-RAINA’S POV-
Theo couldn't wait to bite into the smoked rabbit fast enough. Shimmying and wiggling his butt, he did the tasty food dance as he chomped on it. When he started rocking, you knew it was knocking down that drool from his mouth.
Thaines, in his glory, gnawed on a large barbecue rib bone like a feral pup.
"Bah ha ha!" I couldn't help but laugh as he snapped at Benji's hand when he tried to grab it.
Glancing around, I saw everyone in a shining light. Free-spirited and merry. There was no longer a secrecy barrier separating us. This fun funky time was rather refreshing.
"So, what's up with you cooking an entire butcher shop today, Vee? I mean, it's great, don't get me wrong, but there's so much food!" Penn exclaimed with her lilac eyes sweeping across the delicious feast as she masticated a grilled pork chop.
Venus beamed while chewing and twirling her napkin. "There's no such thing as too much food here. Leftovers will go back to the pack house kitchen and won't last long. Mom's barbeque is always in demand."
Stuffing her mouth with roasted potato wedges, Penn frowned and reasoned, "Won't it be too cold for them, then? It's always best right off the grill.”
"We are wolves. We have the longest belly in history and never have to worry about turning into an oversized dog." Azara chimed in with a smirk and pointed a finger at Thaines as a reference, who didn't care. Theo licked sauce from the corner of her mouth before they engaged in a tongue play.
“I keep forgetting that I'm the only human here.” Penn shrugged, but that last part was more to herself.
It was nice that she still thought of me as a wolf.
“Nonsense,” Theo interjected, with his crispy baked drumstick waving in the air. “Rumors have it that you're one badass witch.”
Penn blushed, and her gaze drifted to Devin as though she wanted him to add his commentary. The Beta pretended to be oblivious and packed more barbecue ribs on his plate.
My heart nearly leaped out of my chest as I felt Valen's large muscly hand going under my blouse and gliding up to surreptitiously cup my breast.
Snapping my attention to him with stern eyes, I muttered to his ears only, "We can’t misbehave in front of our friends."
“But you’re the only fruit at this picnic.” He pouted, adorably with eyes feasting on me like I was the last supper. “The way you react to me is so cute. I got carried away."
Softening my eyes, I shook my head.
Instead, Valen squeezed my leg and surprised me with, “You are barely eating. Have more."
Suddenly, I was painfully aware of just how close he was now. I nodded, not trusting my voice, and gave a small smile before turning back to my plate. I caught the trace of a smirk on his handsome face. He knew exactly the effect he was having on me!
Underneath, he’d be trying to coax me to sneak away from the group to probably do a sequel of our lovemaking. He seemed agitated.
I swigged the rest of my drink and wanted to get up for a refill, but Valen simply chuckled, shaking his head as he did the honors, refilling my cup from the beer cans near him.
"You look pretty far away there." Valen noticed. He raised a brow, uttering words low and drowsed with concern. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, just thinking," I trailed off.
"If there are too many people, we can escape the bunch," he suggested, sweet and tenderly, just as I had suspected. “I bet you could use a private snuggle.” He nibbled on the tip of my ear before awarding me his eyes again.
I put a hand on his large arm and, with a sad smile, shook my head.
Valen cocked his head. "What's wrong then?"
"Nothing, it was just a moment," I replied.
Valen kept observing me, clearly wanting more of an explanation.
It made me cave, so I opened up and asked, "Why do I feel like it’s wrong to enjoy myself while many of our people are mourning?"
A little line creased between his dark brows, and he frowned at my words. His concern deepened.
"I just don't want them to think that we take their grief lightly," I added, morosely.
“It's not like that. They depend on us to stay optimistic. We are their hope, and we have to be strong so that they can use our strength to face each day and survive. One way of maintaining a healthy mind frame is to take a break every now and then or you’ll outdo yourself to death. You are a strong and selfless queen, both in form and soul. You’ve done amazing around here. No one should reproach you for wanting that downtime that you deserve." His words were soft, his brows narrowed, and his emeralds paled. “Let’s not forget that even Selene takes vacations.” He rolled his eyes.
Chuckling at the memory, I furrowed myself into his chest more.
