***
A five hour plane ride later, we were settled inside a heavily tinted Chevrolet SUV fleet of three as we headed towards what I could only assume was the Hayden Manor. My tears had long dried, my body slowly growing accustomed to the shift in time zones. My small naps during the flight had helped somewhat and also kept me from having to discuss how I had taken comfort in his embrace.
In that moment, he had become my solace. The only person who could calm me and, indeed, it had worked. A flush took over my features as I recalled how closely he held me and soothed my back, his words of comfort filling me with a warmth unlike any other.
Oh goddess, why did I have to go and make it awkward? It's been years since I cried, let alone while snuggled into my mate's chest. A mate I shouldn't even be cuddling with!
"This time of year is usually pretty cold but I promise that Summer is absolutely amazing!"
Beta Ian interjected, a small smile o
Happy Belated Thanksgiving, everyone! Thank you so much for being here on Rhys and Alexandra's journey! I am thankful for all of you. For your support and subscriptions that have gotten this book to where it is! Their story is well and truly underway so don't forget to add the book to your library to get notified of when the next Chapter drops! Love you guys and I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving! Stay safe, everyone and cheers!
Rhys PoV *** She was so fucking beautiful. A picture of perfection as she stared down at the city that I had grown up in. Her new home loomed in the horizon and although I had looked upon the wondrous sight of Nova Aeria for most of my life, seeing it through her eyes made me appreciate it all the more. For a moment, I allowed the warmth of her happiness to engulf me. I allowed myself to forget the troublesome declaration that had singed my very soul. Controlling my wolf had been a miracle indeed. The beast longed for release. To claim our woman and show her exactly who she belonged to. He wished to mark her right in that fucking car. To silence her misguided notions of the mate bond, everyone else be damned.
*** He LEFT me?! On our first night back to his pack and he left me to fend for myself?! I was fuming, my anger now reigning free without any inhibitions. Keeping my true feelings had been difficult but I had, somehow, managed to overlook the embarassment that assailed me when Rhys left me with the wait staff. No one had said anything about the abnormal events that had occured, not even Benny as he gave me a quick tour of the house and I was more than thankful for that. Staring up at the high, vaulted ceilings of my crisp white with gold accented room. I couldn't help but think about everything that had occured from the attack at BloodRose to now. Now, I was laying in a spare bed within a spare room that was directly opposite my mate's own bedroom. Benny had been adamant about placing my things within this particular room despite my protests. I did not want to be near my mate for anything in the world, especially after his li
*** Sunlight and the wonderful scent of my mate woke me up from my deep slumber. It was the best sleep I had had in a very long time. A small smile graced my lips as I slowly got up from underneath the covers but a vice grip around my waist held me right in place, stopping me effectively. Wait...why in the world do I sense him?! As I slowly turned towards the warm body beside me, my mind instantly registered the events of last night and the vague voices I had heard somewhere in the middle of the night. He moved me into his room. Holy shit... "You need to work on the staring." Rhys muttered sleepily, his voice deep and soothing. It was the sexiest voice I had ever heard and right beside me, no less. His breath fanned my neck, his eyes closed as he held me in his muscular arm. I was breathless, unable to react or refute his accusation. Not that it was a lie, though... Knowing th
***"It is so great to meet you, Alexandra! You have no idea how long we have been waiting for you to come inyo Rhys' life!"Rosalie Hayden stated, a beautiful smile gracing her lips as she gave my hand a warm squeeze. So far, my mate's mother had been more than pleasant with me and had welcomed me with open arms. She was quite different from what I expected her to be but I welcomed it all the same.I could also tell that Rhys had gotten most of his handsome features from his father than his mother. His sister was, however, a copyright of her mother. And she was absolutely stunning."Thank you, Lady Rosalie. I am happy to be here with you all."I responded, granting her the best and warmest smile I could muster up. She did not need to know that my relationship with her son was complicated as hell currently. My attempt at rebellion had failed miserably and the worst part was...I enjoyed it. I wanted to provoke him more. I wanted
*** "Wow...The stories really do not do this place justice. Its beautiful." I breathed, meaning every single word as I admired the passing buildings and the bussling streets of Nova Aeria. The place was absolutely gorgeous, certainly worthy of my awe. I could not help but wish that my family and friends were with me, experiencing the wonders of the Northern City like me. Luci would LOVE this place... "I think sometimes I forget