Liliana’s POV I wake up to the rising sun with a shiver. I should be warm in the arms of my mate but a turn of my head on the pillows tells me that Kaden has been long gone. His side of the bed is cold and empty. I bite my lips, trying not to let my disappointment show. I suppose his duties to his pack often call him away before the break of dawn. After all, he is the Alpha King of the North and I…well…I am not sure what I am to him actually. He has yet to mark me. I sit up and the blanket that covered me slides down to my waist and all at once, memories of last night come dancing back to me. I do not know why I am thinking of this now, but Kaden felt different from the first night. He was wild, unbridled with passion and very, very rough unlike our first night together. I wince as my feet touch the ground. It still hurts down there. Is he always like this? I frown, wondering why he had left my question unanswered during our moment of wild intimacy last night. Perhaps I will ask h
Liliana’s POVMy scream fills the air as the massive black wolf launches itself at me. The shock of the collision reverberates throughout my whole body. I lose my balance and topple onto the ground, slamming my head against the wall and for a moment, I think I can see stars swimming around my head.‘Oh how graceful,’ Cathy snipes at me.‘Like you’re any better.’ The wolf’s snarls and growls echo all around me. Panic courses through my veins, and I mentally prepare to shift, ready to defend myself as swiftly as I can. But then, in the blink of an eye, the wolf dashes away, disappearing into the shadows of the passageway. I climb back to my feet in shock, my eyes gaze towards the dark that leads back to the secret room in search of the black wolf but there is nothing. This...this doesn't make sense.‘It went back to the room,’ I say.‘None of our bloody business. Let’s just get the hell out of here,’ Cathy urges.Before I can even answer, Cathy wheels in control. A surge of energy cou
Liliana’s POVKaden takes me for a stroll around his land, and with every step that I take, I feel more and more in awe of the Alpha King of the North.Everywhere we go, everyone’s reaction towards him is the same – all with deep respect, some even prostate, their admiration evident in the way they hold themselves, while others bow low, their heads lowered out of what seems to be fear. I sneak a peek at Kaden as we walk. His eyes, dark and stormy are trained forward, his brows furrowed as if he is deep in thought, but his stride, powerful and yet at a leisurely pace. He possesses a confidence and capability that dad never will and I know without a doubt that Kaden’s pack members follow him to the ends of the earth - no questions asked. There is just no doubting the power Kaden holds within his pack.And as we walk, the crowd parts like the Red Sea to allow us through. The hushed whispers of the crowd envelop us, and despite their efforts to keep their words hidden, a few phrases reac
Before the Attack Landon's POVI sit in the lone comfort of my chamber, a glass of untouched red wine in my hand. I stare at it, the crimson liquid a reflection of my swirling thoughts. The conversation with Kaden echoes in my mind, haunting me with his words."I found our mate," Kaden had declared, his words cutting like a double-edged sword. Anger shadowed his face when he spoke next. "But she does not want to see you. Not after what you did to her. You took her when she was drunk that night without consent. She wants nothing to do with you."Kaden’s words pierce like a poisoned dagger through my heart. This is a painful checkmark from a couple of days ago. I wish he was wrong, but I cannot deny the truth in his words, the guilt and regret gnawing at me. I took advantage of Liliana that night, and it is a mistake I cannot undo.The untouched wine in my glass mocks me, a symbol of the bitterness that fills my soul. I had hoped for a chance at redemption, a way to make amends for my
Landon’s POV My gaze travels from the wrought iron gates where Marcus has run off to the man who pops his head out of the Tesla. Evander Frost - cousin, friend, ally but most of all, the man who has been destined to also share our mate. What is he doing here? Evander hangs an elbow outside the window of his car and he tips his head at me. Unlike the thunderstorm that colours my hair, Evander’s is black as midnight, sharply groomed and neatly slicked back. Tall and slender with sharp, twinkling blue eyes, Evander looks like a graceful prince on a fun day out. The Goddess has been kind to him, he does not need to shoulder the burden of being an Alpha. “Aren’t you glad to see me?” he asks. His smile is warm, a glimmer of casualness in this otherwise strained situation. The air is heavy with tension but I manage a civil greeting for my cousin. "Yes," I say, nodding slightly. It is an honest answer. "It's been a while." His smile widens "It certainly has," he replies. His sudden appe
Liliana’s POVThere is a heaviness. At first, it is everywhere, and my mind keeps telling me to go back to sleep, to lay in the comfort of slumber but I struggle to stir. What if the Black Wolf comes back? What if….wait.My senses gradually return and I finally manage to crack open my eyes by just a fraction. I frown in confusion, I am in Kaden's bed.My heart skips a beat.Why? Because this time, the bed is neither empty nor cold. This time, Kaden is here, seated by my side, and his worried expression does not go unnoticed. This, my eyes catch first as they slowly open wider.His eyes are closed and his brows are furrowed and his lips downturned with worry. Funny how I never noticed it, but even when he frowns, his face is still very attractive. My gaze trails down to my hand and a tiny smile fleets across my lips.Kaden is holding my hand!It is a simple gesture but even this tiny act sends a warm, tingling feeling all over me. Still, his touch sends a ripple of confusion through me