Valen lifted my hand from his leg, holding it. His thumb caressed the back of it. He still seemed a little unsure that his pep talk perked up my spirit, but another warm smile from me eased him slightly.
I glanced at the jovial faces of the others, noticing that Theo and Thaines were feeding Azara pulled pork sliders.
Playfully, Penn stole a deep-fried chicken wing stuffed with sautéed collard greens and rice from Devin’s plate, and he blinked curiously at her as she took a bite. When he frowned at her, she batted her eyes and poked the other half into his mouth, which he accepted. Peaches eyed them with green jealousy while guzzling beer from the can.
Venus and Zack were arguing about something. Heidi and Isaac kissed more than they ate. Benji looked worried about something as he picked at his food, staring off at the cut-up subs.
I grab Valen's hand in need of those sparks. "Sorry, my mood is probably a killer.”
"Your feelings are justified," he dismissed. "We could make s'mores or something." He held up the pack. “I know it'll cheer you up. Toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and Graham crackers?”
By this point, my face contorted in disbelief. “You remember everything, don't you?" I kissed him.
“So, no girlfriend?” Penn's words reached my ears. My goddess, she was blatantly flirting with my cousin.
“I don't need one.” Devin made a funny face when he caught my eyes on them. "What?” He saw the s’mores that Valen waved. “Fine, I'll go make the fire."
“I'll help.” Penn offered to gather wood with Devin.
Devin knitted his brows at the eager witch and scoffed, folding his arms. “I change my mind.”
“Maybe we could do that later.” I quipped, postponing the s'mores.
Peaches laughed at Penn's disappointment. Zack was the second to crack at their cat-and-mouse game, followed by everyone else. I poked Devin in the ribs, and he burst out laughing too.
Valen folded his muscular legs in an ‘X’ and lifted me to sit on them. His arms wrapped around me with a tight grip, holding me as close as it was physically possible. His wolf peeked out to me through his dilated orbs, waiting for me and him to bond in harmony.
Curling a finger, I shoved his wavy black hair out of his face as the gentle breeze passed us by. I kissed his forehead before settling down and resting my back against his large, bulky chest.
He placed his chin on the top of my head, fiddling with strands of my burgundy hair. I did my best to pretend that I was not turned on, acting like my heart was not beating fast, and my body wasn’t ablaze with excitement and anticipation for his touch, kiss, and those heated emeralds to burn me with passion.
In an attempt to distract myself, I panned my gaze at Venus as Zack made her laugh out loud. Looking from one person to the next, I observed them as we ate. It's been a while since we were just us. Idling and carefree. Their giddying laughter was such a sweet sound.
“You found us!” Penn exclaimed exuberantly to an average-height, full-figured girl who trudged between the oak trees.
The stranger had short bright copper hair with cute front pigtails and wore tight, grey-striped exercise leggings and a low-cut blue top, revealing her black bra. Glee lightened her round bisque face.
Pressing a hand on Devin’s left shoulder, Penn rose to her feet to call the girl over with both hands.
“Who is she?” Azara’s auburn eyes swung to the witch, while Thaines’ finger twirled her hair, kissing it. Theo interlaced his fingers into hers, settling their hand on her thigh.
“She's Sloanne, the witch in training for Vaheed. Marlena invited her to start training with me.” Penn explained, excitedly.
She wanted to say other things but then Zack growled. Startled, Sloanne halted like a trapped bunny, going totally stiff and her champagne eyes bulged.
Pinning his sacramento green eyes on Sloanne, Zack sniffed the cool air and his chest puffed. He flew up and lurched over to her, growling.
Could it be?
"Eek!" As Sloanne’s small mouth with heavy lower lip trembled, she held up her palm, and leafy vines from the trees wrapped Zack up like a burrito off the ground.
Dang! That blew up fast.
Zack thrashed in the vines. “Mine!”
Oh wow! I tapped Valen’s pectoral for him to see what was unfolding with the Delta. Valen couldn’t care less. He took up a caprese skewer and put it at my mouth. This man kept forgetting I have a small stomach now. I bit into it anyway, chewing slowly.
