Apphia. Once we leave the station, two black cars are waiting for us on the street, and two men in black suites 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
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 wi
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 a black Vans. I leave the bedroom and wander for a mome
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
ApphiaBaby,' Fuck, baby, you're. so. sweet,' the sultry voice of the man in my dreams would say. " Apphia, are you okay in there?!" I hear Lily ask, voice filled with laughter. I tap my cheeks. " Yes, Lily! Is a steak lunch good for everyone?" I ask. " Please," Great steak lunch it is. I leave the pantry, avoiding meeting Nicholas's eyes, who has made himself comfortable on the barstools like the rest. I face the four chefs instead. They look eager to be ordered around. " Hello, my name is Apphia. What are your names?" I ask. The older lovely woman steps forward, " I'm Mrs Wilson, the head chef, and that's Mr Wilson, my husband," she says, glancing at the man with fading blonde hair and then points to the other two young man and woman, " She's Zita and that's Denny," I nod, and they bow to me. Shit. Why do they do that?" Okay, nice to meet all of you. We are preparing a steak lunch," I say. Denny immediately enters the fridge while the others rush to get the ingredients. "
NicholasI'm kissing her. I'm kissing my mate, and it's the best feeling in the world. I feel like I'm about to explode with emotions. I don't want this to end; I hold her petite frame closer to me. ' Mate, mate.' Nico purrs in my head. He wants us to mate and take her right here. But I can't do that; she has already taken such a bold step, and if I act irrationally, she will withdraw. I can't have that. I ravish her sweet mouth. She tastes so much better than I imagine, so real- much better than the sensual scenes I have with her in my dreams. My dick twitching my pants. Fuck. I won't last. My body suddenly feels hot. I'm never hot. Because of the dark wraith within me, my temperature is always cold. My lycan surges forward, wanting to take over. I fight him back, ' Nico, relax. We don't want to scare mate,' ' Can't help. Need to mate now,' Nico growls urgently. My body feels too hot now, and I'm beginning to sweat. Suddenly, I pull away from my mate. " Nicholas' a-are you a
ApphiaWe are going to the Ivory Moon pack. Lily, Drake, and the twins, Chase and Chelsea, are going with us. They are in another car in front. Blade, too, wanted to join us, but he had to stay to run the pack. Lily will help with that task after she attends the meeting we will have while we remain. I'm nervous but not scared because Nicholas is here with me. He's holding my hand the whole ride. I have to remember that no one can hurt me anymore. I'm stronger and in a higher position than them. We soon arrive at the pack. It is just as I remember it—lovely, quiet, and clean. Our driver, Chase, is sitting beside his sister Chelsea. He pulls in front of the packhouse. My brother, Duncan, handsome and full of alpha aura, stands before the cars. His council is behind him. There are eight in total, a mixture of age and gender. Some pack members stand behind the council, keeping their distance but eagerly watching." Are you ready?" Nicholas asks. If not, I promise we'll return home and
Apphia"I want to go dancing tonight," Lily whines as we walk outside. "Who's coming with me?" "We are leaving at eight o'clock in the morning. You should rest," Blade murmurs. "You go and rest," she snickers, sounding slightly annoyed. Nicholas and I exchange a glance. I tell him with my eyes that I'm tired and want to rest. "We'll walk to the hotel," he says. Lily pouts, giving me her puppy eyes, but doesn't try to convince me, "Fine, I'll go alone," she resigns and walks in another direction, another street. Blade sighs and strolls after her. Nicholas shakes his head and extends his hand to me, "Shall we?" We stroll back to the hotel. The weather is crisp, the night is serene, and the sky is full of stars. A few couples are strolling on the steep street, holding hands or stargazing. Love fills the air. "Morgana was my ex-girlfriend," he says suddenly, " She was my first real girlfriend and love?" "I know," my voice is a whisper. Nicholas scrutinizes me, and then realiza
Apphia Blade is waiting in the lobby. He smiles at me. "Where's Lilibet," I ask. "She's on her way," he answers. "Has a reservation been made?" Nicholas asks. "Yes. Lily did," The two men briefly discuss work but are interrupted by Lily's voice. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," she saunters into the lobby, all light pink outside. Blade's breath hitches, and my gaze instantly finds his. His eyes slide over the princess' body, awed; she's wearing the most fluttering strapless ruffle creamy pink midi dress, tight in the chest and waist. It exposes her right leg up to her upper thigh. Her loose curls are in a side-part hairdo. Her earlobes, neck, and wrists are adorned in white gold. She stands before me, her mouth slightly ajar. "I love everything about you," she says. "Same," I gesture towards her outfit. Nicholas and Blade are watching us complement each other like little school girls. I blush and take Nicholas' hand in mine. When we reach the upscale restaurant, it's a li
