My whole life has been harsh. I have no purpose but to serve my pack, who constantly abuse me because they blame me for the death of my mother, the pack's beloved Luna Harper.
My father, alpha Thomas Aeson, and brother, Duncan, don't care about me anymore. They don't defend me from the bullies. I cook and clean; on top of that, I'm their punching bag. I've been abused verbally and physically by everyone who could. I don't always let them mistreat me; I fight back, but when I do, the punishments I receive are harsher. My name is Apphia Aeson. I'm seventeen years old. I belong to the werewolf pack called Ivory Moon pack. I haven't shifted yet, so everyone is stronger than I am "Apphia!" I shudder when I hear the voice that calls me. He walks in with angry-filled eyes on me. He approaches me and slaps me across the face. I fall to the ground. "Where the fuck were you?" he roars. I shut my eyes, waiting for the burn on my cheek to dissipate. "I was- doing my assignment," I say, pointing towards my book on the table. He grabs my notebook from the table and tears it mercilessly. My eyes widen in horror. All my hard work is gone. "Why are you not in the kitchen making food?!" Food? The cook, Jeff, didn't give me the menu, nor did he call me. My father doesn't care as he slaps me again —blood splatters from my mouth. "Go to the kitchen!" he commands. I scurry away from his presence.My fingers touch the cameo purple necklace on my throat, the only thing my mother left me, as I recall the night that changed my life.
It was the night after my seventh birthday when mom woke me up in the middle of the night. She quickly changed me into a pair of jeans and a shirt. I was excited to leave the house with my mother because I thought we'd go on vacation like I'd been asking. However, my father and brother were nowhere to be seen once I reached the living room. "Is brother and Dad coming?" I asked, frowning. "It's just us for now, baby. You are in danger, and I need to take you away from the pack," she told me quietly. "Why am I in danger, Mommy?" Tears filled my eyes. "You wouldn't understand, but I will explain once we arrive in the Sapphire Royal pack. We need to speak to the King and Queen. They will keep you safe, baby," she told me gently. I couldn't comprehend anything she was saying. All I knew was that she was apprehensive, even more than usual. My mother was very protective of me; it made her paranoid. We left the house in haste and went to the car. As she drove fast, no guard was in sight, and my heart was pounding against my chest. I wish Dad were there, but Mom said it was safer. "They might come. I think he betrayed me, and that's why he was eager to have me take you from the pack on his own time," she murmured. I didn't understand what she was talking about. We'd not gotten far when our car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, refusing to start again. My mother looked back at me, her face filled with fear and tears. She exited the driver's seat and opened the backdoor to my side. She grabbed a pink bag I hadn't noticed and strapped it on my shoulders. "We have to run now, Apphia," Mom grabbed my small hand and started running. We ran so fast into the thick forest, away from the main tarmac. The wind blew harder, and the darkness grew. She carried me in her arms at one point because I was tired. And then I felt it: a dark shadow was coming for us, whispered taunting sounds. I cried louder as my mother ran faster. Her hands held me tighter. "I can't let them have you," she whispered, suddenly stopping and looking around momentarily. "There! You can hide in that opening of that tree," she pointed at the large tree with an opening. Mom took me there, and I sat, bringing my knees to my chest. I was terrified. She was, too. "Listen to Mommy, baby," She crouched and cradled my face warmly. Her big, bright silver eyes filled with tears. "I need you to stay quiet, Apphia, please. No matter what you see or hear, stay hidden and quiet," she whispered, placing a finger on her lips. I was sobbing for good. I vividly remember the fear I felt. It ran through my bones. "Don't leave me, Mommy. I'm scared," I cried. She took a deep breath and wiped away my tears from my cheeks. "I love you so much. Never forget it. Everything I did was to protect you, and I will do it again a hundred times if I have to. You are my everything," she kissed and embraced me. "I love you, Mommy," "Don't be too sad, baby; always trust yourself," she whispered. She gave me an encouraging smile before running in the opposite direction. I closed my eyes, praying to the moon goddess that Mom would return. She never did. The silence in the forest became suddenly heavy.My father and our warriors found me the following day, covered in blood, a few feet from my mother's lifeless body. I felt like I'd lost a magical light that would never touch my life again. I wasn't the same again. I had no recollection of what happened after my mother left me in that tree.
