ApphiaI'm bent over Nicholas' knee, my torso against him and my behind exposed to him, and a little sore from the spanking I've received. After a brief talk with Ziora, I decide to take this all in good fun, "Will you continue to disobey me?" he asks, his voice cool and challenging. "Yes," He exhales, raises his hand, and brings it down to slap my naked ass again... harder than before. I gasp at the impact. It hurts, but it is so hot and sexyâeven his hard dick twitches. "Will you do it again?" "No," I concede, not knowing how long I'll last in this position without coming all over him. "No, what?" "No, Sir," "Good girl," he brings his lips to kiss my behind while he caresses it softly. I get on my feet and hiss at the soreness on my ass. Nicholas goes to the bathroom and returns with a bottle of oil. I'm trying to gauge his reaction; he seemed mad before spanking me, but now he's just stoic. And I can read his thoughts. He gets on one knee behind me and rubs my behind
Appphia I startle awake from my sleep, my heart thundering in my chest, sweating and haggard. Something streamed down my face__ tears. Nicholas rushes to me instantly and climbs into bed, knees on the bed and cupping my cheeks, "Baby, you're alright. It was just a bad dream," he soothes. I wrap my trembling arms around him. That dream scared me. Many vampires and two witches surrounded me. My body shudders, and I hold Nicholas tighter. He coos me, stroking soothing lines down my back to comfort me. When we pull away from each other, he wipes my tears. I take him in. His sculptured chest is bare, but he's wearing sweatpants. It seems he's been awake for hours. What time is it? My gaze goes to the digital clock on the bedside table. 12.34. Have I been asleep for that long? "What was your nightmare about?" he asks quietly. I fix the pillow behind me to rest my back as I tell him about my dream. He's frowning as I do, worried. Afterward, I take a long cold shower and wear jeans
Duncan Flashback'Duncan, i told you to take care of your sister,' Mom scolds gently after I tell her Apphia has run away after I refused to share my new toys with her. I would give her, but she destroys them, and when I scold her, she cries and runs into the forest. Mom scolds meâĶ Even though she says she doesn't have favorites and loves us equally, I know Apphia is her favorite. However, it's alright because Apphia is a girl and needs Mommy more than I do. I'm a big boy. I just turned ten!"I went looking for her, but I got hungry and came back. I'm sorry, Mom," I tell her. She smiles__ my mom is the most beautiful mommy ever, but I love her smile more. She holds my hand; her hand is very soft. We go in search of my sister. We find little Apphia soon; she is playing alone at the lake. Her skin seems to glow more than ever in the afternoon sun. "Apphia," Mom calls, but my baby sister doesn't turn to look at us. However, the glow around her dims a little. "Baby, let's
Apphia. After I told them everything that had happened to me and all I had learned about my new powers, my brother hurriedly left the dungeons. I glance at my mate, and he nods. I go after Duncan. He's sitting on the ground, back against the wall. I swallow and approach him."Duncan," he looks up at me, eyes red. His face a picture of devastation. He gets to his feet and tells me it's not my fault that any of that happened to Mom and me and that he's sorry for abandoning me. He did abandon me, but I didn't hate him for it. I've always loved Duncan. I was just hurt and disappointed that he treated me like I was no one to him, even after promising to look after me. I try to tell him that, but words fail me. Unable to produce a word, I turn and walk away. He's two steps behind me, silent. I go to the lake where I used to go. It is as lovely as ever; the air is crisp cold here, yet bearable. The lake I loved so much was now tainted with the night Rory assaulted me. Every place I look, I
Duncan After receiving my sister's forgiveness, I feel the pain I'd carried in my chest for ten years slowly dissipate. We are sitting on the kitchen island, all four of us, now eating the horrible pasta Nalani had made us for dinner. She seemed so impressed with her cooking skills that we could not tell her how awful the food was. My relationship with Nalani has improved so much, and I'm happy about that; we go on dates, and she joins me for pack duties; she makes a fine Luna. However, she hasn't let me mark her yet and refuses to sleep in my bed. It bothers my lycan and whines about it, but I'm patient; after my history with women, it's a given that she'd be reserved to give her all to me. But I let her mark me, to show her how much I'm committed to this relationship. " No, I can't have more without my stomach exploding; thank you, Nala," Apphia shakes her head, pushing her plate away. Her mate, too, refuses Nalani's offer to give them more food. The two exchange glances and ex
ApphiaThere are thousands of warriors. We didn't know how many our enemy had, so we had to prepare as many so we couldn't be outnumbered. The lycans and wolves are getting ready to eradicate the vampires attacking them. We have formed five groups, each with a leader. I will lead group E in rescuing the humans used as blood bags as I know exactly where they are keeping them while others fight. We are standing atop a mountain, secretly watching the vast estate. I'm wearing tight leather pants, a black tank top, and boots, and my hair is pulled in a tight ponytail. My mate snakes an arm around my waist and kisses my temple. "Please be safe. Don't hesitate to strike, and be quick on your feet," he says. "You too," He scoffs. I grin at him, knowing no one can come close to him in battle. His face is stern again. "Maybe I should go with you," he says."No, you're helping the warriors get rid of the vampires. Don't worry about me, Chelsea and Chase will be with me," "But_" "I'll be fi
