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CHAPTER SEVENTY
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I run, my lungs burning and my muscles screaming with every pounding step. The forest blurs around me, a kaleidoscope of muted greens and browns as I push myself harder, faster, desperate to put as much distance as possible between myself and the horrors I've left behind.
I dare a glance over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Ember and her minions bearing down on me, their faces twisted with rage and bloodlust. But there's nothing, only the eerie stillness of the woods and the echo of my own ragged breaths.
Still, I don't slow down. I can't. Not when every fiber of my being screams at me to keep moving, to find somewhere safe to rest and heal. The pain in my legs is a living thing now, a white-hot agony that lances through me with every jarring impact of my bare feet against the uneven ground. Black spots dance at the edges of my vision, and I can feel my strength waning with each passing second. I'm so tired.
I stumble, nearly going to my knees as the world ti
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Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVNTY-ONE
I come awake slowly, the world filtering back in pieces. The musty scent of damp earth and stone. The distant drip of water echoing off cavernous walls. The chill of the air against my skin, a stark contrast to the memory of Nickolas's warmth.Nickolas.I sit bolt upright, my heart pounding as my eyes fly open and dart around the unfamiliar space. I'm in a cave; that much is clear. But how did I get here? And where is Nickolas?Ignoring the protest of my healing body, I stagger to my feet and make my way toward the entrance of the cave. The tattered remains of my dress hang off me in shreds, the fabric stiff with dried blood and caked with dirt. My feet are bare and scraped raw but clean as if someone has taken the time to tend to them while I slept.I stumble out into the night, the cool air hitting my face like a slap as I scan the surrounding area. There are other lycans milling about, their faces drawn and hag
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO
In a flash, Nickolas closes the distance between us, backing me up against a nearby tree. The rough bark digs into my bare skin, a delicious contrast to the heat of his body pressing against mine. His lips find mine again in a searing kiss, stealing the thoughts from my head. All that exists is the taste of him, the feel of his hands roaming over my curves, igniting sparks wherever they touch. As his hands move to my upper body, they come to a stop once they reach my neck, where he wraps his hand around it."Are you sure, little one?" he asks, his eyes brimming with lust. I nod eagerly.Nickolas crushes his lips against mine, and in a swift motion, he lifts me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. He lowers us to the ground, the soft grass a cushion beneath my back. He pulls away just long enough to shed his shirt but leaves his vest on, revealing the glorious expanse of tanned skin and rippling biceps. My mouth goes dry at the sight, wetness pooling in my core.
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE
I watch as Nickolas walks away into the surrounding woods, his broad back and powerful stride a stark contrast to the aching hollowness settling in my chest. I can scarcely believe what just transpired between us, what he said after we just had sex. I know we're not typical mates. That one night of passion doesn't automatically transform us into some fairytale couple. But that doesn't make his words any less like a bullet tearing through my heart.Tears sting at the backs of my eyes, but I blink them away furiously, refusing to let them fall. I won't cry over him over this. I wanted this, wanted him in a way that terrifies me. And I knew going into it that one passionate night could never be enough to change the fundamental truth of what we are to each other.Sniffling, I bend to retrieve my tattered dress from the forest floor, grimacing at the state of the once-lovely garment. As I make to pull it over my head, strong hands grip my wrists,
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
By the time I finally emerge from the tree line, I've managed to regain some semblance of composure. My eyes are still red-rimmed and swollen, my cheeks blotchy from the force of my anguished sobs. But I've pushed the worst of the hurt down, letting it settle into a dull, throbbing ache that I can just barely tolerate as I scan the small encampment.The first person I see is Nickolas, emerging from the mouth of the cave with his usual brooding intensity. But he's not alone - at his side is a figure I never thought I'd see again, one that has a wide smile splitting my face before I can stop it."Eric!" I call out, my steps quickening as I cross the distance between us. Before the burly lycan can so much as open his mouth, I've flung myself into his arms, burying my face in the comforting warmth of his chest as he chuckles."Hello, Princess," he rumbles, squeezing me tight for a brief moment before releasing me and holding