Everyone assumed I tried running away from home as I tended to do that, and she followed me, and feral rogues attacked us. Rogues are wolves that don't belong to a pack either because they don't have one due to different circumstances or because they were exiled from their packs for committing heinous crimes. No one wanted to hear what I had to say; they blamed and rejected me.Gavin's pov
My alpha and I have been away from the pack for over three months, helping one of our allies, the Moonshine Pack, with a rogue problem they have been facing. We were excited to return home tomorrow after winning the fight against the rogues this evening. My wolf, Jr, was howling in happiness. I knew why he was eager. He wanted to see his mate. Last year, I discovered that the alpha's unloved daughter, Apphia, was my mate, and I planned to reject her but never came around to do it. ' No, you can't reject her. The moon goddess gave her to us. She's our gift to treasure!' Jr growled. He was crazy about her. ' But she's the reason Luna Harper is dead. Everyone hates her, and my parents sure won't accept her because of it," I reasoned with him. My parents were close friends with our late Luna; mom hates Apphia and blames her like everyone else. ' No, she's not the reason. Everyone is a fool for blaming a child,' he retorts. I'm weary of arguing back and forth. Whatever, I wasn't going to accept our bond. I can't risk my positions as beta of the Ivory Moon Pack for her. Apphia Aeson is not worth it, yet I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. I entered the guest room I had been staying in at the Moonshine packhouse and took a hot shower. I needed it after killing off those dirty rogues.After a few minutes, I got out with a towel wrapped around my waist. I wasn't surprised to find the beta's daughter, Tania, lying on my bed in sexy red lingerie. Her lust-filled eyes roamed over my body.
She has been coming to my room since my arrival, offering her body for my pleasure, and I didn't say no. How could I? Tania was pretty, with a curvaceous body that made me feel hard instantly. However, I found myself picturing my mate as I fucked her. Apphia was... exquisite. Her beauty differed from this world: sleek white hair, almond-shaped eyes that were clear like glass, and natural rosebud lips. She has a beautiful face that women would go to great lengths to acquire. " Are you going to stand there daydreaming, or will you fuck me, beta Gavin," the woman in my bed purrs. I shake my head, removing all unbidden thoughts of my mate as I crawl on my bed. I pull the woman towards me and discard the towel around my waist. I tear her lingerie and caress her pussy. " So wet. I like it," " Of course, beta. I'm always ready for you," she smiles salacious. I grab a condom from the bedside drawer and remove the foil, wrapping it around my dick. She scowls but doesn't complain. No way in hell I'm fucking her raw. I enter her with one thrust, and she screams my name. " Gavi!" I pound into her, wanting to get this over with. The beta's daughter is a whimpering mess. " Fuck, it's so good," I continue to fuck her hard. I feel her tighten around my cock as she reaches her orgasm with a long whimper. I continue chasing my own release. I thrust wildly and growl as I reach my peak, spilling my seeds in the condom. I pull out of her and get to my feet. I need to take another shower to rest well as I have a journey ahead tomorrow. Tania rolls out of bed, too, with a grin. Her fingers caress my sweaty chest. " That was fun, wasn't it?" she sighs, kissing my torso. I take a step back from her, " Hmm," " It doesn't have to end, you know. I can come with you to your pack and be your mate, beta Gavin," " I have a long journey ahead. I need my rest. Please leave," Tania gasps and glares at me. " But, but-" she stutters. " We fucked, that doesn't mean anything more. Shut the door behind you when you leave," I say, returning to the bathroom. " Fucking prick!" I hear her scream as I shut the bathroom door. Women are so complicated. It is why I haven't been dating. I was pleased to find she had left after I left the bathroom again. Now, I can rest. ' I can't wait to see my lovely mate tomorrow,' Jr says. I ignore him and close my eyes to get much-needed rest.A/N: Hello, thank you for opening this book. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, as there are many graphic scenes of abuse, violence, strong language, erotic, etc., that might be a trigger for some. So, don't read this book if you are sensitive to that. It might feel too slow for some of you; if you feel that way, skip this book and exit peacefully. There is no need to leave snarky comments.
