jamie changed into that hideous creature, he must have slipped his hold on me
Nicolas POV"Goddess," I mumbled, astonished under my breath as I watched Zara make her way to the third dragon head. "She is incredible....""Yeah, and irresponsible!" Levi continued, deftly evading a rogue and effortlessly dismantling him.I growled at him.His head snapped to me. He smiled, taking my reaction as a compliment. He grabbed another rogue, snapping his neck."It's the truth, Alpha," he said, dropping the rogue to the floor. "That right there," he pointed out at Zara. "That's precisely how your future will unfold. She has always been a magnet for getting us into trouble!"The dragon-like creature swayed out of control—the two heads were dangerously going at each other.Wolves scrambled out of the way, afraid to be crushed under the dragon's paws."Watch out!" I heard Luke yell over the noise.My gaze snapped back at Zara; she had made her way up the third neck. She was about to reach his eyes when the second dragon head collided with the third, sending her flying over ou
Zara's POV"Nicolas?" I whispered in disbelief. "Is that you?" His intoxicating honey and vanilla scent suddenly hit my nostrils, calming my racing heart.It was really him. He came for me!I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He was different, yet so familiar. He looked and smelled like home.Beautiful raven fur covered most of his body—except for his chest; it was covered in the distinctive silver-colored fur. It was so mesmerizing. It was a symbol of power, stating that he belonged to one of the mightiest silver wolf packs around.I furrowed my eyebrows.What had happened to him?Why was he looking like that?Did he and Ray merge into one? Was this Ray's doing?"Zara," Levi's voice chimed in my ears, interrupting my thoughts. I unwillingly dragged my attention away, seeing him crawling closer. He held a dagger in his hands."What are you doing here?" I whispered, surprised. I didn't expect Levi to help with the rescue.Levi rolled his eyes, feeling annoyed, and huffed."Well, hall
Nicolas POVIt was hard not to just barge down there and rip everyone apart. Maintaining my composure was a challenge."Is the tunnel clear?" I mind-linked Alpha Rick. He has taken hostages and was now running between the Alphas checking up on them."All the tunnels are clear," he replied. "And all exits are blocked and secured.""Noted," Ronan replied."We are sending two groups of warriors over to Alpha Jack's and Alpha Noah's pack," Alpha Rick continued. "We don't want any surprises.""You can proceed, Alpha Rick," I said. "Be vigilant...""We will. Take care and bring my Zara home," he said, and cut the link before I could say anything more.Now that there was a direct link created between Alpha Rick and me, he would be able to link me directly.The new gift was not only exceptional; it was handy as well. I could select in mid-mind-link if I wanted and needed to have anyone else join. It especially became handy when I needed to strategize and give out orders, and the best part, th
Zara's POV"I guess you ran out of things to say," Jamie taunts with a grin. He had finished setting up the candle circle around me and was admiring his work. He seemed pleased."It's really a pity," he went on. "I actually enjoy talking to you. If it were under better circumstances, I might even like you. We have the potential to develop a close friendship.""Not a chance," I sneered, rolling my eyes. "I could never be friends with someone who turned his back and betrayed the Moon Goddess...."Jamie pouted and nodded his head slowly as if he was considering what I just said."And you are about to do the same...." he chuckled, finding the situation humorous and ironic.I raised my gaze to find his. I had that burning need to slowly claw that grin from his face.My temper boiled over, and I growled, fighting against the ropes that he had tied me down.That made Jamie laugh even louder."So feisty!" he said. "No wonder Alpha Jack instructed me to bound your magic. You have your father's
Nicolas POVMy blood felt like lava boiling inside my veins as I witnessed Zara being tied down at an open altar. She and Alpha Keiran, at the looks of it, were in deep conversation while he tied her up and prepared for the rituals.I couldn't get rid of the feeling that whatever Alpha Keiran was telling Zara was terrible. Her face had turned pale, and she looked as if she was about to burst out crying or throw up.My mind went into automatic mode, my body complied willingly, and I stepped forward. I did not care about the consequences of my actions.All I wanted to do was rescue my mate and destroy everyone who was responsible.I had mentally and emotionally prepared myself for this. As long as Zara was safe and well, I didn't care if I died. I will give my life to her.I took another step forward, the anger growing inside me. That was it; I was ready to make my presence known.Someone abruptly grabbed my arm and yanked me back. A roar erupted over the link. Who would dare challenge
Zara's POV"Where are you taking me?" I hissed as one of the guards pushed me forward down the dark tunnel. They had tied my wrists together and tied a rope like a leash around my neck."We are heading down to the forbidden temple," Alpha Jack answered, sounding quite excited about it. "That is where Jamie, my faithful beta, will kindly remove Alpha Nicolas's mark from your nape.""I don't understand," I replied. "I thought that was Alpha Noah's grandfather?""He goes by many names," Jack said. "The council knows him as Alpha Keiran. I know him as Jamie, my Beta, who possesses exceptional powers."I knitted my eyebrows together, confused. What the hell was Alpha Jack going on about?"He seems to me just an ordinary Alpha wolf?" The words slipped from my lips.Alpha Jack abruptly came to a stop, threw his head back, and laughed. The wolves snickered around me, finding my remark hilarious.Was I the only one who didn't know this secret?"Are you sure?" Alpha, Jack asked, searching my ga