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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
Nicholas My heat was suppressed thanks to the portion Luna Savannah had sent to help. I hadn't seen Apphia since I left her at the royal lake, but I could still smell her in the wing. I had wanted to go to her so badly throughout the night, but luckily, Blade was there to stop me. I got ready for work and headed out of the suite. I stepped out of the room just as Apphia did from hers. I froze and stared at her. Her eyes were red, and she didn't look at me, yet she didn't move. Gathering my courage, I approached her. "Good morning, "I greet her. She only nods a good morning, eyes still not meeting mine. I run a hand through my hair. She probably thinks I didn't like the kiss or I don't want her anymore. "I'm sorry about what happened at the lake. I know you must think the worst of me, but I had an emergency I couldn't avoid," She finally lifts her gaze to meet mine, and her eyes soften. "You could have just said so, unlike leaving as you did," she murmurs. I kiss her cheek. I
Apphia " What ceremony, Lily?" The princess looks like she's being caught doing something bad. She opens her mouth a few times, but no words leave her. " Um, for your welcome ceremony... To the pack, right, Lily?" Vicky says, her voice a high pitch. I narrow my gaze and slowly nod. " I don't want a welcome party," I murmur." Well, we should leave. The guests have arrived," Lily says, guiding me out of the bedroom. She is already dressed in an elegant white chiffon dress, while Vicky is in a midi-short dress. They look wonderful!We walk to the ballroom. It is impressive, with two enormous chandeliers sparkling over everyone. It is nicely decorated with minimal light. Soft music is playing, and black-suited servers easily move through the crowd of guests with champagne bottles, refilling glasses. "How many people are in attendance?" I ask. Lily mentioned it was an intimate gathering, but this is far from it. "About one hundred. Mom knows how to throw a party," she says, linking
Nicholas I'm interacting with some alphas at the banquet when my body alerts me of her arrival. My lycan resurfaces, excited to see his counterpart. When I lay my eyes on her, I forget how to breathe. I want to go to her immediately, but she has to see my parents. I anxiously wait for them to finish their interaction so that I can go to my mate. Nevertheless, Daisy Khang approaches me before I can, and it's too late to avoid her now. "Good evening," she greets. I nod at her in acknowledgment. "Aren't you complimenting how beautiful I look, Alpha?" she says mischievously. "You look lovely, Daisy," She beams at my parroted compliment. As intelligent as she is, Daisy thrives on compliments like a child. "Thank you, your highness. You look handsome as always," My gaze goes back to my parents and the Jones; they are talking to Apphia; she seems a little intimidated by the alphas and one powerful witch, but she's holding up well, looking into their eyes and smiling politely. 'She
Duncan I was fucking hurt that my mate didn't want anything to do with me. I asked her why, and her reasons shocked me—especially the last two. I didn't expect my silence in my sister's abuse would come back to bite me in my ass. It was my karma. It hurt like a bitch. My chest was in pain.I looked at her parents. They were ashen at their daughter's boldness. I must admit, no one had ever insulted or talked that way to me. "Well, Nalani has firm opinions, alpha, but I'll talk to her," her mother says sympathetically. Is it so evident that her rejection was killing me from the inside? "No, it's good she has strong opinions. Don't force her to do what she doesn't want," I say, my voice strange to my ears. 'Are you going to let her go just like that?' my lycan asks. 'No, I'll earn her affection,' He murmurs a yes, and I get up to leave the office. The rumor mill is going wild today, and news has spread that I have found my mate. It's all everyone can talk about and congratulate me
Apphia Nicholas observes me, his face impassive. I didn't want to raise the issue suddenly, but I couldn't stop thinking about what the brunette said. ' He likes it rough,' her stupid voice rings in my head. Nicholas wasn't rough with me. He was passionate and gentle, yet I could feel he was holding out something. Did Nicholas enjoy sex with me? What if he didn't relish it as he did with her?" Brooklyn?" he asks, his voice indifferent. " Brunnet, big tits, and brown eyes," I sneer. I can't keep the bitterness out of my tone. To think my mate had sex with her makes me feel so jealous and angry. " She's not my girlfriend," he refutes. " That's not what she told me," I answer." What did Brooklyn tell you," he almost growls. His gaze is stern on me. " That you left her because of me. And that you will leave me because only she can please you," I retell, frowning. Nicholas snorts. He reaches out to touch my hand. " She lied to you. Brooklyn and I broke up three years ago," That
ApphiaWhy hasn't he marked me? I wonder. Is he unsure about me? Does he not want me to feel what he does? I'm prepared to ask him, but Ziora stops me. Nicholas slowly slips out of me and stands beside the bed. I close my eyes, reeling from everything that happened. I feel him hover over me again and kiss my neck, licking and nibbling it. " You're so intoxicating," he mutters. I can feel his dick hardening again. His hips thrust gently against my skin. He lifts himself slightly and lowers his dick into my wet pussy. " You were made for me, Apphia. Your body was, too," Nicholas thrusts into me. My hands go to the back of his neck, caressing his skin. Our gaze locked on each other as he pushed deeper into me. " I love you, Nicholas," " I love you," We keep going. I'm a moaning mess again. My hips meet his pace fiercely. I'm about to explode again. I feel the build-up in my abdomen. Nicholas' canines elongate against the crook of my neck. He's about to mark me. It will show everyone