Apphia"Hey, freak, chef is looking for you," Rory, one of my greatest assailants, says. He is evil and once beat me to a pulp because I rejected his advances. He left me in the cold streets, bleeding. I still don't know how I survived that night. I found myself in the hospital the following day. However, I couldn't continue with treatment because I was not allowed any medical care. " Dickass," I growl. His eyes flash. Damn, I angered him again. Rory grabs my hair and pushes me against the wall. He raises his fist to punch me, but I kick him in the balls with my knee. He doubles over, cussing at me, and I run to the kitchen."Where the fuck were you? Dinner isn't going to make itself!" Jeff shouts as soon as he sets his eyes on me. "We have many dishes to prepare. Alpha Amir, and his daughter, Aya, is coming early to attend young Alpha Duncan's inauguration next week," I frown at the mention of those two. Alpha Amir is an insufferable, creepy Lycan from a neighboring pack who d
ApphiaSapphire blue eyes, jet black hair, and the loveliest smile I've ever seen. He is perfect in every way, yet I can't make out his face. I'm lying on my back, my body trembling as his fingers tease their way to my core. "You're so perfect, Apphia," the stranger whispers in my ear. "I want to mark your neck and make you mine for real," His delicious lips descend on mine, and he pushes his tongue between my lips, exploring my mouth. His long, slender fingers are caressing my skin delicately, and I feel a burning sensation throughout my body. My pussy is pulsating and dripping for him. "You're mine, baby," he murmurs, eyes consumed with lust. His lips are subjecting me to more pleasure as he leaves trails of kisses on my skin. My breath is irregular. "Say it," "Hmm," a moan bubbles from my chest as I rock my hips back and forth against his massive hardness. "Say it," he orders. I shiver, and then warmth spreads as his delicious scent shrouds me. "I'm... Yours," His slow
Apphia"Y- you're my mate," my voice is unrecognizable to my ears. I feel a lump growing in my throat. "Shut up! I'm not your mate," he commands. My eyes widen in shock, and a whimper escapes my mouth at his harshness. Gavin grabs my elbow; sparks erupt over my arm again. My heart sprints as he discreetly drags me away from the packhouse into the forest where no one can see or hear us. "No," I whimper, knowing what he is about to do. Fear settles in my stomach at the thought of not being wanted by my soulmate. Even though mates are given by the moon goddess, they can still reject each other and break the bond. There is no doubt Gavin brought me here to reject me. I feel a burning pain in my chest, and tears fill my eyes. "You've dragged me here to reject me, " I say, my voice quiet. "Of course. What choice do I have?!" he growls, running a hand through dark brown hair, " You are the reason Luna, your mother, is dead. Because of your selfishness," Those words from his
ApphiaOn my way outside, I see Gavin in the common area. He's making out with the pack slut, Calla. I almost puke at the sight, and the pain in my chest intensifies."Hey, slut, stop," Calla calls me in her nasal voice. I don't stop walking. "Apphia!" she shouts. I stop and cock my head to look at her. "Did you not hear me call you?" she asks, getting off Gavi's lap and walks to me. "You said slut, and the only slut I see in this room is you," I say, making Nalani and Vivian burst into laughter. The two girls are never mean to me. Nalani tries to make conversation with me, and even go as far as to defend me from bullies. Calla gasps and attempts to slap me, but a growl from Gavin stops her hand in mid-air. I stare at my ex-mate; he has a blank expression. "Don't fucking dare hit my- her, Calla," "I won't fight her. Apphia needs to reserve her energy for Amir. He is taking her to his pack tomorrow, "Calla laughs. My eyes widen with fear. "What?!" Gavin, and Nalani boom, th
Apphia My eyes flutter open, and I feel the weight of someone on top of me. Sheer terror runs through me. I can't breathe properly. I fight to no avail. He's so much stronger than me. "Don't be a tease," he pants as he thrusts into me. A sob escapes my lips. "You're so dramatic, Apphia. I know you like it," "Stop it, please!" I cry. I hit Rory's chest, hoping he'd get him me, but he pins my hands over my head as he continues his assault mercilessly. "Help me!" I scream at the top of my lungs. He attempts to cover my mouth but fails. He smacks me, and I feel my lip split. I can taste blood in my mouth. "Why don't you just stay still!" he hisses, choking me. I feel like passing out again. I see a rock through my peripheral blurred vision and grab it. I hit him with a large rock against his temple several times. "Ahh," he screams, rolling off me. I use this change to stagger to my feet. There's a painful sensation between my legs because of his forced entry, and there is stic
ApphiaI'm running as fast as I can. I don't know where I'm going, but I keep running for my life, tears rolling down my cheeks. I hear their thundering paws and footsteps behind me, their growls and snarls of excitement piercing through the forest as they enjoy the chase. I run faster. I hear a clap of thunder roll through the dark sky, and lightning strikes the ground. I lose my footing and fall to the dirt, landing on my knees and hands, but I get up instantly, dragging my legs and running again. Slowly, raindrops fall on me, and I get soaked. I'm so cold. I'm shivering uncontrollably. But the harsh cold and rain are unimportant right now. I need to get further from the men hunting me down. I can see the light not far from me. I'm thankful for the rain because it covers my scent and makes it hard for them to find me. My lungs burn with exhaustion, and my legs can't carry me anymore. I'm panting for breath. I need to hide, but there is nowhere to hide. I begin to slow d