ApphiaI feel himâdeep within me. It is him_ the seeker. He doesn't wear a cloak. The seeker is of average height, with very short hair and dark eyes that glint red. He approaches but stops, smiling like a cat and displaying his sharp fangs. He looks back at his escort. His entourage are all old and strong, yet their bodies are those of men no older than fifty. "The marked wolf with divine powers," his voice is like a sharp knife through me, yet it is low. "You've come to me," 'Where are you,' Nicholas mind-links me. Before I can respond to him, I feel a forced shield between us. I try to slam against it, trying to lower the shield to let my mate in, but I can't. I can feel him, too, tugging on my mind. The seeker must have done something to stop us from communicating. I try to sneak past his own mental shield, but it is tight. From the look on his face, he knows. "I've had hundreds of years to train against your kind of powers. You won't be able to get in," he says. "Why do y
ApphiaGavin is standing before me, looking sheepish. I stand, too, and wait for him to speak even though I know exactly what he wants to say. " Apphia," he breathes. We are silent, and he speaks," I'm sorry for how badly I treated you. You didn't deserve any of it," I didn't deserve it. " You are very beautiful, Apphia. So beautiful inside and out. I wish I could turn back time. I wish I accepted the bond when it clicked into place, but I didn't. I'll regret that for the rest of my life and be sorry for it," tears mist his eyes. He smiles slightly and wipes a stray tear from his eye. " Apphia, I wish you the best. You deserve everything you have now and more. I wish you all the happiness in the world. That's all I wanted to say," I only manage a nod, unable to utter another word, " Thank you for hearing me out, Luna Queen Apphia," He's looking at me as if committing me to memory. His eyes flash, and his lycan comes forth, but only momentarily. He bows low to me and turns to le
I'm walking a step behind the Gamma, my heart pounding loudly. I'm going to see my mate. Will he kick me out? Ignore me like the last time? The grand doors open, and we enter the house. It's lovely. We walk through wide corridors; I follow him. We are both silent. The Gamma takes me to a large office and gestures for me to sit on a couch. I do that. He leaves the room. I take out my phone from my bag. Ten missed calls from my Dad, fifteen from my mom, and three from my brothers. I text them in the family group, I'M ALRIGHT. GOING TO MY MATE. I'LL CALL YOU ALL WHEN I SETTLE.I switch off my phone and, put it in my bag, and wait, I wait and wait. Has the Gamma forgotten I'm here? I fidget in my seat, debating whether to leave or be patient. While in my dilemma, the door opens, and the Gamma is back, he's not alone. I get to my feet and bow my head to all of them. The gorgeous woman with curly hair and blue eyes gives me a small smile, while the good-looking man is stoic; he looks so
JamilaOnce adequately clean, I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a white, fluffy towel. I take a long look at myself in the mirror. My mom always says how much I look like her, but I don't see it. I'm slender, yet I have some curves. My mom has an hourglass figure to die for. I have long curly hair almost reaching my waist, while hers is coily. My eyes are brilliant silver that glints another color if you look closely, while hers are chocolate brown. I have plump, pouty lips, and she has full lips. Lastly, my nose is small and straight, while Mom's a button and cute. "I just don't see it, never have," I exhale. I wear black jeans, a black tank top, boots, and a coat. I also wear a black beanie and grab my mobile phone and handbag. My wolf is purring in excitement. I'm going to my mate. I have his name and position. It wouldn't be too hard to find him. My parents and siblings refused to give me any information about him for a week. Determined, I leave my bedroom through t
Jamila's pov My breath shudders as I look into the stranger's eyes I fell into. He's breathtakingly handsome with dreamy eyes, sharp features, and stubble. The world fades away, and it's only the two of us. Cold Sapphire blue eyes stare into me, surprise flicker, confusion, and then anger. The wolf within me is stirring, happy, and wiggling her tail. "Jamila, baby," my mother's voice breaks the spell. I look over my shoulder at her. "Get off me," the stranger almost growls; I don't want to get off him. He's so warm. He glares at me, and I oblige. My mom pulls me into her arms. "Are you alright, my baby?" she asks, stroking my hair. I only nod. Once Mom has released me, my father kisses my forehead. My sisters, Bella and Azizi, glare at me while my brothers look worried. "Jamila, what happened? We heard you scream," Dad says. "Bella's stupid cat scratched me," I point to Bella; she gasps and clutches her cat to her chest. "She's a liar. He doesn't scratch!" she barks. "Mayb
