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Apphia A couple of days pass, but I'm still in the hospital. I don't like it. It's starting to suffocate me. I want to leave this place already. However, I don't know how to start my life once I'm out. With Lily's help, I could get a job and rent a place in the city. I've mentioned leaving the hospital and getting a job to support myself to Lily several times, but she dismissed it in a Lily-fashion way. " Apphia, you're not ready yet, and my brother is searching for the man who got away. You have to stay here for your safety, sweetie," she said with a smile. It's like they don't want me leaving, but I'm so done with the hospital already. ... Dr. Hudson and I are on the rooftop. I convinced her to have our usual sessions here today. She insisted on calling Nicholas, and luckily for me, he agreed. I don't understand why they have to ask him for permission. "Apphia, what do you think about the Alpha Prince?" Her question catches me off guard. She's never brought him up in one of
ApphiaI love trains—I've loved them since I was a little girl! They are so intentional and different from life. I used to watch them in my pack every day after school. They were there at the exact time, and it was... settling. " You want to ride a train...?" Knox asks, tilting his head to one side. "Yes, and then we can go back," He seems content with that. I follow him quietly to the station, a ten-minute walk from the general hospital. - The large station has a high ceiling and over three nice lounges. It is neat. We head to the booking clerk to get our tickets. When it's our turn, Knox reaches into his pocket to grab a credit card and puts it on the reception desk. " She wants a train ride to nowhere in particular, maybe around the pack?" he says, bored. The clerk behind the desk sees the golden card, and his bored face lights up immediately. " O—Okay, Mr. Lavista..." he types on his computer and then looks up, beaming. " We have the Sapphire Oriental Express coming
ApphiaNicholas is here. It isn't planned, but Knox and I get up simultaneously, our eyes glued to the door. We hear steps outside the door. My heart is pounding in my chest. I'm anxious and apprehensive, but something within me sings joyfully—my subconscience. . The double door quickly opens, and the chattering in the office ceases as everyone gets to their feet, their heads bowed low in submission. Nicholas stands at the entrance, and Blade and Lily stand slightly behind him. The Alpha is looking right at me with his sapphire blue eyes. He is mad yet breathtaking with his tousled hair and undone in a white shirt, collar, and cuffs. I can't tear my gaze away from his beauty. His eyes go from me to his young brother. Seeing them face each other, I see the resemblance between them. They are almost identical, except Knox's skin is fairer, probably getting it from one of his parents. Other than that, Knox is a few years younger. I take a deep breath and slowly walk up to him. His
Apphia. Once we leave the station, two black cars are waiting for us on the street, and two men in black suits are standing beside them. I glance at the others. Lily is not too happy and is scolding Knox. "You are such a brat; what were you thinking, Knox? Helping Apphia leave the hospital!" "She was safe. I was with her, and Apphia had a wonderful time. Didn't you?" he grins at me. I smile and nod. "Oh, Apphia, you had me worried," Lily says, stroking my hair gently. "I'm sorry," I say again. "You'll ride with me," Nicholas says. I hesitate. Should we ride in the same car after our heated exchange earlier? I glance at Lily, and she nods with a comforting smile. Nicholas holds open the door, and I enter the back passenger seat. Nicholas gets in, sitting beside me, and my breath gets caught in my throat. The driver starts the engine, and we head back to the city. The car ride is silent. It is heavy, so I speak, "I'm sorry for worrying you," I murmur. Nicholas turns his
ApphiaI can't feel Ziora anymore. She's gone, leaving me desolate. As we walk upstairs, I realize how grand the castle is with its tall ceiling and wide white marbled hallways. There are paintings on the walls, all expensive-looking. Everything is antique but modern, too. It also has a homey feeling to it that I like. Just what am I doing here? I'm out of my league here. Lily talks about the room she chose for me, but I'm struggling to comprehend anything momentarily. She takes me to a private wing on the west side and stops before a white door. She pushes it open, and Vicky rushes in, spreading her hands in a dramatic gesture. "Tada! Welcome aboard!" I step inside and look around with my eyes. No. It can't be mine. The room is enormous, with two large windows from the floor to the ceiling. In the middle of the room is a large queen-sized bed with white sheets and many fluffy pillows. There is a long cream couch facing the TV on the wall. "Check it out," Lily says with a s
