The following morning, I woke up from my sleep and went to the shower. I quickly dressed in a black dress and tights and went to the spiral table to smell my flowers and read my note, as always. I make my way to the kitchen as I’m hungry. I find Knox in the great room on my way. He is frowning and looking at his phone. "Good morning," I greet. Knox looks up from his phone and smiles at me. "Morning, where are you going?" he asks. "I'm going to see if I can find something to eat in the kitchen. I'm hungry," I say, rubbing my stomach. "I'll come, too. I missed breakfast," We go to the kitchen, and as we approach, something incredible is cooking. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are there; they beam to see us and bow their heads. "Luna Apphia, Prince Knox, what can we do for you?" Mr Wilson asks with a sweet smile. "We are hungry," Knox says, sitting on the island. Mrs. Wilson prepares food for us and then puts it before us. The plates are filled with pancakes, bacon, scrambled, and sa
ApphiaNicholas looks handsome in an all-black ensemble that seems too tight on his body. His muscular body is shown off, and his hair is tousled as usual. My body heats up, and I blush again. We leave the piano room immediately after Lily goes out. My apprehension is back; if Nicholas wasn't holding my hand, I couldn't have gone through this with this ceremony. "Are you ready?" he asks as we reach the back of the castle where the party is. " As ready as I'll ever be," I exhale. Nicholas kisses my temple and wraps a protective arm around my waist. We step into the garden, and I'm mesmerized by its beauty. It's like walking into a magical place decorated with shimmering lights, and lanterns. The garden is filled with the city's elites and alphas, all dressed most finely, chatting and holding glasses of champagne. How did they even prepare this in such a short time? Indeed, Lady Anaiah knew how to throw a party. There is even a huge stage set at the end of the red carpet. " How m
Apphia "You don't have to give me an answer now. Think about it," Maximus says. I nod at last, and he returns the nod. I need to learn more about his pack. Last time, he mentioned he has a fast-growing pack in the city. My wolf is suddenly alert and excited. 'Our mate is nearby,' "We should go back before they send an army to look for you,""I'll be in shortly," Without glancing back, I follow my mate's intoxicating scent. However, what I see makes my heart shatter. A hot brunette in a skimpy outfit has her arms on him while he holds her arms, gazing at each other. Nicholas' gaze meets mine, and his eyes widen. Tears stream down my face, and I turn on my heel and run from there. "Apphia!" I hear him call. Nicholas' povWhen I couldn't find Apphia inside, I searched for her in the garden. Unfortunately, my former girlfriend, Brooklyn, followed me and started to whine about me introducing another woman as my Luna, which hurt her feelings. "Nicholas, she can't please you how I can
Duncan‘ Brother, you're my favorite person in the whole wide world!’ a memory of five year Apphia flashes in my head. She cradled my head, smiling. My mother who sat cross us watched us interact with a smile, and adoration in her eyes. I felt it, and my heart felt like it was being torn from my chest. My sister, my only sister's bond, had been severed from the Ivory moon pack, and as the new alpha, I felt it. It hurt. It has been two months since she's been missing, and I'm doing everything to find her, but it's futile as the royal city is too vast. Gavin, too, is beside himself with regret. He almost went crazy when he felt the bond that connected Apphia to the pack break. My father, the old bastard, didn't care too much about it or didn't show it, but I saw concern in his eyes. There are only a few reasons pack links are severed, either death or entering a new pack. I pray each waking moment that it is the latter. My fingers touch the the locket chain around my neck. It was given
Gavin I was missing my mate like crazy. I wanted her so badly. I regretted my decision to reject her. I should have accepted her and kept her safe. I leave my office and go to my Alpha's office. I need to ask if there is any news of Apphia. My wolf and I are desperate to get her back. Duncan only talks to me when we talk about the pack and work. I'm told by an omega that he saw Duncan in the backyard, and I go there. However, when I reach the packhouse backyard, I hear screaming. "Let me go!" a woman screams. "No, why are you running away from me?! " That sounds like my Alpha. I rush down the woods, where the voices come from into the clearing, following my Alpha's disgruntled voice. Duncan is holding a girl in his arms. I recognize her as our former gamma's daughter, Nalani. She is pushing him away, but he doesn't release her, holding her tightly against his chest. "Duncan! What do you think you're doing?" I run towards them, but he growls at me. "Dude, she doesn't want you