Lily's pov "Lily, Nicholas is not answering my calls. I went to his place, but he wasn't home," Mom frowns, putting her phone on the table. My brother has been beside himself these four years. He's detached from the world and everyone. I close my laptop and try to mind-link Nicholas, but as always, I'm met with a met block. So, I mind-link my chosen mate, Blade. "They are hunting down some rogues who were terrorizing a district in the south. Blade took him to distract him, and after they have a meeting at General Clark's manor," I inform my mother. She sighs and leans back in her seat, closing her eyes briefly. "He'll never heal. I should have agreed to erase his memories of the bond," she whispers. When she opens her eyes, tears are dancing in them. The death of Apphia was a shock to us all. We were in pain__ and still are, but we manage it and live with it, except for Nicholas and Drake. It's like they are just surviving. They both blame themselves for what happened to Apphia, b
DrakeFor a moment, I think she's sleeping, but then I see it... a trail of blood across her slender neck. Nicholas takes her in his arms, shaking her briefly, and then cradles her. He doesn't move or speak, just holding her, tears streaming down his face."Get them!" I hear Uncle Leondre's order. Anger surges me, and I look toward the mountains where Blade and Vicker are running. I see two women and a man heading for the hills. I recognize the three immediately, the two witches that helped that bastard seeker escape last time. They are not getting away this time. Before I can think, I'm already running towards them. I get there as Blade and Vicker tackle them to the ground. A fight breaks out; they are good fighters throwing their powers at us, but they are no match; we are fighting angrilyâanger for what they did to our Luna. Getting momentum over the seeker, I get over him and punch him in his face repeatedly while the guys restrain the two witches, who are screaming, and thrash
ApphiaThe lake area is silent and beautiful each time I come here. The water is blue-green, and a blanket of green grass covers the place. The trees are greener across the mountain, and birds are singing. I stay with Drake and Vicker. I'm honestly tired from all the walking we did today. Lizzy and Jerry explore the area. Drake places a hand on my shoulder, and I lean into him, smiling. "You look tired, you're pale," he comments. "I'm hungry," I say. Having the wraiths inside me gives me ravenous hunger." I'll make you something when we go home, a special meal just for you," he promises. " I can't wait," I grin. Lizzy and Jerry are walking down the hills, looking pleased. "This lake is simply unbelievable, Luna," Lizzy hollers, going into the shallow part of the water. Jerry follows her and gestures for me to go, too. I exchange a glance with Drake, who looks displeased, "One minute, and then we are going home," I tell him with a sigh as I approach the couple. " Guys, we nee
Apphia I wake up the following morning to the buzzing of a phone. I stir; my body feels like it's been run over by a truck. My phone buzzes again, and I reach the bedside to check it. It is a message from Jerry. They have arrived in town. I check the time; it is a quarter to ten. I stretch my limbs, noticing my mate is not in bed with me. I mind-link him, 'Where are you, my love?' 'You're awake. Good morning, baby. How was your night?' I can hear the arrogance in his tone. He knows too well that we barely had any sleep because of his sex games. The whole night, he pounded into me, leaving his load dripping down my legs. We'd only sleep for not longer than an hour when I woke up to be fucked again, hard. My pussy still aches from getting pounded all night. He had his way with my body. Goddess, I loved it. 'My night was amazing,' I can't help the smile on my face. 'I'm pleased to hear that, baby,' I can see his smug smile. 'Why did you leave me in bed alone?' I moan. 'I ha
ApphiaI reach home in the evening and see Gwyn and Lily in the driveway. Gwen is Knox's ex-girlfriend, but she wants nothing to do with him now. The girl was having problems at her house, so Anaiah invited her to live here until her home issues are settled. "Good evening, girls," I greet them with a smile. Gwyn bows her head and answers my greeting while Lily rushes to hug me. I'm taken aback. I kiss her hair and hold her. "I missed you, too, Princess," I chuckle. 'I heard Mom and Dad talk; I hate what you did,' she mind-links. 'I'll be fine, promise,' I assure her. We pull apart, and she looks at me for a long time and then nods. "Where did you go?" I ask. "Gwyn went home to see her little sister, and then we got ice cream," she says as we walk inside the house. The girls are starving, and so am I. We head to the kitchen, but surprisingly, we find the whole gang there: Nicholas, Drake, Blade, Lily, and Knox. They are sitting on the island, chatting and laughing with each other
Apphia "They can't pull them out for another two weeks!" my mate bellows, fuming. We are in the study at the castle with his parents, Lily, Drake, and Blade. None of them are impressed with me. Since I left my suite, they've been giving me an earful; Drake won't speak to me altogether. "What were you thinking, Apphia," bristles Lily, disapprovingly shaking her head. "I was thinking we have a shot at eliminating the dark magic, and I took it. You all knew my powers could, but you didn't tell me," I accuse, looking at each of them. "They could corrupt you, Apphia. You shouldn't have taken them_" "You mean stole them," Nicholas snarls, still not looking at me. I roll my eyes and attempt to retort, but I'm already in big trouble with him. He has barely talked to me today. "The mages and Savannah are working together to create a spell to pull the wraiths out," Leondre says. "How is taking it back hard when she got them so easily?" Drake questions. "Because the dark magic wanted her