ApphiaWhat is Morgana doing here? I wonder. Should I go up to them? While I contemplate, one of the men I'm speaking to about the aid speaks, "We are grateful to you, Luna, for all the help you have given us and for coming all the way here," "It's our pleasure," I hold the man's hand. They are all smiling at me, gazing at me with love, relief and appreciation as though I was important. ‘ You are_ you’re their Luna,’ my wolf’s voice is soft as she speaks. I exhale silently. Yes, I’m Luna. The alpha prince’s mate. My gaze goes back to my mate, and our eyes meet. Nicholas gently smiles at me and gestures for me to join them. I excuse myself from the group, walking to my mate without showing my eagerness. Once I reach them, Nicholas puts an arm around me. "Apphia, this is Lieutenant Salka. He's in charge of this district," I smile and shake his hand. A pack as large as the Sapphire royal pack has Lieutenants placed in districts to help oversee and report to the Alpha. "And th
Apphia I wake up feeling energized even after rounds and rounds of sex with Nicholas the previous night. I kiss his jaw and get out of bed, leaving him sleeping. I go to the closet to pack a bag as we will be going to the eastern district to visit the fire victims. After packing, I shower and get ready in blue jeans, a white V-top, a plaid blazer, and loafers. I go to the bedroom just as Nicholas is waking up. I smile at him, " Good morning, handsome mate," " Good morning, my lovely mate," he yawns and clambers out the bed. He's naked. All muscle and his cock just hanging out. I feel heat in my cheek and quickly point to the ensuite bathroom. " Go get ready. I want to be there before 10," I tell him. He chuckles and wraps his arms around me. " Seeing you blush is always so satisfying," " B—because you have your thing hanging out," I murmur, feeling shy. I'm used to seeing him like that but can't help my blush and embarrassment. He knows this and teases me about it. " 'Thing
Brooklyn. My fake plan to kill myself didn't work. I thought that when the alpha heard about my attempted suicide, he would feel guilty and allow me in his life, but it didn't happen like that. After sweet-talking Prince Leon, he told me that Atti, Apphia, or whatever her stupid name is, is from the Ivory Moon pack. I have a friend in that pack, Calla. I decide to give her a call to ask. After the second ring, she answers. " Hi, Brook, long time. How are you?" " Not good, girl," " Hmm, what is it?" " Some unworthy bitch from your pack stole my boyfriend, and I've been pissed," I tell her. She gasps; I can picture the satisfied smirk on her face. Fake ass bitch. " Who?" she asks. " A riff-raff called Atti or Apphia. White-haired girl, Do you know her?" I ask. Calla goes silent for a long time but doesn't hang up. " peculiar silver scar and horrendous, cursed eyes," " That's her," I growl." What?! That freak is in your pack and stole your boyfriend; you've got to be kidding m
Apphia "You look beat," Drake says. "Don't even get me started," I sigh, closing my eyes. "You know we are near the alpha's headquarters. I can take you there if you want," he suggests. "Please," We arrive at the Sapphire Corporation building, which is impressively twenty—five stories high. I walk into an enormous, white glass lobby with Drake. We go straight to the elevator without stopping by the reception desk, as Drake has a security pass. The elevator takes us to the twenty-fifth floor in another lobby—as impressive as the first. The woman behind the reception rises to greet us. " Hello," she flashes us a smile. The receptionist recognizes Drake and flushes. We ask to see the alpha, and she tells us he's in a meeting. "Please sit there," she points to the brown leather couch. We take our seats. Behind us is a glass wall, giving us a view of Sapphire's impressive skyline. The view is spectacular. "Would you like a drink?" the receptionist asks. " Water," I say. "
Nicholas My mate is still sleeping. It has now been 24 hours since she slept. Her breathing is slow and steady. Her cat is sleeping next to her. I go to my study to answer some emails and work. I get an email from Blade. The Ivory Moon pack was attacked again. There were no casualties, but the rogues and vampires worked together to attack them this time. Since when have vampires and rogues worked together? The door opens, and my father walks in—just the man I wanted to see. "Dad, I'm glad you're here. I want you to read this," I say, turning the laptop to his side. When he's done reading, he slouches back into his chair. "What could this be, and why that pack?" I ask. The ivory moon was closer to the city's borders, but there were others too. If anything, they shouldn't be targeted because they are larger and stronger than the others. Often, rogues would attack more miniature packs. They must be looking for something in the pack," he thinks. I thought so, too. "Could it be
Nicholas Everyone is in awe of my mate's wolf. They are showering her with praise and appreciating Ziora. "She's so gorgeous," Emily cries, reaching her hand to touch her. I swat it away childishly. She scowls, glaring at me, but proceeds. I caress her sleek fur, and our eyes meet. " You're perfect__ so beautiful," I tell her, kissing and inhaling her scent, which is still wildflowers but mixed with lavender now. My lycan, Nico, is going wild. He howls in rapture at the sight of his counterpart. Ziora looks to the moon and releases a melodious howl that is so powerful—that everyone follows. My family and friends erupt in cheers. 'I want to run. Ziora wants to run,' she mind-links me. They sound eager. I take off my clothes and change into Nico. I'm instantly pulled to the back of my mind so that Nico is in charge. It's the first time Ziora and Apphia have seen us. She's gaping at us__ at Nico. 'You're magnificent,' she mind links. ' And you're divine... Pretty, very pret