Nicolas POV
"This is absolutely absurd! How do you expect us to just hand over our Luna?" Ronan asked angrily. "He injected her with wolfsbane, leaving her in excruciating pain. What kind of animal would do that to another being? And he claims to be her mate? He would hurt her more if we gave her to him!"
Noah decided it was safer for him to leave Zara there in the hallway of the restaurant. There were too many humans around to put up a proper fight. He left through the back door of the kitchen, followed by Levi, who vanished as quickly as he had appeared.
Zara was completely unconscious when I attended to her. Her reaction to the wolfsbane was normal and not too critical to handle.
The local police insisted on taking Zara to the hospital when they arrived.
I tried to assure them that everything was fine and that the drug Noah gave her would wear off soon; however, they refused to listen.
Kyle quickly got on the pho
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
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 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 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
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
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 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
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 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