Mates. Zack found his other half. Awesome!
Valen and I exchanged pleased looks. He kissed my chewing cheeks and wrapped his arms around me.
Venus scowled, not liking it one bit. I gently rubbed her shoulder, comforting her. She'll meet her soulmate soon.
Panicking, Sloanne didn't know what to do. Penn rushed over to her. She hid behind Penn, peeking out trepidatiously at the flipping wolf.
“He won't hurt you.” Penn exhorted, laughing. “Wolves have mates and this one is yours. Aww, you lucky girl!”
Yaaas! It cheered my heart.
“But I'm not a wolf. I am human and cannot feel your bond,” Sloanne replied in bewilderment without taking her eyes from him. “Relationships aren’t possible for me.” Sensing everyone’s penetrating eyes on her, she elaborated, “My wiccan obeisance of celibacy is linked to my gnosis and divine connection. I am forbidden to break my chastity vows.”
“Oh no,” Venus gasped, sorrowfully eyeing Zack’s heartbreaking reaction.
Yikes! We need a do-over.
-
-RAINA’S POV-Sloanne’s rejection shattered us all. A gloomy vibe threatened to break up our jovial party. A sadness fell in Zack’s Sacramento green eyes. His features were sullen, confused, and wounded. My heart broke knowing how much this meant to him.“Wiccan obeisance of celibacy?” Zack reiterated lowly. Repressing his disheartened emotions, he wiggled like a grubworm in the weeds that bound him and glanced from Sloanne to Penn to me, and then back at his mate.“There's a lot more to it than that,” Benji explained with hands behind his head, capturing Sloanne’s attention. “Mate bonds are unpredictable because it’s the Moon Goddess that does the matches. She peeks into our souls to make sure we are the perfect fit. Two halves of a whole that bring out the best in each other. You only get one mate in a lifetime. That's why they're so precious."“Yes. Now, please release him.” Penn pleaded, solemnly.“I-I don't know.” Sloanne was hesitant. Her forehead creased with worry because Zack’
VALEN’S POV-"Valen!" Raina moaned out my name as I filled her to the hilt.Our bodies melded together on the bed as I kneeled behind her, and she was on all fours. The crescendo of our desires built up into a dynamic explosion, flaring like fireworks across our skin.“Yes! Oh, baby.” She mewled out a delicious melody as my cock pulsated inside of her slick drenched hole. She milked me for everything I had as her legs trembled in an attempt to meet the heavy pressure of my climax.Raina wanted me to stay like this. Our bodies compressed with my dick embedded deep, fucking and feeding her until she was a whining, whimpering mess. Until she was struggling with the mind-blowing sensation. Until her body couldn't keep up with her desire for me any longer.Yesterday, as soon as we got back to the pack house, she told me to ruin her. We ended up in the Alpha suite, and she showed me that she meant fucking her until she was completely burnt out. Unnerved by Venus’ proclamation, she wanted to
-RAINA'S POV-“Vaheed is coming home.” These four astounding words from Venus’ mouth had changed the entire atmosphere of the picnic yesterday. “I felt him.” She beamed with mirth glinting in her harlequin green eyes. Their twin bond linked for a few seconds, and then it was gone, but she was positive that he spoke to her.It explained why she had been so chirpy lately. A spark of hope flared into life that Vaheed would show up any day now. Still, was it true?Breathing out the barest, wishful sigh, I too, desire for my second best friend to come home. However, there were many questions clawing at the back of my skull. Had he escaped the Worgens? Where was he? Would they come here after him?Well, today was another day, but it was not a good day. After donning a white dress that was above the knees with a tie at the bust and ruffled hemline, I paced my bedroom back and forth, wringing my hands anxiously.Swiveling around, I bumped into a hard chest that knocked me backwards. I was so
-RAINA’S POV-The bond strummed, coaxing me to glance at my mate. Valen’s sharp jewel-like eyes fixed on me, building a warm sensation in my gut. Silently, I understood the message they conveyed. I could feel the pull from inside of me that he wanted to hold me in his arms. It was soothing.“Don’t focus on the one reason you think you don’t deserve this, that you overlook the other hundreds of reasons why you do." He whispered through the mind-link.Valen moved from the Tuscan pilaster and stepped forward to the table to stand by his Dad’s side. Bracing his weight on his knuckles, he leaned over the table rather intimidatingly, oozing power and dominance.Maintaining our eyelock and knowing that they would take this as impertinence, I uttered just the same, “Not having a wolf does not affect my ability to lead and stand for my people. I'm still brave, considerate, and committed to the realm. Who I am is not defined by the crown or my wolf, nor does it negate the fact that I am Valen's