Liliana’s POV“Liliana, I’d like for us to have our lessons in the library, there are text books I'd like you to be familiar with," Professor Evander Frost gives me a dimpled smile and begins to lead the way.I look down at my knotted fingers. Kaden had left us moments ago claiming he had some paperwork to do but I felt like he needed an excuse to leave this space. I cannot quite fathom what he was thinking. Did he sense it? Did he know how I feel? Or was I over thinking things?‘Something's not right, this isn’t right,’ Cathy keeps mumbling.‘Shut up,’ I tell her.‘What do you mean shut up? You can feel the mate bond too!’“Liliana?” the professor calls my name and my heart takes a leap. As do I. I practically jump in my spot.“What?” I snap. Oh shit, I did not mean to sound so snappy. I quickly clear my throat and force a smile. “I mean, yes, professor?”“Just call me Evander.” His voice is rich and smooth, like milk overflowing with honey.“Evander,” I whisper his name. Three words
Liliana’s POVI look across the bathroom and there Kaden stands. His gaze is dark and his gaze is fixed onto my naked body just where my hands are.Oh shit. I flush scarlet and quickly shut my eyes, lowering myself into the water, just deep enough for my breasts to be covered. I can feel the heat from his stare even with my eyes shut.I hear his footsteps but he is not coming towards me. Oh, is he leaving? I do not know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. I crack open an eyelid to see him walk towards the bathroom door. He shuts it…and he locks it. Oh my.I close my eyes once more and sink my body further into the water.“Turn and face me, Liliana,” Kaden orders. Nervous, I do as I am told and he begins to undress before my very eyes. There is a wicked grin on his face when he sees my reaction.“Do you like what you see, L
Liliana’s POV“Alpha, your mate is here to see you.”My heart skips a beat at Jonathan’s words and I quickly stand from my desk to smooth my dress.“How do I look?” I ask.Jonathan makes a face. “Do you really want to know?”I should never have asked him. Crumpling a paper in my hand, I throw it at him but another hand catches it and we both cock our heads to see the person materializing from behind Jonathan.“Landon, you’re early.” I break into a smile.Landon tips his head and strides in, his presence shifting the entire atmosphere. He reaches me and places a gentle kiss on my forehead and around us, the council members share chuckles, breaking the seriousness of the meeting.“Alpha Liliana, would you like us to step out of the meeting room and give you some space?” one of the elders asks, covering the smile on his lips with the palm of his hand.I look at him and feel my cheeks flush red. “No, no, we are fine. Landon, can you wait for me in the study and I will come –““Oh that won
Liliana’s POVKaden.He is alive!My heart feels like it has been given a second chance.I reach out to touch his face, my hands trembling with a mixture of emotions."Kaden," I whisper, my voice shaky yet filled with joy. In that moment, everything else fades away, and it is just him and me.His gaze meets mine, and I see the flicker of recognition. There is a warmth in his eyes, a reassurance that we have weathered a storm together."Liliana," he says, the sound of my name on his lips balms my soul. The relief in his eyes mirrors my own.A smile forms on my lips through the tears. “I thought I had lost you."His hand finds mine, fingers intertwining, and I feel the strength in his touch. "You didn't lose me. I'm here."It is then that I know, deep within my heart, that I love him more than I realized. The air around us seems lighter and In this moment, amidst the fragility of life, the truth becomes crystal clear — he is the one my heart bleeds for, the one I cannot imagine a future
Kaden’s POVI open my eyes to a meadow, a serene landscape painted with the soft hues of wildflowers. The gentle breeze whispers through the grass, and the air carries the sweet fragrance of nature. It is a tranquil haven, the view of it contrasting the chaotic world I left behind.But what is this place? Heaven? Or hell?I push myself up and rise from the flowers to find the warmth of the sunlight casting a golden glow over the meadow. Butterflies dance in the air and a distant murmur of a babbling brook complements the soothing ambiance.Okay….this definitely cannot be hell.My hand touches the grass beneath men they are soft and soothing to touch and I take in a deep breath. It is a moment of calm, a pause in the relentless storm that has marked my recent journey.My eyes roam the place meadow and settle on a woman by the stream. She is playing with the water, gently sploshing her hand back and forth in the stream. There seems to be no one else but her.I get up on my feet, noting