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE
My eyes flutter open, and I find myself cradled securely in Nickolas's arms as he strides through the castle's imposing entrance hall. I blink owlishly, taking in my surroundings with a mixture of confusion and lingering exhaustion."You're awake," Nickolas rumbles, his deep voice vibrating against me in a way that has warmth blooming low in my belly."Yeah," I murmur, making a halfhearted attempt to extricate myself from his hold. But Nickolas simply tightens his grip, his arm like an unyielding band across my back."I didn't wake you when we arrived," he explains, his tone brooking no argument as he begins ascending the staircase. "I wanted to carry you."I frown up at him, puzzled by his uncharacteristic tenderness. "Why aren't we going to my room?" I ask as he pushes through his room doors and lays me on the bed.Nickolas parts his lips to respond, but whatever he was going t
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX
NICKOLASI make my way through the castle's winding corridors, my steps heavy and my thoughts even heavier. I can still smell Amelia's scent clinging to me like a second skin and feel the warmth of her body cradled against mine. It's maddening, this bone-deep craving for her that seems to grow stronger with every passing moment.Eventually, my wandering feet carry me to my study, the heavy oak door swinging open to reveal the comforting familiarity of my sanctuary. Sinking down into the high-backed leather chair behind my desk, I rest my elbows on the polished surface and cradle my head in my hands, struggling to make sense of the storm raging inside me.I don't like the way Amelia looked at me back there, the hurt and anger simmering beneath the surface of her carefully neutral expression. I want nothing more than to take that pain away, to open myself up to her in a way I've never allowed myself to be vulnerable before
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN
AMELIAThe sweet, mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food gently wakes me from my sleep. My eyes flutter open, blinking against the light in the room as I slowly sit up, stretching my sleep-stiffened muscles with a contented sigh.A smile tugs at my lips as Beatrice bustles into the room, a laden food tray balanced expertly in her hands. An intoxicating aroma instantly wafts towards me - the unmistakable rich, creamy fragrance of her famous shrimp pasta, making my stomach rumble in anticipation."Thank you," I murmur as she sets the tray down on my lap with a flourish.Beatrice returns my smile, her warm eyes crinkling at the corners as she takes a seat on the edge of my bed. "How was your sleep, dear?" she asks, her voice laced with gentle care and concern."Good," I assure her, picking up my cutlery and twirling some of the steaming pasta around the tines of my fork."T
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT
My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of him, all tousled hair and piercing green eyes that seem to see straight through to my very soul. He's clearly freshly showered and changed, the crisp scent of his soap mingling with the unique aroma that is purely him.For a moment, we simply stare at each other, the air between us thick with a tension that has my heart pounding in my chest. Then his gaze rakes over me from head to toe, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth as he takes in my appearance."Where are you going?" he asks, his voice low and rough with an emotion I can't quite decipher."To see Lily," I reply, reaching for the door handle once more.But Nickolas is faster, his hand slamming against the wood and holding it firmly shut. "You're not going," he growls.I suck in a sharp breath, frustration warring with the instinctive urge to submit to his comm
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Ten Years Later“Aidan, please stop pulling your sister’s hair,” I plead, my voice strained as I descend the stairs. Aidan, my firstborn, attempts to rip raven locks from his twin sister Aliyah’s scalp.For nine-year-olds, Aidan’s death glare is already perfected as his black hair falls over his face and emerald eyes shoot daggers at Aliyah. “She called me ugly, Mummy!” he huffs. I turn my gaze to my daughter, pushing her dark hair behind her ears. “And why do you do that, Aliyah? You know better than to do that.” Her own green eyes narrow at her brother. “He called me fat!”“I did not—” Aidan begins to argue, and I close my eyes, rubbing my temples as a familiar headache threatens to take hold. I adore my children, but sometimes...The pattering of tiny feet makes my eyes shoot open. “Liam, Lily, be careful!” I rush after my second set of seven-year-old twins, who have inherited their father’s striking features just like their older siblings.“And you too,” a deep, British voice mur