Nicholas The wait is killing me, and my heart is cold. We wait while my mate is in the surgery room. My parents are talking to Blade, whispering while they send worried glances at me. A few hours later, the door opens, and the doctor walks out. Everyone jumps to their feet. " Doctor! Is she going to be alright?" my mom asks. The doctor gives her a pitiful smile. My heart drops to the floor. It isn't going to be good news. Doctor White glances at my youngest siblings. " Can you grab something to drink at the cafeteria?" she says. She doesn't want them to hear what she has to tell us. A shiver goes down my spine. They scowl and hesitate, but one glare from my mother, and they leave. " Prince Knox, please go with them," Dr White says to my seventeen-year-old brother. " I'm not a child," " Knox, please," Dad says sternly. He grumbles something unintelligent and leaves. Blade's pov I had stumbled to my feet when Prince Nicholas stood up, panicking. " What's going on?" He ig
NicholasWhat the doctor said hits me like a truck. The words sexually assaulted replay in my head. My legs finally give up as I exit the general hospital and sit on a bench. The rain is slowly coming to a stop, but it's enough to get me soaked. As the doctor's words ring repeatedly, I put my hands on my head. I think about the state I found her in. What could have happened had she not been able to use our mate bond to mind-link me? My lycan is growling and is sad all at once. However, we are both angry, and my body is shaking. I want to rip something apart. Blade sits next to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. " Nick, the Luna will be alright," he says softly. " What if she didn't reach me via mind link? What could have happened to her?"" But she did reach you, and you saved her. No need to dwell on the what-ifs and why," Blade says, " Anyway, I know something that will make you feel slightly better, follow me," I glance at him. He gets on his feet, urging me to do the same."We
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, he will s
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
ApphiaI straighten and greet them all. I present my motion to nominate Maximus for the council. Their expressions are different. Some are agreeable to it, while others shake their heads no. "The Lycan Island pack were collectively punished for years, and all of us are guilty of their suffering; it's time to make it right, really right. We have accepted them in society, but have we, you, really?" I ask, "They are still treated like outsiders, despite everything they have accomplished on their own, with no pack backing them," I point out everything the pack has performed, how they have maintained the realm's security, and what the alpha has done. I guilt-trip them by mentioning the young children and women who feel shunned and not welcome everywhere else in the city. 'You're doing amazing,' Maximus says in my head. I don't know if he realized that he had mind-linked me. 'Thanks, but I'm shaking,' I say through the mind link. 'I can't see it. You sounded soft-spoken but firm and
ApphiaI take another look at them. That's Maximus, talking with Daisy__ I think they are arguing, and boy, is she pissed. I tear my gaze from them and focus on my mate. We are dancing happily together, without a care in the world. He looks so carefree, smiling and twirling me. He kisses my forehead after the song dies down and grabs my hand. "Still want to dance?" he asks. I shake my head, "No, but I am hungry," I grin, kissing him. He is pleased to hear that. He takes me away from the club, "There is a food truck not far from here. The sandwiches are soooo good," I moan, remembering the ones Joe brought me at work. Nicholas frowns, but I pout, and it works. We stroll across the streets unhurriedly, enjoying the starry night, and street lanterns. The cool air is welcome; it has been warm lately as we welcome the summer season. Eventually, we reach the huge food truck. Attention from the people draws to us. They recognize us—maybe only him. They bow, awestruck, most insisting
Apphia The pain is transient, but it leaves goosebumps on my skin. I look up at the woman who bumped into me. She's tall, with long ginger hair and dark, dark eyes. She bows to me low in apology. " I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," her voice is raspy but high pitch. My mate is by my side, asking if I'm alright. I nod to him. " I'm sorry for bumping into you, my Luna. " The woman bows again and walks off before I ask how she knows I'm Luna. " How did she know I'm the Luna?" I murmur. " Everyone knows you're the Luna," he says, kissing my temple. I look back in the direction the woman has gone but don't see her anymore. " That woman made me feel odd, Nick," I tell him. " What do you mean?" " I felt pain in my chest and on my scalp when she bumped into me," I explain. " I'll look for her. Stay here," he says, ready to leave, but I grab his arm, " No, It's okay. Maybe I'm just tired and need some rest," " I can find her, and you can read her aura, her mind," he insis
" Allies?" he breathes, eyes on me. I only nod with a slight smile. He is not happy. Maximus is watching us, interested. " Leave," Nicholas orders my alpha guest__ my ally. " No, he's not leaving," I firmly say. " Apphia," he warns. " Nicholas," I retort. " I don't want you associating with this man," he says. " Well, there is nothing to be done now, is there? We have been allies for the longest time," I inform him. " How long exactly," my mate grits." seven- eight months," Maximus answers, glancing at me momentarily. Nicholas growls at him, " Apphia is just using you for your position. This man doesn't care about you and has nothing to offer," " I ensured her reputation wasn't tarnished in the eyes of your people and other packs because of your ex-girlfriend. I identified and dealt with entitled alphas and lunas who were pissed that she came into the picture and ' stole' their daughters' prospects to become Luna Queen; I mitigated for the Luna in her projects, and I made su