Liliana’s POVThe moment I step into the force field, an intense burning sensation sears through my skin, a fiery onslaught that feels like the very essence of my being is aflame.My muscles convulse, and I grit my teeth against the searing torment. The healing factor, ordinarily a beacon of resilience, now struggles to mend the wounds inflicted by the force field's malevolent energy. Each attempt at recovery is met with an unyielding force, pushing against my limits.It is as if every cell in my body rebels against the intrusion, fighting to resist the fatal grip of this hellish force field and it takes all my might to stop myself from fainting.Outside the castle, the atmosphere rumbles. Lightning rends the sky with its jagged fingers, illuminating the darkened clouds. Thunder roars in symphony with the raging storm, echoing the tempest I navigate. The forces of nature seem to mirror the celestial conflict within, an ominous backdrop to the struggle for survival playing out within t
Liliana’s POVThe frantic pace of our footsteps reverberates through the palace corridors as we hasten our come back. Each hurried step feels like a silent plea for Kaden's safety.I glance at Landon, the tension etched on his face mirroring the apprehension growing within me. He is speaking urgently into the phon, barking orders to Marcus. I catch fragments of his conversation—evacuate everyone, check on Kaden.My heart quickens, a foreboding shadow casting its chill. Evander silently squeezes my shoulder.We finally reach the palace after what feels like an eternity but Landon stops in his track. He spreads both hands out to stop us as well."Something's not right," he says, his voice low.A shiver runs down my spine, and the opulence of the palace loses its lustre.My fingers clench, betraying my rising fear. A bad feeling claws at the edges of my consciousness. The warmth of Kaden's embrace, the safety we shared, now feels fragile, slipping away like grains of sand. What if I...wh
Liliana’s POV “Let me go!” I scream, desperately pushing the hand away. But the bastard’s hold is firm. “Liliana, calm down!” Calm down my foot. Screaming once more, I flip around and lash out a leg only to have my foot caught by two strong hands, hands that had once held mine before, hands that have given me nothing but love and care. Landon’s hands. Amidst the chaos of the storm, my eyes widen in disbelief as I see Landon materialize by my side. His familiar presence frays my nerves. In an instant, he picks me up, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively. I am safe. Landon holds me close, a silent reassurance that echoes louder than words. "We've got you," he whispers, his voice steady. I bury my face in his chest and let out a stifled sob. I am safe. Another hand lands on my shoulder but this time I do not scream. "You're safe now," Evander’s voice rings out in the cave and I lift my head up see his face staring back at mine. Ever so gently, he cups my cheek in his
Liliana’s POVI hang from the cave ceiling, cold chains biting into my fur. The cave is dark and damp, hewn from rough stone. The air is heavy with the smell of dampness and ancient stone, and a chill breeze rushes through the cavern.Stalactites loom above, and below me, sitting on the uneven ground of rocks is a glass chalice.Drip, drip, drip my blood goes into the glass, creating a tiny swirl of dark red liquid. The irony of it, I am staring at my life force draining away, pooling into the glass below. "You are the key to my great plans," the Sorceress says, a dark silhouette against the dim cave backdrop. Her words echo off the cave walls.What does she think she is, a vampire?The Sorceress chuckles as she emerges from the shadows and stops right in front of the glass chalice. He bends over ever so slightly and picks it up, holding it nearer to my gaping wound.Her eyes glint with an unsettling mix of power and malevolence as she looks into the glass. "Every drop of your blood
Evander’s POVMy eyes sweep the surroundings, the wind ruffling my dark hair. The cliff's edge looms, daring me to leap.I estimate it to be nearly twenty storeys down. No human would survive the leap. But I am not a mere human. I am a wolf.My regenerative system is miraculous, if you believe in miracles-- which I do not. I can be stabbed in the arm with a knife and heal within minutes without scarring. But if I were to jump off this cliff and accidentally have some stump fo a tree pierce my heart while landing, then maybe I would die.But both Landon and Kaden had taken the leap before. And they survived."This can't be that bad," I say to myself taking in a deep breath. I prepare for the jump. Digging the soles of my right foot into the ground, I shove myself off the rocky surface with such force that I become airborne.Midair, limbs spread, I feel the gust of wind against my face. The world blurs around me as I plummet towards the ground. Adrenaline courses through my veins, every
Landon’s POVSometime before Kaden’s entrapmentI walk toward the exit of Kaden’s study, intending to go after him. The concerning thoughts for Liliana and the unsettling revelation unfolding in Venice's chamber ring in my ears. Something is wrong, very wrong.With three short strides, I reach the door but before I can reach for the doorknob, Evander intervenes, his hand outstretched to stop me.His grip is firm. He tilts his head slightly, a silent query etched on his face. Our eyes lock, a silent exchange laden with unspoken questions."Where do you think you're going?" Evander asks.I take a deep breath. "I need to go back to the cave. I think we missed something there." The words escape in a rush. My gaze remains fixed on Evander, seeking understanding in the depths of his eyes.“The cave?”“Yes, the one where Liliana met the Sorceress.”Evander frowns a little before his expression shifts, registering a blend of understanding and shared worry. He nods in acknowledgment, releasing