-RAINA’S POV-“That's it, Elder Jacob!” Alpha Vance bellowed at the accusing elder. “Consider yourself relieved of your duties and no longer affiliated as an elder of Dark Wolverson for sprouting such slander!”It took Luna Sianna a gripping hug and a few kisses to calm the raging Alpha King as he barked out his vicious displeasure. Mom had to do the same to Dad.Rumormongering. Typically, disproving a rumor was more difficult than proving a rumor. Our parents boiled Elder Jacob's words down to wedge-driving hearsay.Sianna got to her feet and luna-commanded with hands patting the air. “Everyone, quiet! Please!”“Alpha King, the mere fact that Raina has remained silent is proof enough.” Elder Jacob's spat over the lowering voices, standing his ground.Luna Sianna pursed her lips into a thin line, and thinking that she could render his declaration pointless, she looked at me and asked, “For the sake of these imprudent Elders, please clear the air.”Everyone was unstirred. The tension s
-RAINA'S POV-"Your womb is ……. perfect. You are fertile. Bring me the infertility report now." Luna Sianna informed us, crossing one arm across her chest with the other hand under her chin.No way! It’s impossible! Disbelief swelled hot the back of my eyes. I was dumbfounded.Shoving away my bloated emotions, I answered slowly, "It-it's upstairs.”"Go and get it." Her tone was laden with authority and anger.Without uttering a word, Valen teleported me to my room. He was a steaming mess but oddly clammed his mouth, sealing away words that kept his emotions at bay. I've caused him trouble again.We manifested in the office, disrupting their previous discussion.Luna Sianna snatched the report from my hands. Her icy-blue eyes scanned the report, deeply focused. The Elders had their bushy brows pinched together and pinned me with accusatory squints. I shivered and shrank into myself. Valen hugged me protectively.“Valen, I ―” I began through the mind-link.“Let’s not talk here. It’ll be
-VALEN’S POV-Brimming with fury, I arrived at the crepe-colored cruciform clinic with a black skillion roof, standing in the middle of the asphalt road.“Where is she?” I roared like the Incredible Hulk, muscles tightening and bulging as I clenched my fists with outrage. Spilling out barbaric winds of aura that sought death.Theo and Thaines were already ordered to apprehend the atrocious bitch. They ought to be here and they better not let her get away, or so help me, goddess.“Bring her out!” I boomed, as the slow oncoming traffic decided to hit their brakes, refusing to proceed closer for fear of my wrath.Anger, hatred, and vengeance overwhelmed me in the hot afternoon. It set Zeus on edge, pushing to take over.Peaches had to be batshit crazy to go against my moon-blessed. How dare she try to stop my little generals from fertilizing Raina's ovum. We were devastated at the loss of our baby girl and this wicked wench decided to hinder us from having anymore.Despicable and shamefu
-VALEN'S POV-Peaches' silence stoked up my wrath like wood on a blazing fire. I stormed forward and grabbed her violently by her short, red hair and threw her across the pavement.Screaming, her back hit against the square concrete column of the portico porch with a crunch. When she fell with a thud to the ground, she spat out blood.“P-please, Alpha. I wouldn’t hurt Raina.” Peaches wailed through her blood-painted lips. She was too injured to get on her feet. Fear cloaked her body like a blanket of shame. “It was Jiya. I swear on my mother's grave.”“Stellar acting!” Theo remarked snidely. “When will people learn? Don't try to play chess when jackstones are your level.”“You thought that we wouldn’t find out?” I prowled towards her, settling with the belief that she had a hand in aiding the Elders. “My Luna…..my heirs……you wanted to end us.”“You fuck with one of us. You fuck with all of us.” Theo muttered with utmost disdain on the sideline.Peaches paled with fright and pushed her
VALEN’S POV-“You think you can threaten me.” I blasted, pumping a rigid fist at him as the vermillion red in my eyes marinated in resentment. “You think Selene can save you from me? Never see Raina, my mate, again in any lifetime, get it?”“I will, and I shall,” Gustav challenged."Shut the fuck up," I boomed with such immense power that the temple shivered, and foggy dust shot backwards.At my fastest speed, my feet thrust from the ground and I darted at him, too quick for him to dodge the clasp of my hand clutching his neck. I hoisted him off the ground by his throat, letting his feet dangle as they desperately searched for solid ground, while mine took root on the floor."You feeling tough now?" I growled with hatred in my voice.The Worgen extended his claws and sank them into my arm, piercing them deep until they hit the bone and my blood trickled out, splattering the floor. Because of that, I hurled him to the ground. He coughed and gasped for air, while struggling to stand up.
