RAINA'S POV“Oh, Raina, here’s the story that no one told you about. It’s in the Wolverson archives. The one where, every twenty years, the vicennial Alpha King’s reign comes with a curse. Sometimes it’s power. Other times it’s wealth, but this time, it’s his mate. You.” Mercedes’ tone darkened, too calm and rehearsed, like she’d been dying to tell me this. “The trend doesn’t lie.”My eyes drifted to her, narrowing with mistrust as I stewed over and then doubted her words. She wasn’t so unreadable.The moon’s silver light filtered through the tangled branches above Mercedes’ head. As they kept her pinned to the tree, the chilly wind shifted her hair from her eyes, revealing a cold, serpentine glint, as if the moon itself were exposing the liar she truly was.“I don’t know anything about that,” Venus muttered, folding her arms.“Believe it or not, right after Snow came to me, I studied it, and all the signs pointed to you.” Mercedes curled her lips bitterly. “The goddess’ will is clear
RAINA’S POVStrappy heels like mine weren't designed for running. Nothing screamed ‘go for action’ like rapidly sinking into the semi-packed dirt, which annoyingly slowed down my pace to a wobble.By the time I narrowed the curve of the dark cabin, my heart lurched in relief. Right then and there, under the faintest silver glint from the moon, Mercedes was surprisingly caught when Thaines and Azara aggressively latched onto her arms.“Gotcha,” Azara grinned in triumph as they swung her around to face me.“Real mature,” Mercedes said sarcastically, her neck popping with attitude. Malicious brown eyes, bright and slitted, stared hard at me. “I thought you had moved on from the last time you tried this stuff. I guess there's no personal growth for someone like you.”My overworked ankles must have been thankful when I halted right in front of them, the faint burn lessening.Leveling my eyes on the wolf-napper, I responded, “If it weren't for you, all that I've been through wouldn't have h
RAINA’S POVAzara tugged my hand, gently pulling me towards her as though we were sharing a secret. Her voice was light with laughter. “Don’t worry, Rai. After tonight, you’ve passed with flying colors. The moon goddess reacted to you. You've got an important purpose.”“We admire your strength. None of us expected this much game from you, but it's quite thrilling,” Theo appraised, his eyes glinting with admiration as his lips took on a sly smirk. “Our resilient little Luna has gotten stronger. You are a hell of a fighter.”“Well, it comes with age.” I flashed a playful grin, helping myself to one of the skewers in Venus’ hand. “Technically, I’m fifty years older than you.”Everyone laughed while feasting on their anticuchos. It was a good-natured sound.“Ha-ha. Eh-heh.” Theo’s laughter was the loudest. “All I see is a 5.0 upgraded version,” he mocked, holding his hands to his chest before flipping them open with theatrical flair. “Raina with a vintage soul.”My jaw hit the floor at his
RAINA’S POVMy shoulders started to rise and fall as I huffed big breaths, trying to fight back tears, but it was no use.“I'm not okay," I said softly, my voice barely audible, and I leaned my cheek into his warm palm. His touch was my anchor to sanity, a tingling tether that kept me from spiraling into the darkness of my past trial."I know, Baby, but you can handle it," Valen replied, making his deep, gritty voice soft for me. "You will be fine." He continued, resting his hand on my lower back. “I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to.”My forehead fell against his shoulder as I tried to steady myself. He pressed a kiss to my temple while his hands smoothed over my back in a soothing gesture.I inhaled deeply, engulfed in the scent of cardamom and amber that reminded me of home. His earthy scent filled my senses, calming me for a minute.Understanding the circumstances, Theo pulled up by the stairs at arm's length beside us with a crooked smirk. Valen and I cast our eyes on him.“Damn, I
VALEN'S POVA sudden sweet aroma descended into the temple. A sandalwood - patchouli incense, rich and overwhelming, clung in the air as though the moon goddess had stepped into the nave and wrapped us in her presence.We made it.It’s not too late.The night must go on.I nodded at Devin and looked back at Raina, wiping the wetness from her face with my thumb. “Baby, you have something important to do, okay? You have to make your stand tonight at the farewell ceremony. Your wolves have missed you.”“Yeah,” Raina said breathlessly. “I can do it.”I smiled affectionately at her confidence, admiring her strength. “I’ll be right there with you. All the way.”“Aw, look at them all boo'ed up.” Theo gushed at his twin.Thaines smiled warmly.“Hey Raina,” Theo flicked his head at me, wiggling his eyebrows. “The poor guy's overdue for a belly rub.”“Mind your business.” Devin grabbed him into a headlock and gave him the roughest noogie I've ever seen.Theo sputtered in protest.“He's overdue
VALEN’S POVFalling stardust formed into a colorful, glittering note that floated down when the fireworks fizzled out.Raina lifted her hand as it settled in her palm, illuminating like a heavenly gift.Sucking in a huge shuddering breath of air, Raina stumbled backwards, blinking rapidly at it in shock. She gasped loudly, “Oh. O-oh my goddess.”Visibly confused, I placed my arms on her shoulders as she rocked on her heels, helping her remain steady. I asked, “Baby, what do you have there?”“I hope it's not a dinner invitation with those time bastards,” Theo grumbled, folding his arms.Over and over again, banging sounds echoed through the room as one of the outsiders was ramming something at the door, trying to bust it off its hinges.They hadn't given up.Annoyed, I shut my eyes and exhaled slowly through my nose. Goddess, I could use a sign or a break or something. Anything at this point.My eyes flicked open as I sensed my mate was drawing closer, reclaiming my attention and curio