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER 104
AMELIA Ember's fist connects with my ribs in a blindsiding blow, the impact sending shockwaves of pain through my body as I crumple to the ground. Gritting my teeth, I force myself onto all fours, circling her warily, my wolf form bristling with fury."Pathetic. You couldn't even fight me in your real form," she spits, her words dripping with disdain, baiting me to shift back and risk further injury. I bare my fangs in a feral grin, lunging at her, my jaws snapping for her throat. She reacts instantly, grasping my muzzle in her hands, struggling to keep my razor-sharp teeth from her flesh. Seizing the opening, I rake my claws across her chest, shoving her to the ground with a powerful kick. Pinning her beneath me, I tear at her face, my claws seeking to blind her, to rob her of her sight, and leave her vulnerable.Ember's screams of agony pierce the air as I gouge at her eyes, blood welling beneath my claws. But before I can finish the job, an invisible force seizes my heart, squeez
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER 103
NICKOLAS I take off sprinting in the direction I'm picking up Callum's scent, my heart pounding with a mixture of rage and anticipation. The bastard knew he stood no chance against me, so he fled, but there's nowhere for him to hide today. I will hunt him down and make him pay for everything he's done.I risk a glance over my shoulder at Amelia, my chest tightening as I watch her shift into her wolf form mid-leap, ready to face Ember in battle. Every instinct screams at me to turn back, to fight by her side and protect her, but I force myself to keep running. This is her fight, and as much as it tears me apart, I know she needs to do this on her own. She wouldn't want me to interfere, no matter how much I longed to keep her safe.Gritting my teeth, I push myself harder, Callum's scent growing stronger with each stride. Before, I wanted to kill the bastard for driving Amelia to the brink of suicide, but now, with the deaths of Uncle Leo and Ava weighing on my soul, my thirst for venge
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We burst out of the castle, our suspicions confirmed as an arrow whizzes through the air, aimed directly at Nickolas. He snatches it out of the air before it can pierce his flesh, but the contact burns his skin, the telltale sign of Oak Tree venom. Lord Easterlin is really here, and the battle has begun.Nickolas tosses the arrow aside, his eyes flashing with rage as he moves toward the lycan who fired it, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. With a snarl, he plunges his hand into the attacker’s chest, ripping out his still-beating heart. Blood drips from Nickolas’s fingers as he watches the light fade from the lycan’s eyes, a grim smile playing on his lips. In an instant, he’s back at my side, his hand grasping mine tightly.“Let’s get you to safety,” he urges, his voice laced with concern.Despite allowing me to train, Nickolas is still reluctant to let me fight. I understand his worries, but he needs to realize that this battle is as much mine as it is his.“I want to fight
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER 101
I rush downstairs, my heart pounding with anticipation, not just for breakfast but for the chance to see Nickolas. Being in the same house but sleeping in separate rooms has been torture, especially with Mom still not trusting him, even though a month has passed since our arrival. She also discovered my pregnancy, thanks to my growing bump and unexplainable morning sickness. Despite her reservations about Nickolas, she's thrilled to be a grandmother again and can't wait for the new addition to our family.The past month has been eerily quiet, with no word from Lord Easterlin, which troubles us all. But we've been using this time to prepare diligently for the impending war. Nickolas is adamant about me staying out of the fight, even though I've assured him I'm fit enough. His men have been training relentlessly alongside our werewolf warriors. Today, we plan to discuss taking the fight directly to Lord Easterlin.As I approach Nickolas' room, a smile spreads across my face the moment I
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER 100
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
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER NINETY-NINE
“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
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER NINTY-EIGHT
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
Mated To My Hated Enemy CHAPTER NINTY-SEVEN
“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
