***
Alright, Lexi...You need to calm down or you'll fall on your ass in front of all these people...
I muttered under my breath, hoping that the little pep talk would at least lift my spirits and abate the anxiety and nervousness coursing through my veins. The efforts were proving to be pretty futile.
The D-Day was finally here.
A royal dinner thrown by the King of Werewolves to not only celebrate the achievements of our kind thus far and discuss the current crisis but also to introduce the future Queen of Werewolves.
It's gonna be pretty awkward being here without the future King of werewolves...
My wolf muttered, cringing just as hard as I was at the recent developments on our home front. Contrary to what many people believed, Rhys and I were not doing so great.
Neither one of us had interacted as much since the incident with Ava and Benny. Although I was the one doing most of the avoiding, he wasn't m
***"Presenting His Grace, heir apparrent to the Throne of Nova Aeria and future King of Werewolves, Lord Rhys Junseok Hayden and his beloved mate, future Queen of Nova Aeria and Werewolves, Lady Alexandra Pierce Hayden."A hush overtook the entire ball room as we slowly made our way down the grand staircase towards the rest of the crowd of dancing nobles and prominent members of werewolf society. Many of them bowed low before us, respectful of our position in society.Only the King of Werewolves watched our approach directly, his eyes fixated on us as we slowly made our way towards the center of the room. The countless lessons with Rosalie and Ava had paid off, their teachings resonating within my anxiety riddled mind."I'm here. I've got you, beautiful. And I won't let anyone or anything come at you. You and I against the whole damn world, right?"Rhys muttered under his breath, the fierce protectiveness in his voice and his gaze melting my insid
*** Music and laughter vented the air as the guests danced the night away. Champagne flowed freely as did other more exotic drinks that made the crowd more loose, susceptible to every type of conversation that was brought up. It was certainly a lively party, more so at the arrival of my own family that had blocked everything else from my mind. All I could focus on was Lucretia and Caspien who arrived accompanied by Sebastian and Natasha as well as Alpha Reed, Luna Camilla, Gamma Richard and Evan. Our reunion was met with amused and touched glances from the rest of the guests who watched from the sidelines as we hugged it out. It was a touching sight but not more so than when Drew and Evan who, without explanation, shared a passionate kiss, almost as if they were reunited lovers. Well, more of the cutest and most unexpected mate pairing...My wolf muttered, making me chuckle silently as I watched the couple who had been toasted by the King and the rest
*** Despite the fact that I longed to speak to Rheanna Gremory, to learn more about her and understand why my heart beats a little faster when I'm around her and wispers of familiarity course through me at our simple proximity, my chance was barred by the noble responsibility. I was swept away into monotonous conversation with the guests just as she and her mother disappeared into yet another side of the castle that I assumed was the meeting hall. The discussion on how to protect our world had began and everything within me prayed for a quick solution. We can't go into war. That's going to be a long and bloody undertaking... The thought of losing my family and friends, old and new, paralyzed me with some level of fear. I couldn't imagine such an outcome. A better solution had to be found. "Penny for your thoughts?" Rhys' voice brought me back to the present as my gaze found his. I took solace in the reassuring look he granted me. Our close proximity in itself was enough to satiat
***The ladies room was silent, private due to the raging fireworks that were causing quite a flurry on the outside. I chuckled at the sound of excited squeals and screams, willing myself to finish as quickly as I possibly could to join the rest in their festivities.The quicker we get out of here, the sooner we can see Rhys again...My wolf murmured, enamored by our mate just as badly as I was. I wanted everything he could offer. I wanted to explore my love for him in every single way possible. I wanted to be the center of his attention. The bane of his existence.My mind spun tales of what was to come, of the love we would share and the memories we would make. Which is why the sudden wave of intense diziness caught me off guard, why I missed all the warning signs that my gut radiated through me. The pain came next, radiating through every single bit of me. I let out a pained grunt as my legs began to give out from under me, prompting me to lean against the sink that I had been stand
***"So you're the one who has been working with the Rogues to attack the Werewolf Quarters? You're the one who has been financing them and you're the one providing the magic they need to break through the barriers? All because of this crazy fucking story? Our people have died! Men, women, young pups! You killed them just so your crazy can be validated?!"I seethed, glaring at the two women in turn who seemed taken aback by my reaction. I knew they expected me to break down, to accept their delusional stories as canon. It was not that the story had not registered with something deep within me, almost like a truth I have been blocking for all my life.But I can't let myself dwell on that right now...I must break free and warn everyone else of the impending disaster to come..."Have you not heard a word I have said?! Sacrifices MUST be made so that we can erase the mistakes of your selfish father! He pushed us into this mess by sparing your life! He decided to become a loving parent at
*** Rhys' PoV "We must act as soon as possible, My King! The Rogues have caused too much havoc in our world!" One of the Nobles strongly declared, earning nods of approval from all around the room. He, of course, had a point. The Rogue crisis had already caused enough unrest as it is within not only our world but the world of the humans. The balance was being threatened and measures needed to be taken. I turned to the King who was seated beside me, his thoughtful gaze reminiscent of the look he always granted many when he was deep in thought. This was a point of contention for many, even now as some of the nobles raised their dissenting opinions to counter the calls for war. My mind was, however, occupied with thoughts of my mate. Of the promises I longed to fulfill and the memories I wished to make with her. I was done holding back, prioritising the fears and pride that resonated through me. The teachings of my father that were anything but fruitful. She was the woman chosen fo
***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
***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
*** "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