ApphiaI wake up slowly, feeling refreshed and rested. I feel sunshine on my skin, too. I groan in delight. It feels amazing. I open my eyes, realizing I'm not in the bed at the hospital. I panic and sit up, analyzing the room. But yesterday's events hit me hard. I exhale. I stretch and get up, approaching the glass spiral table that catches my eye near the window. There is a white lotus and a note. A smile stretches on my face, knowing exactly who it's from. The note reads. " Good morning. I hope you had a fantastic night in your new room. Take a deep breath, smile, and start the day with positive energy. Have a lovely day ahead. Nicholas. I pick up the lotus, holding it to my nose. It smelled fresh and fabulous, but there was something else: an intoxicating scent. I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, and then shower. When I finish, I get dressed in jeans and a black top. I grab a cardigan and put on black Vans. I leave the bedroom and wander for a moment before me
Nicholas " You think Apphia is a marked wolf?" I repeat.“ We don't think. We are sure,” mom says. I need help understanding. I look at them for elaboration. " A marked wolf is a shifter with divine powers. They possess powers that transcend human understanding," Dad says. My mother sighs and relaxes in the chair as she begins to explain. " After discovering that Apphia is immune to all our powers, your grandfather, Mike, and the elder council were intrigued was this information, as this was the first anyone wasn't affected by our powers. While searching an ancient library, they discovered a chronicle text. The chronicle details more of royal abilities and, surprisingly, one immune to them," " How does a marked wolf come to be?" i ask. " By being submerged in the holy golden lake in the beyond after a sacred ritual during an auspicious day and time chosen by the moon goddess," she answers. I frown. Sacred lake? I've been to the beyond yet had not seen such a lake. "
ApphiaI've been awake but don't open my eyes or move. My first thought when I woke up was Nicholas. He comforted me when I was crying after the nightmare i had. I dreamed that Rory was assaulting me again, but this time, it was way worse. I was scared but thankful Nicholas heard me and came in. For some reason, I trust him. I know he'd never hurt me. I finally get up, and my gaze instinctively goes to the glass table. Like the other mornings, there is a note and a flower. I read the note; ' Good morning, beautiful. You had a nightmare last night, and I stayed with you. Thank you for trusting me. May your day be as lovely as you,' Nicholas. I bring the pink lotus to my nose and put it in a large drawer. I go to the bathroom and look at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are red and sunken, indicating how much I cried. I quickly shower and change into a black long-sleeved dress just above my knees, paired with black tights, and wear black suede ankle boots. Lily said I should t
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 povMy 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 Aziz, 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. "Maybe you w
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 angrily—anger 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
ApphiaWhen I open my eyes hours later, my body feels completely sore, and my body temperature is cold, even with a fleece blanket around me. Nicholas is sitting at the edge of the bed, back turned to me. I reach to touch him, but he stiffens, and I retract my hand. Memories of what I'd done rush back to me—the wraiths. I'm hosting them. I can feel them within me. I attempt to sit up but wince at the headache I feel. My mate turns to me, alert. He is watching me intensely, deciphering who's in charge. "Hi," I croak.A slight smile breaks on his face, and he almost lunges at me in a hug. He holds me tight; I keep myself from whimpering. "Hi, Apphia," He pulls away from me, cupping myself. " How do you feel, baby," " Sore, my throat is dry, I feel cold, and I'm so hungry," He closes his eyes briefly and kisses my forehead. " Something happened, Apphia, the dark magic, they entered-" " I know," I interrupt. He raises his eyebrows, surprised. " You know? how?" I exhale, ready t