-VALEN’S POV-“Gustav!” I roared, nakedly stomping through the circular pillars with Zuzu perched on my right shoulder. “Get out here!”Chasing him brought me to Pindus in Greece at the Temple of Zannos. It was an albescent-white, Doric-styled, pentagon-shaped building that lacked care and was covered with limestone dust. On the walls were featured engravings of weapons and symbols that I also recognized were identical to the ones that were inscribed on the Worgens' foreheads.“No need to be so loud, Alpha Prince.” Gustav groused with his back to me. The hem of his cream trench coat carpeted the ground, right next to his enormous sword. “Even the gods can hear you shouting.”Up ahead in the dusty grand hall, he was down on one knee with his white head bowed to the light blue, marble, fifty-foot statue of Selene. She was gracefully sitting on a crescent moon with a beige wolf around her shoulders as she glanced down at the queen of the night flower she was holding up in her left hand. T
-VALEN’S POV-“Holy fuck.” I panted out as the sweet sensations rocked me.Her pouty candy-pink lips began moving up and down my length. She started bobbing her head back and forth. My hand coiled a large bunch of burgundy strands on the top of her head, helping her with the pace.“Deep breaths—yeah, take it.” My lips parted, and I blew out invisible puffs of air.The pleasure was overwhelming, almost making me forget what we were fighting about before. She picked up the pace, fisting the bottom of my shaft with one hand while she sucked the top and repeated.“So good, baby,” I remarked huskily. “Show me how badly you want it.”Already my balls were tensing up and stars exploded behind my eyelids as my orgasm drew near. She hummed around my dick, licking it good as I drew it out of her mouth.I grunted and thrust my hip forward with more force this time, hitting the back of my throat. Her pretty mouth was driving me nuts. The way her tongue moved against the ridges was giving me a whi
-RAINA’S POV-Yellow flags billowed in my head as the mood shifted sourly. Hot, angry puffs of air expelled from Valen’s nostrils. His blazing emeralds locked with my subtle blues.“Hold on a sec.” I scrambled to the edge of the bed and sat up with a frown. “That’s not what I’m saying.”“Really, Raina?” Valen asked me with hidden anger in his voice. “That crab-louse took Vaheed, and you aren’t in a hurry to get my brother back, especially since that’s the only way for us to find out what happened to Devin.”“I know that,” I muttered in a casual tone, licking my dry lips.“Vaheed isn’t with us because of him.” Valen’s voice rose, and he raked back his black hair with a frustrated hand. He turned and walked towards the glass doors to the balcony, aggressively parted the green drapes, and looked out into the gray sky.“I want to summon Gustav, but I don’t know how,” I expressed, feeling crappy that he had a valid point. “Plus you have that murderous gleam that you are going to kill him w
-RAINA’S POV-Brewing with optimism, I watched in awe as the lavender glow disbursed, engulfing Devin's body in a gentle aura of shimmering energy. Like an X-ray, it lit up his skeleton, making it visibly orange with red veins.It was as if the very essence of magic itself was sieving through him, whirling new life into his motionless form. His body was healing, closing the gruesome wound on his chest and reconnecting the superior vena cava."Hang in there, Duke. Your boy is strong. He can make it." Alpha Vance tried to provide some solace.Uncle Duke began pacing while ruffling a hand through his blonde hair. “Come on Smithson, the moon can’t have you today.”Valen's expression was one of intense concentration. His features were set in determination as he exerted more streams of his magic into Devin.For a moment, time seemed to stand still as we held our collective breath, waiting with bated anticipation for any sign of change.And then, it happened.A faint ripple sifted through De