just how great this place must look like to people who haven't grown up here. Being born and growing up here must have erased all of my excitement for the place but seeing you get so excited has me pumped to show you around!" Ava stated, a wide grin on her lips as she excitedly clapped her hands at the prospect. I couldn't help but chuckle. She reminded me so much of Luci. Her excitement instantly rubbed off on me once we came to a stop in front of a particularly large mall with the most luxurious looking produ
*** Our excursion into the city to see the sights turned into a mini shopping trip and I wasn't mad at all. There was something absolutely soothing about venturing around with Ava who had been the object of our handsome guard's attention. She soaked it all up, revelling in the small glances he passed her way when he thought I wasn't looking. The two were clearly smitten with each other and I really could not wait to see where this would go. My little push had seemed to be the only thing the young noble needed to go after what she truly wanted and I was more than happy to bear the consequences if she kept smiling and laughing as she did at Benny's ocassional jokes. With half the day gone and so much to still see, I was fascinated by the beautiful city. My excitement never faded even as Ava complained for the umpteenth time as to how tired she was. I couldn't blame her. We hadn't been taking many breaks, my curiosity alive with the need to explore every s
*** I watched her walk away and with every step she took away from me, my heart broke all the more. The scent of Drew, one of my Captains, was wrapped around her. His coat fit her well, protecting her from the elements and for a moment, I felt absolutely feral as I turned to glare at him. The werewolf was unmoved, clearly ready for any kind of retaliation from me. The man was tough, a true warrior and I was not at all stunned by his indiscernible gaze. He would take whatever I gave him. But he would not apologize for helping his Luna keep warm. Is this how she feels? Is this what betrayal feels like? Because it fucking burns.... My wolf muttered, referring to the incredible turmoil that rolled through us as we watched her storm into the house. I knew I had fucked up the minute her beautiful eyes latched onto my own. I knew I had pushed her more than I probably should have. I fucked up...Ah, hell... These were em
*** Sunshine shone down upon us in the P*******t-Pin worthy backyard we were now situated at. Conversation, laughter and food flowed freely all around as everyone enjoyed the social gathering that had been arranged by a Noble Family that was almost as revered as House Hayden. I had been officially comissioned to join the 'festivities' of the upper society. It was a small step, a kind of cushion as I was introduced to the Ladies and Gentlemen who were considered friends of the Hayden family. The true dayview was yet to come and to say I was not freaking the hell out would be an understatement, especially considering Rhys and I still weren't talking. Well, I wasn't talking to him. He was being oddly nice, accomodating and very present. It was weird as hell. He's trying to make it up to us in his own weird way... My wolf asserted as she has for the past two weeks. The traitorous bitch had already forgiven my mate w
*** "And now, with the joining of their hands, we declare that their hearts are one and that their souls are ever bonded forever. Alpha Sebastian, Luna Natasha. You may now kiss." Elder Alpha Killian stated, a wide grin on his lips as he officiated his grandson's mating ceremony. It had been an year since the final battle and the aftermath that had required all hands on deck to ensure that balance was restored as well as normalcy. This ceremony was a welcome break from the overwhelming responsibilities that came after to ensure everything was okay once more. The Elder Alpha had been touched by their request, more than excited to join the newest couple in town who would be future of his pack. Although he and the other Elders had been dispatched to keep the other packs safe, he had received a comprehensive report of everything that had happened as had every single one of the Alphas who had been ordered to remain back and ensure that Jonathan did not send his men to cause havoc once
***"Would you really go this far for power, Jonathan?"My Papa murmured from beside me, he and my father emerging from the trees at the change of plans. None of us anticipated Jonathan's lengths to possess such disgusting power. It was a disturbing turn of events."Yes! To reclaim what was rightfully mine to begin with, I will eliminate the Pierce family and take over not only Nova Aeria but the world! Thank you for gathering here and making my work all the more easier! I will deal with all of you and kill your daughter as you and her darned mother watch!"Jonathan shouted, charging forward with a ferocity and power that shook the ground. He was no longer a simple opponent. He was more. The three of us shared a look before we split up, preparing for the attack to come. Although his power had increased a lot, he was slower now which allowed us to keep up as we landed blow after blow on the creature, none of which seemed to make much difference.He is much more resilent than I thought.
