The night stretches endlessly before me, every minute an eternity of restless tossing and turning. No matter how I try, I can't escape the thoughts that plague me, the memories that claw at my mind with razor-sharp talons.
Him. It always comes back to him.
His scent, rich and earthy, surrounded me. The warmth of his lips trailing over my skin, raising gooseflesh in their wake. The iron bands of his arms pulling me flush against the hard planes of his body. The way his brow furrowed in that adorable frown whenever I tried to defend my books.
The rugged beauty of his face that still haunts my dreams.
With a strangled cry, I fling off the sweat-damp sheets and stumble outside, desperate for air, for space. I break into a run, pushing my body until my lungs burn and my muscles scream in protest. But it's not enough. Nothing is enough to outrun the ache in my soul.
A ragged scream tears from my throat as I throw my head back to the uncaring stars.
The morning sun peeks over the horizon, its golden rays filtering through the castle windows as we prepare to depart. Three sleek vehicles are lined up in the courtyard - the first carrying a team of expert trackers and seasoned warriors, the third filled with more skilled fighters to serve as our guard. Caleb and I will ride in the second car, sandwiched securely between our protective details.I didn't see the need to waste any more time, so I made the decision for us to travel the next day. Lily and I had already pored over every possible meaning behind Eric's abrupt silence last night. The only conclusion we could draw was that he must have found himself in grave danger, though from what threat, we couldn't begin to guess.A knot of dread forms in my gut at the thought of hunters being involved. Those sadistic bastards may slink in the shadows these days after my father brought their former leader to his knees years ago. But they're still out there, and if th
“Please stand up. I am not...” I begin, but Beatrice clamps her hand over mine, silencing me midsentence. I turn to face her, brows furrowed in confusion as she shakes her head urgently.“They need it,” she rasps, desperation etched in the hollows of her cheeks.“Need what?”“Hope.”Understanding dawns as I glance around at the sea of haunted faces turned towards me with longing. “They think I’m Jane right now, don’t they? That’s why they called me their Queen.” I bear an uncanny resemblance to her, and in their malnourished state, they can barely detect my werewolf scent. Their supernatural senses are dulled.Beatrice gives a jerky nod. “After everything they’ve been through, they need that hope to cling to.”My gaze rakes over their emaciated forms - the protruding bones, cracked lips, and dull eyes reflecting a haunting mix of resignation
We wait all day and through the night, hoping against hope that at least some lycans will heed my impassioned plea to join our forces. But as the first rays of dawn streak the sky, it becomes painfully clear - not a single one has come.I won’t lie; the disappointment stings, even though a part of me expected this very outcome. Squaring my shoulders, I push aside the dejection. We can’t linger here any longer.With Beatrice no longer welcome among them, labeled a traitor, we’ve decided to drop her off at her home in witch territory before continuing to the werewolf kingdom. Once everyone had finished packing, we set off on our journey.The trip is a miserable one for me. The lingering nausea from yesterday morning has only worsened, and I can’t keep anything down, not even water. Exhausted, I push my seat back and sleep fitfully through most of the ride.“I can walk; you don’t have to carry me,” I mumble in
NICKOLASI'm not sure which is more astonishing - the fact that I survived an arrow piercing my heart or seeing Amelia here before me, her angelic face peaceful in slumber. I owe my life to Ava and her niece. Ava's quick thinking to portal me to her estate, where her niece resided and tended to our wounds, is the only reason Eric and I still draw breath. But even that pales in comparison to the miracle of Amelia's presence.As I watch the gentle rise and fall of her chest, emotion swells within me, so intense it steals my breath. Tears prick my eyes, and a lump forms in my throat. I never thought I'd gaze upon her beauty again, resigned to a lifetime of yearning for what I'd lost. Yet here she is, her golden hair fanned across my pillow like rays of sunshine as the universe conspired to bring her back to me the very day I dared stroll around witch territory. The sheer improbability of it staggers me.A soft rustle of sheets pulls me from my r
“Can I see them again?” I ask, my voice breathless with anticipation, a giddy smile stretching across my face as I wait for Nickolas to reveal his back once more, to show me the tattoo of my lips adorning his scars. Even now, the reality of it steals the air from my lungs, making my heart flutter wildly in my chest.His answering smile is soft and indulgent, his eyes glowing with warmth as he slowly turns, baring his back to me. I suck in a sharp breath at the sight, my fingers itching to trace the delicate lines of ink, to map the ridges and valleys of his scars. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to seeing this tangible proof of his love, this permanent declaration etched into his very skin.“Can I touch them?” I whisper, my voice hushed with reverence, knowing how sensitive he is about anyone laying hands on his scars, even me.Nickolas turns to face me, his gaze locking with mine, the intensity in his eyes stealing the bre
The living room is as breathtakingly beautiful as the rest of the house, all plush fabrics and gleaming surfaces that speak of wealth and taste. I make my way to the nearest couch, ready to sink into its inviting cushions, but before I can even sit down, Nickolas sweeps me up into his arms and deposits me on his lap.“Whenever we’re together, this is where you sit,” he murmurs, adjusting me on his thighs, his arm wrapping securely around my waist, his hand splaying possessively over my belly.A soft smile tugs at my lips, warmth blooming in my chest at his casual display of affection. If someone had told me even a few short months ago that Nickolas would be this clingy, this openly demonstrative with his love, I would have laughed in their face. But now, feeling the solid strength of his body beneath me, the tender way he holds me close, I can’t imagine anything feeling more right.“Let’s hear it,” Eric prompts, settling into the armchair across from us, his eyes alight with curiosity
“What the fuck did you just say?” A familiar voice booms from the bottom of the stairs, startling me. I spin around, my heart leaping into my throat, to find Caleb standing there, his eyes wide with shock. Oh, heavens above! How could I have forgotten about Caleb? He must have been worried sick about me. I wonder how he found me here, of all places.“King Nickolas!” Caleb adds, his brows furrowing in confusion as he takes in Nickolas standing by my side. Panic grips me, and I quickly move to stand before Nickolas, shielding him with my body. I can only imagine what Caleb must be thinking - that Nickolas survived somehow, and now he needs to finish the job.“He’s real?” Caleb asks incredulously, pointing at Nickolas after noticing my protective stance. “Yes, and before you try to do anything, please hear me out,” I plead, my voice trembling slightly.Caleb closes his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief before crossing his arms over his chest. “You have one minute,” he grits out, his j
I tap my feet against the floor, my nerves fraying with each passing second as I wait for Dad to say something. We arrived back in the werewolf kingdom an hour ago. Nickolas just finished pouring his heart out to Dad, explaining everything that happened. He apologized profusely for nearly killing him on his birthday. He declared his unwavering love for me and his desire to build a life together. But Dad remains silent, his expression unreadable as he stares at Nickolas, who stands rigid with tension, his shoulders taut as he awaits Dad’s judgment.When Dad finally rises from the couch, Nickolas and I follow suit, the room so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I interlock my fingers with Nickolas’, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Everything is going to be alright,” I whisper into his mind. Since we have completed the mating process, we can send messages down our bond.“Welcome to the family, son,” Dad says, his voice warm as he pulls Nickolas in for a hug. Relief washes over me, a