Elio I shot a piercing glare at all three of them, their figures silhouetted in the doorway. The room was filled with tension, amplified by the sound of my heavy breaths. The scent of anticipation hung in the air, mixing with the familiar aroma of the room. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I locked eyes with Aurora. Her attitude was unbearable, and I only tolerated it because she was Kara’s sister. Before I could even say goodbye to my little wolf, or steal another kiss from her or more. They had all charged at her, engulfing her in a suffocating hug. Concern washed over me as I worried she couldn’t catch her breath in their tight hold. “Careful,” I growl, not that any of them listen to me. Aaliyah is the only one that looks a little sheepish, but she should she know better. I run my hands over my hair, glaring at the lot of them. I can only see the curls of my little wolf as they fawn over her. “Ka will you tell your man to give us some girl time,” her sister moans as I
KaraThere’s an odd tension settling in the room as Aalyiah tugs on my hair, her hands shaking so much as both Aurora and my mum stare at her. I can see the questions swirling in their eyes and why wouldn’t there when any wolf shot with a silver bullet die instantly? My family doesn’t know Elio is a hybrid, and a demon at that. I can see his face remaining impassive but underneath that I can see him preparing thinking how to explain what Aalyiah just said. I can’t blame her were all family, but it’s a risk, just like no one knows what Luca is, no one knows Elio or Cahya’s true natures. “Cahya was lucky the bullet was a flesh wound and passed right through. That’s how he survived. But don’t look so surprised. It’s not like silver doesn’t burn us if we touch it. I’m sure we can all guess how painful it would be. Besides, you know what men are like making such a fuss over such minor injuries,” I laugh, lying through my teeth and praying to the goddess that they believe me.Mum is the fi
Kara Mum gives me an extra tight squeeze before I hear the door click open and Aurora walks back inside and over to us. Her eyes are a little glossy as I give her a small smile. She sits down on the floor in front of me, picking up the makeup brush before dipping it in the colour as if nothing had happened. Mum, let’s go doing the same as she grabs my hand, filing my nails before reaching for the polish. Aaliyah continues adding pins to my hair at times it feels like she is digging them into my scalp as she secures my hair in place. Aurora looks around, still seeing Elio sitting in his chair by the fireplace. She shakes her head before she gives me a look. “Is he really just going to sit there the whole time?” she complains as I smile. It looks like it to me. Mum elbows her in the ribs as I smile. “What?” she snaps under her breath, applying something to my cheeks. I am a little scared as to what the finished look will be. As long as I don’t look like a clown, I won’t worry. “Come o
KaraAs I walk back into my bedroom, Elio is gone, and strangely, I miss his looming presence. Aurora pulls open the door on the other side as a man stands on the other end, a man I recognise, a man I trust more than anyone else … well before Elio, that is. Matthew Reynolds, my mother’s chosen mate. His broad grin lights up his face as his eyes crinkle with his slicked back salt and pepper hair. “I’ll see you down their Ka,” my sister says with a wink as she brushes past him. Dad walks over the threshold towards me, the epitome of pride over his face.He crosses the room in three large strides, his arms open wide as he pulls me in for a tight hug, one hand on my back, his stump glides by my waist. “Your mother told me you were awake, but I didn’t want to believe it until I saw you for myself,” he whispers against my ear, his warm breath on my neck. I give him an extra squeeze, holding him tight as his strong, woody scent surrounds me. “I didn’t mean to worry you … I feel fine now,” I
Elio I left our bedroom, heading down the two flights of stairs to Cahya’s and Aaliyah’s room, where he had a velvet jacket for me before I headed down to one of the gardens with a fountain in the middle. Kara came here often enough that I felt this spot of the castle would have meant the sound of trickling water drops filled the air along with the spicy smell of the sun on stones. There were a few guests arriving already. I could see Naomi was here with her braids piled on top of her head, her red lipstick and a red dress to match that was entirely inappropriate for the situation. My jaw clicked. I had half a mind to escort her out, but I didn’t want to give her the importance of being thrown out. As I walked through the gardens, many of the pack greeted me. I could see joy and relief in their eyes. Why everyone believes an alpha needs a luna to rule, I’ll never know. Since the moment she stepped foot here, she has caused me nothing but trouble … then again, I wouldn’t have it any o
Elio My heart begins to beat wildly in my chest, a blooming pride swelling as I hear the clicking of her heels on the paved ground as she finally comes into view. I see the heads of the pack turn to look at her walk towards me, the soft music playing in the background as she approaches. She looks out of this world as my heart stops seeing her. She’s mine. The dress looks even better on her than I imaged she is a sparkling diamond walking towards me; the sun kissing her skin as she lights up the entire garden. Enough skin on show to be suggestive and fucking sexy without any of the other men seeing what’s underneath. Her cheeks burn bright pink as she steps closer before I see her eyes flash purple to her wolf. It’s only me and her at this moment. Her dad Matthew hands her over to me, her slender hand taking mine as sparks travel up my arm. It may have taken us months to get here, but the feelings I now have for her and the journey we have been on, make this day even more special. A
KaraAs I approach Naomi, my eyes lock onto her with an intense, laser-like focus. The sound of my determined strides rings in my mind, matching the fierce snarl of my wolf inside my head. Anger is in the air as I think about how I had given her the benefit of the doubt, but to learn that she made a play for Elio after she knew we were mates and I was in a coma is low. I can’t believe how much she betrayed me, her luna. I just want to rip into her, clawing at her eyes.I feel so excited and nervous walking by members of my pack. Their words of congratulations still echo in my ears, filling me with pride. I’m blushing as they acknowledge my new role as Luna. I make sure to stay composed because I know I have a duty as the leader of this pack. It’s super important for me to earn the respect of my fellow pack members. I gave them a genuine smile and nodded to say thanks for the warm welcome.Walking along, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotions. This new position is a serious re
Kara “What is it?” I ask when we turn the corner, the chatter of the pack fading away as we step behind the castle walls. Aaliyah rubs her belly, biting her lip as she looks down at the floor, then back at me. “Actually, it was when you were talking about your past … I hope you don’t mind me knowing but I also have a few skeletons in my closet and Cahya really helped me with that,” she begins her eyes turning glassy as she starts. “You see, I grew up with my uncle and when he learnt I was an omega, he wanted to make a good match. He wasn’t very bright, and we didn’t have a lot of money. When I realised he planned to sell me …” she pauses, her voice shaky as my heart thunders in time with hers. She waves her hand, smiling, but I can tell the memory still hurts. “Then I found out he wasn’t just going to sell me to one man but to a brothel he had negotiated an initial price and percentage of the profits I made thereafter. It cut deep to learn the only family I had known was willing to