***The battle raged on as Rheanna and I gave support from the sidelines, eliminating our enemies under the cover of the forest that surrounded us. We could not afford to reveal ourselves, not until Jonathan came forward and revealed himself..."There is another force on this side. Davian is leading a contigent of Darklings, Rogues and Dark Mages to try and break through the barrier. We are engaging currently. He is demanding we return his wife and Marcellah to him."Alpha Reed reported through the earpiece, pin pointing the position of one of our main targets. "Will you be able to handle them or should I send you more men?"My father asked, sounding breathless as he swiftly took out his enemies with the incredible skill he was famed for. He had been integral to the clearing of many of our enemies, showing them no mercy as he traversed through the field in search of Jonathan."No. We can deal with them. Davian may prove to be a problem, though. He seems unstable...almost as if he is
***"The mages have arrived in position and report that they sense them not too far away. We're going to move out and meet them in five minutes so say your goodbyes now, people."Ira Gremory declared, chuckling at the resounding groans from the couples all around, especially those who would not be venturing forth together to the battlefield which was a clearing just beyond the barriers. Travis and Ailee chuckled, hi-fiving each other as the rest of us granted them playful frowns. They were the only two who would be fighting side by side whereas the rest were separated for easier according to their individual skills. The Nobles had been fighting together since they were younger and were more synchronized than anyone else."That cocky asshole, rubbing it in. Some things never change. They better take care of you or I'll wring that damn neck of his."Caspien stated, earning a chuckle from Luci as he engulfed her in a longing hug and promises of seeing each other as soon as the fighting
***"Holy shit. Didn't expect everyone to keep time."Ava breathed, voicing our thoughts as Rheanna let out a chuckle, uncaring of the serious mood in the room. It was so like her, so carefree and in control of her life, everyone else be damned. "Well, how nice of them to wait for us. Nothing can ever begin without the Queen and her Ladies making their entrance."Rheanna declared through a wide grin, winking playfully at me before she made her way towards her mother and Lady Rosalie, prompting us all to follow despite the looks on us. I could feel my mate's gaze on my own, pulling me to his side as he granted me a smile and gestured for me to join him.Smiling at my girls who all gave me mischievous winks and smiles, I made my way towards my waiting mate who planted a soft, chaste kiss on my cheek, his hand firmly planted on my waist despite my silent protest.I am already the center of attention not only for my changed appearance but also for my origins. I can't afford to give them
*** "You have to breathe, Lexi. Control the flow of energy through your body by breathing through it and letting it through. You've been holding back for such a long time because of the seal. Now that its gone, you must let the power through or it will hurt you as it looks for an outlet." Rheanna's instruction was welcome, guiding me through channeling the foreign energy coursing through me. The white runes on my arms began to glow, reflecting the pure white energy that slowly made its way through my body before settling in a ray of warmth in my heart. "Good. You're such a natural at this." Rheanna praised, a wide grin on her lips that I returned once I let go of the power and let it settle in a burst of warmth that felt like fireworks coursing through my body. "Only thanks to you, Rheanna. You've helped me so much. I now feel like I have mastered control to an extent." I was relieved, glad that the fear and uncertainity that I had felt during the attack was not there any more.
***"How many times did I tell those two to not give Alexandra a chance to fight them?! They should have brought her back to me immediately!"Jonathan shouted, unamused by the order of events that had kept him from achieving his one goal. To claim the demi goddess who would make his rise to power a sure thing. Her blood was the key to power beyond anyone's wildest dreams and yet his agents had not only failed but had been captured in the process."It was Ira Gremory and her bitch of a daughter! They were the ones who exposed our involvement and took away our moment to ambuish them! We almost had them!"Davian shouted angrily, his mind reeling with the possibilities of what could be happening to his wife. He hated the Mages with a passion, more so the Gremory family who had taken part in the banishment of his Father from Nova Aeria together with King Stefan.They would suffer for their actions but not at the cost of his wife who had grown to mean more to him than he anticipated..."Key
***Rhys' PoVI stared down at the woman who owned my heart, safely tucked within the Queen sized bed that was supposed to be her room once. This was her chosen haven, done so by not only her real father and my mentor, King Stefan but her mother, the very deity who created us.The truth of Nova Aeria's past was startling, more so due to the involvement of my beloved mate who had been pulled in the middle of the fighting. Malicious individuals wished to possess her, make her a puppet in their nefarious plans. The very thought nauseated me, sent chills of apprehension through me and an anger that I sated barely as I focused instead on passing all the positive energy I could onto her.Two days and she's still unable to wake up...Two harrowing, despair-filled days that I could not see her gorgeous eyes staring back at me or her smile...that I could not hear her laugh and have her warmth engulf me...Ira and Rheanna Gremory reassured us time and time again that there was nothing wrong. Tha
***It was like a vision, a dream of sorts as I took in the wonderous landscape before me. Rolling fields of jasmines stretched into the horizon, filling the place with a glorious aroma that seemed to calm me instantly. I was in awe, in a state of euphoria as I slowly walked through the sunny fields, admiring the views and the white clouds that shielded me from the rays of the sun.I was content, happier than I have ever been as I enjoyed the beauty of the scenery and the weightlessness that came with being so calm and content. I wanted to stay forever, living only in the peace that this place offered."I finally get to meet you. My precious little girl..."Her voice was like a melody, soothing and warm as it washed over me. I turned to the sound of it that was almost too familiar, the sight of her veiled countenance taking me aback momentarily. Part of me wanted to be wary of her, to keep her at arm's length away from me and yet a larger part of me wanted to run to her, to get lost i