Apphia " I want you, Nicholas," I murmur, warm tingles running down my body. He smiles wickedly at me. I run my thumb over his mouth, and his lips open, taking my thumb in his mouth and sucking it hard, his gaze intently on mine. It's so hot. Nicholas takes me towards the bed and gently puts me in the middle, my back against the fluffy pillows. He kneels before my feet and resumes the kiss. I close my eyes, melting into the kiss. He retreats, gazing at me again in awe. " You're perfection, Apphia," he whispers. My breath is stuck in my throat. I can't take my gaze off him. He's freaking gorgeous! Nicholas' long fingers caress my inner thighs, making me shiver. He is watching me with amusement, enjoying my reactions to him. His fingers go up my thigh and touch my sex over my thong. My heart leaps. His lips quirk into what resembles a smile. He moves my thong aside and skims my clit, massaging it. His gaze is intense on me, hypnotizing me with his orbs. My breath is getting sha
Apphia I scream. My heart ceases briefly. However, whatever it is, he grabs its neck and stretches out his arm so it doesn't scratch him with its sharp claws. I clamber out of bed and rush to him. " No, stay there, Apphia," he growls. I ignore his command and stand beside him. The creature that almost attacked him is a tiger—a cub, but it's large. We glance at each other, my heart calming now that I know it didn't hurt him. The cub is growling and trying to scratch him weakly this time, as Nicholas has it by its neck. Its gaze snaps to me; mesmerizing large golden eyes stare into mine- into my soul. My heart melts as recognition sets in me. ' it's our friend,' Ziora says. " You're hurting her," I choke. " It wants to attack me," he grits. " It's Shai," I whisper, not taking my eyes off the cub. Nicholas instantly puts her on the floor. The two glare at each other briefly, and then the cub strides toward me; Nicholas grabs my elbow, protective, still glowering at the Shai.
Apphia "S- should I be expecting anything? What should I do?" I ask nervously, blushing deeply. "No, sweetie, trust me when I say your body will know what to do when the time comes. It knows everything," Lily answers. "And you're lucky you're doing it with your mate for the first time. He will be gentle and ensure you're good," Daisy adds. "How old were you when you had sex the first time," "I was fifteen, and it hurt because he was rough," Daisy snarls, scrunching her face, " He didn't even make me come, that idiot," My mood is dampened when I remember my first time if I can call it that. It was painful, too, and I often hear Rory's voice in my ear when he was rapping me. I hear his labored breathing and breathe against my skin. My skin crawls. I breathe in and out silently, purging that awful memory from my mind. Lily squeezes my hand, knowing why my mood has soured. I glance at her, and she shakes her head, silently asking me to expel such thoughts." And you, Lil
Apphia "What the fuck are you doing here?" a growl resounds.We both turn to see Lily and Daisy Zhang approaching us. The Ladies look immaculate in their office outfits. Lily crosses her arms against her chest, glaring at the Alpha beside me."Sweet goddess," Maximus sighs, rolling his eyes. "Apphia, why are you with this man?" Lily asks. "He found me at the fountain on his way out, and we just exchanged pleasantries," I say, hoping I don't sound fake. Lily gives me a skeptical stare but doesn't comment any further—instead, Daisy sneers. "Paving his way in her good graces," "Why does he need to?" I ask. "Because he wants your help getting in the alpha council committee," she rolls lovely eyes as though it is common knowledge. Council committe? "Me? I can't do that," I mumble, frowning and glancing at Maximus, but his expression remains impassive. Could it be that he wanted to be my ally because he needed my help with that? " You're Luna of the Sapphire Royal Pack and Future Q
Apphia I glare at the brunette who hugged my mate at my Luna ceremony as she approaches me cockily. She has the perfect hourglass figure with big boobs and is wearing a low-cut black dress that shows off her legs. She looks at me like I'm dirt beneath her shoe. I try to remember her name, but it eludes me. She stops and scowls at me once she's within arms' reach. " Afia, is it?" she sneers. " Apphia," I correct, my voice small. She knows my name but is trying to aggravate me. This woman has come to intimidate me. I summon all the courage I require; I refuse to be bullied by her. No more. Those days are gone. " Oh yes," she says, shaking her head. " My alpha's new toy," I scowl, I don't like how she says " My alpha," " I'm not your Alpha's new toy. I'm his mate, his Luna," I retort, my voice leveled. " I would say congratulations and offer my best wishes, but I wouldn't mean it, and I'm not a liar," her piercing brown gaze stares into me. " I don't need either of that from
Apphia I can't believe my eyes. The bulky man hunting me down that night in the rain is glaring at me from across the road. I recognize him because I've seen him multiple times with Amir. 'The alpha will feel good tonight,' he laughed when I was struck down. What is he doing in the Sapphire royal pack? My heart pounds painfully against my chest, and panic crushes me. My wolf is telling me to calm down, that he can't hurt me, but I can't calm myself now. My body shudders. A harsh reminder of what happened that night rushes to me. My body is trembling. "Nicholas!" I call urgently, tears pool in my eyes. He ends his call and runs to my side. He opens the car door hurriedly and crouches beside me, his hands cupping my head. "Apphia, you're shaking. What is it?" he asks, worry lacing his voice. I point to where I saw that man standing, but he's not there anymore, "Someone was watching me. He was there, Nicholas. It's one of the men who were hunting me down the night of the atta