Sorry this chapter was short.Thank you for reading! Leave me your comments!
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
Nicholas "You promised me, Nicholas," she says softly. I growl; why can't she comply and tell me the name of her pack? "I can't keep it. I must make them pay as an alpha Prince and your m.." I don't finish my sentence. My lycan wants me to tell her I'm her second chance mate, but I can't do that. It's better if she feels the bond to believe it. She needs time to heal and trust to accept her new life. She's here, safe and close to me, where she truly belongs. Apphia isn't going to give us the name of her pack. She says she's okay now and doesn't want anything to do with them, but I just can't let it go. 'Punish them,' the evil voice echoes in my head. It doesn't belong to my lycan. The voice that spoke was hollow and otherworldly. I feel a cold sweat run down my temple. My anger suddenly rises as unbidden thoughts of dead bodies flash in my head, rogues and enemies I've killed over the years. The darkness around me grows. However, it disappears, and the chanting voices quiet as a
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 h
Apphia I 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 oth
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
Apphia"I missed you, baby," he breathes against my mouth. I throw my arms around him, and I feel tears escape my eyes once more. When he pulls away, he's smiling gently at me. "You missed me," he says cockily. "You're crying 'cause you missed me," he pulls me in a one-sided hug and kisses the top of my hair. " I'm sorry for making you cry, my love," I wrap my arm around his waist and lay my head on his arm as we leave the training field. I enjoy this moment; it's been too long since we were this close and in each other's company. Nicholas takes me home and back to our suite. He sits on the edge of the bed and pulls me in his lap so I straddle him. My arms are wrapped around his neck, hiding my face in his neck. He seems relaxed today. "I'm sorry I've been avoiding you," I face him, looking at him with a pout, "Don't do it again, please." He only smiles again, caressing my neck and melting my insides. Should I tell him I overheard his conversation with his parents? No,
I explain everything about the wraiths to Nirvaan. I asked if there was a way to eradicate them without ending my mate's life, but as I feared, there was no way of doing that. Nicholas's words to his parents replay, 'Don't worry, mother. I'll only use this dagger when they try to escape into Apphia. I'll die first before this evil touches her and tries to take over her body and mind,' A shudder runs through me at the thought of my mate dying. Nicholas would kill the wraiths along with himself to protect me. "Is there a way to lock them somewhere other than a person's body?" I ask, but I already know the answer."Like what, milady? A vase?" he chuckles softly, his laugh deep and melodious. He inclines his head and speaks, "The wraiths need a powerful body to dwell, or they will escape and cause havoc unto the world," "Like mine," I say, remembering Savannah's theory about my powers eliminating the wraiths, "A werewolf with divine powers, the powers of the moon mother herself. I'm s
ApphiaI'm having breakfast with Leon and Emily the following morning. I'm frowning that my mate didn't return to our suite after asking me to leave his office. I tried calling and mind-linking him, but he didn't answer. When I searched for him, I found him in my old room, sleeping peacefully. I didn't have the heart to wake him, plus I was upset. I'm sure he's scared to sleep with me after what happened a couple of nights. I recall the conversation I overhead with his parents. There is a way to destroy the darkness plaguing him__ a dagger can kill it, but it will kill him, too. 'And it wants us,' Ziora murmurs… "Are you alright, Apphia?" Emily asks with a frown. "Yes, love," I answer. "Well, I've been talking to you, and you don't seem to hear me over your thoughts," "I'm sorry I've been distracted… Work," I smile at her. She nods and smiles back. After breakfast, we head outside. The siblings are going to school, and I, at the office; however, on our way there, we meet Bro
Nicholas There is a knock on my door, and it is pushed open. Dad and Mom enter. "Nicholas, son, why have you asked us to come?" he asks, taking a seat. My mom comes to my side, kisses my hair, and sits beside her mate. "I called you here because something has been happening lately," They share a glance, "What is it, Nick?" "Lately, the wraiths have been fighting me to come out," I explain, "How?" Mom asks, worried. "They are mostly attracted to power, and lately, they have been wanting Apphia's," Stunned silence. I battle the evil darkness within me, but they want to come out when Apphia is close. Like every other hungry creature, they want a taste of her divine powers. They do it often these days, especially when I'm vulnerable__ in my sleep. That's why I've been avoiding her lately. I open a drawer in my desk and pull out a dagger. My mother gasps and gets on her feet, angry. "Nicholas, put that thing away," her sharp, angry gaze regards my father, "Leondre, I thou
Apphia The following days were peaceful and wonderful. I talked to my brother on the phone and Facetimed him once a week. I was happy that our sibling bond and relationship had grown immensely. However, Nicholas was distant from me. When I asked, he dismissed the issue by changing the topic. He has been accidentally 'falling asleep in his home office,' I try to peek into his mind, but the mental shields are up and tight. I think his avoiding me has something to do with the wraiths that almost attacked me. "Penny for your thoughts?" Drake asks. I shake my head no. "Are you nervous about seeing Vicky?" I ask as we pull up in front of the Altamirano manor. We are visiting Vicky because she told me she was unwell. "No, why would I?" "Because things didn't work out between you two," "I didn't want things not to work out; she just wanted more, and I wasn't ready for that yet," he explains, looking pained. I think back to when I entered his head and saw blood and death; he had lost