Zara's POV
Big, blue-green eyes kept staring back at me; they looked so full of life and love that it was hard for me to turn my gaze away.
Who is she?
Why did Nic keep a photo of her in his pocket?
Is his heart longing for her?
Am I just a destraction?
My mind kept reminding me of the girl's features in the photo. Her long, flawless golden hair looked so soft and beautiful. Her full pink lips would mold around Nic's easily, and her perfect straight nose and high cheekbones made her look like a sun goddess compared to me. Everyone she met must have loved her.
Love her.
A sob escaped my lips.
Nic must love her if he kept a photo in his pocket of her.
I gasped as if all the air was knocked out of my lungs and stumbled backward as the realization hit me.
Nic must be in love with her.
How else could I explain the photo?
My whole world crumbled around me. Was our relations
Nicolas POV"You better get dressed," my father ordered when he entered my quarters. With his gray hair combed back and already dressed in a black penguin suit and blue bow tie, he looked dashing."The opening of the carnival starts in less than an hour!" He continued, closing the door behind him.I rolled my eyes at him and released a breath I didn't know I was holding.I have locked myself in my quarters after our search. Zara was nowhere in sight. I have been moping and drinking here for most of the day. I couldn't believe that Zara could just disappear like that."She didn't just disappear," Ray growled. "She ran away from you!""How?" I snapped. "She can't just disappear in thin air! Someone must have taken her.""I refuse to believe that!" he hissed. "She must have discovered Isabella's photo and embraced the worst! She must have run away! She could have used her magic….""You can't be so
Zara's POVHuge green trees stretched far and wide around me, and a sense of calmness had formed around my heart.The forest has always been my happy place.I closed my eyes, and I inhaled deeply, taking in the earthy scent.A sad smile formed on my lips; I felt the wind softly tug on my hair, and the sunrays lightly kissed my face. I haven't been in the woods for some time, and maybe it will help me clear my head.I opened my eyes and scanned my surroundings."Where are we?" I muttered to myself as I scanned for any kind of clue. I wasn't sure where I was, but I felt kind of excited and scared at the same time.Kaya quietly observed me. Her eyes were dull, and her ears were hanging. She seems to be a bit depressed about leaving Nicolas like that, and I had a suspicious feeling that she wanted me to go back and confront him about the photo.But even she knew I wasn't emotionally strong enough to do tha
Zara's POVAlthough I was a little embarrassed and uneasy lying on top of Luke, he didn't seem to mind at all."Feeling better?" He asked when my breathing wasn't racing anymore, and I got over the shock."I... I think so," I stammered incoherently. I hated it when I stuttered, giving away my nervousness.I shifted my weight to the side and tried to push myself away from Luke's chest, but my hand slipped. He grunted like a wounded animal beneath me as I crashed down on top of his chest."S-s-sorry," I muttered, embarrassed, and quickly rolled myself away from him. "I... I..."Luke pulled himself upright, coughed, and rubbed his chest. He then shifted his head to the side, watching me.Luke's face twisted in confusion, and an unknown emotion crossed his eyes."What are you doing here?" He eventually asked. His voice carried a mixture of excitement and worry.I sighed."I... I got lost..."
Nicolas POV"Did you get to see her?" I inquired while Ronan approached me to assist in welcoming the final guests. He was dressed in a navy-blue penguin suit, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and a plain golden mask to go with it."Not yet," Ronan replied as he shook a wolf's hand, wearing a black mask."I wonder what is keeping her," I asked, feeling frustrated. "Do you think she will miss this? We are about to start.""She'll be here," Ronan stated with confidence. "Luna Zara gave me her word that she would attend the ball."A heavy breath escaped my lips while a sharp electric spike rippled through my chest and down my body. My hands instinctively reached for my chest. The excruciating pain in my heart was becoming more and more frequent. I wasn't sure what was causing it."Are you okay?" Ronan asked, concerned.I nodded my head and swallowed hard. I forced myself to focus. My sad emotions lay heavy
Nicolas POV"Evening, ladies and gentlemen," Ronan's voice silenced the room. "Welcome to this year's Midnight Moon fundraiser ball."The wolves' applause made me shiver. Like every year, fundraising improved, but this year was electrifying!"As you all know, the yearly carnival and fundraising ball was started by our late Luna to help those in need," Ronan went on, praising my late mother.My gaze swept over the ballroom. Ronan captured the attention of every wolf, who listened to him as if it was the greatest thing they had ever heard.A smile formed on my lips. Ronan could always find a way to have the crowd eat out of his hands.I sighed, shaking my head proudly. What would I do without him? He made sure that the ballroom was elegantly decorated with a perfect atmosphere.My gaze swept over the simple but elegant decorations.The whole ballroom was decorated in a navy blue scheme, and dim fairy lig
Nicolas POVAt the back of the hall, crimson-colored eyes appeared, causing the wolves to scream and scatter away in fear."Is that a rogue?" I heard someone gasp."What do they want?" another asked."He seems very relaxed," someone stated."I don't think he wants trouble," another said.My gaze snapped toward Ronan. He had the same disbelief look in his eyes."Rogues?" Ronan whispered in disbelief when he caught my gaze. "They never impose at these functions.... They never come here....""There is always a first time," Ray growled, clawing for control. "Let me have him!""But they have never been this bold!" I stated, ignoring Ray's outburst.The brown wolf pushed forward, growling. His focus is on me. He exudes a sense of purpose and determination.Why did he come here?What does he want?"How dare he come here!" Ray roared. "How dare he interrupt the proceedings! I
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
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"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