-RAINA’S POV-Sorrowed stalked us back to the witch’s cottage like a grim, black shadow. Unlike the sunset that spread a rainbow flame upon the evening's sky.On a magically conjured table floating ahead of us, courtesy of Valen, Devin's massacred body laid supine.The journey from the yacht to Petroside Grove felt longer than ever before, and Zeus’ sprints echoed with emptiness, silently knowing that things would be different now.As we approached the witch’s cottage, the scene on the off-white porch was one of heartbreak and despair. Miriam, Marlena, Alpha Vance, Uncle Duke, Luna Sianna, and Keisha stood waiting. Their faces were etched with grief as they watched us draw near.Zeus lowered his large, black, furry body so that I jumped from his back, and then Valen shifted. Keisha immediately rushed towards Devin. My heart ached for Keisha as I watched her crumble. With haste, Uncle Duke wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her off the ground."I'm so sorry," I whispered to them
-RAINA’S POV-“The plans they have for us are diabolic.” Vaheed grabbed my arm, startling me as he pulled me to his side.His aura had a scary quality—one that was sickening and could make me puke. He was not my mate, so my body rebelled, seething at being manhandled.Vaheed’s desperate gaze locked on mine, begging me to side with him. “I’m going to kill him, Raina. Tell whitey to leave. We don't want his kind here.”“If you back off, Vaheed, so will he,” I rasped out, which made him livid. His harlequin greens flickered like black coals about to catch fire.Gustav lifted his chin in opposition. “I would not be here if she was not in danger.”Vaheed grinned deviously. “A Worgen….protecting a human? Don't make me laugh. I know all about you and your horde.”“Yes, you do.” I highlighted, “You have a lot of information that we need to make better preparations against them. I suggest we get you to your Mom's for a check-up, and then we'll have a meeting to discuss all that you can tell us
-RAINA’S POV-“Gustav,” I breathed out, still very skeptical of his presence.This pivotal moment would test the guardian bond. With bated breath, I stared at his hand, contemplating taking it. He noticed the alarm on my face and put both of his hands up in a surrender pose.“I mean you no harm, Kókkino,” he said, cocking his head, slightly concerned.Ruffling and a dull creak of dry hinges sounded across the room. My eyes found Vaheed pinned to the decorative, backlit stone wall feature.Grunting with lips pulled over his teeth, his hands gripped and wrested against the formidable, six-foot, double-bladed sword that threatened to slash him in halves. One tip of its broad jagged blade screeched against the floorboard.Panicking, I glanced back at Gustav, in a terrified voice, “Do not kill him.”“He's dangerous.” Gustav furrowed his brows, confused as to why I'd want to spare him, but he relented with an exhalation. He held out his hand and the intimidating weapon whirred back to its o
-RAINA’S POV-“You killed him, you sick psycho!” I screamed at Vaheed with tears raining down my cheeks.“I didn’t do it. Don’t be rash.” Vaheed frowned, and he placed a finger on his lips to shush me. Where was his empathy? “But you knew he was attacked!” I shouted amidst my sobbing, pointing at Devin’s bloody body.“He didn't stand a chance and with loverboy sleeping, neither do you.” His brows knitted as he seemed to be listening for something.I shook my head wildly, beginning to panic. I glanced around frantically, “You brought the Worgens here? Where are they?”Releasing a distressful sigh, Vaheed held up his forefinger and swirled it in the air. “It's the other way around.” He dropped his hand, coming towards me.Smothering my weeping, I watched him cautiously. My heart thumped hard in my chest and I recoiled. I did not want him near me.His eyes widened. “They're coming.” His feet quickened towards me, bending and reaching out his hand under my knees to lift me. “I've got a p