Apphia"Do you want me to fuck you, Apphia?" Nicholas' salacious' voice asks in my ear. I nod eagerly. I'm lying on the bed naked, my legs spread wide. My breath is ragged. "Nicholas!" I moan as he sucks my nipples. My body is burning with need. I want him in me so badly. My pussy is dripping. He smirks and slowly aligns himself on my entrance, his eyes heating with raw desire. "Please," I beg. He enjoys my pleas. "I love how you moan my name, baby," his fingers trail to touch my inner thighs, and I tremble. "Please," I breathe. "But you haven't yet said it, baby," his fingers leave my legs and trail across my stomach and up to my breasts, caressing them and fondling them. I cry out. I feel like I'm going to come with his touch. "I want you in me, please," I cry, desperate now. A cruel smile plays on his mouth as he slips his long fingers into my pussy. "You're ready for me, Apphia,"My eyes are darkening as I stare at the dark prince of lust. He is different. So carnal,
Apphia"This is one of the packhouses. It mostly shelters people we rescued from battles and different vile life circumstances," she explains as we walk to the entrance. This packhouse alone shelters over 500 people. We enter the extravagant mansion, and everyone is friendly and loves Anaiah. They want her attention, and she gives each one of them, talking with a perfect smile and just being so elegant and composed. She also introduces me to the people, telling them I'm their new Luna and warmly asking them not to be too hard on me. They crack a few jokes, and I'm in awe watching her. Eight hours later, it was getting late. Spending a day with Anaiah and visiting the packhouses was blissful. Instead of teleporting back to the castle, we walked as we had a heavy late lunch at the third packhouse. "Did you enjoy yourself today, dear?" she asks. “ I did, thank you for taking me,” "Next, I'll take you to the new schools on the outskirts of the city we are building. Not only that, bu
Apphia When I wake up, Nicholas's scent surrounds me. He's still asleep beside me, and it's such a divine sight. I take this opportunity to study him again. I will never tire of gazing at this man—my mate. I want to run a hand over his face, but I don't want to wake him. I want to kiss him. 'Do it,' my wolf encourages. I lean in slowly, carefully placing my lips on his, but it feels like he is waiting for me. He captures my lips and conquers my mouth. The kiss is tender but intense, nothing too erratic. His hands gently caress my neck, sending me a delicious shiver. We claim more of each other's lips, and when he is satisfied and I'm out of breath, he pulls away with glee in his gaze. "I want to wake up like this every day of my life. Good morning, my love," he says in his deep morning voice. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" I ask timidly. "My mate kicks a little when she's sleeping, but nothing beats waking besideher," he says playfully. I can't help the smile on my
ApphiaI 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. "Me too,"
NicholasMy 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 they a
NicholasEveryone 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 pretty," Ni
Apphia The pain I feel is excruciating. My body feels like it's on fire. Thankfully, it only lasts a few minutes before it subsides. For a moment, I thought my bones were breaking at once. I'm sitting at the edge of the mattress, Nicholas on his knees, his hand caressing my cheek. "I feel better," I rasp. My throat is dry and hot, "May I have some water?" Nicholas observes me momentarily and then gets me a glass of water. I gulp it all. "What happened? My body and bones were in pain," "The full moon is tomorrow, and your wolf is preparing for her first shift, so until then, you'll experience subtle pain," he frowns. "I've never heard of that," "I have, but it's rare. Others start shifting hours before the full moon," I cringe at his words. Shifting is painful, and I can't imagine enduring it even before the moon is at its peak. "How do you feel about your first shift?" he asks. "Nervous. I heard it hurts," he sits beside me, and I lay my head on his upper arm. "
Apphia The meeting lasted five hours. Two staff members from my team and three reporters who had gone to the scene joined us. We discussed strategy, budget, and funding. " Joe, email the CFO to ask for financial help. Also, send over the budget to them," I tell him and stand up. " Send me the email before submitting it. I'd like to go through it," " Yes, ma'am," he nods determinely. They all bow their heads as I exit the office even though I have told them not to often. I enter my office no sooner than my phone beeps with a message. It is from Vicky. We are supposed to have dinner this evening. She had been texting me for a week, but I blew her off because I was busy. Victoria Altamirano: It's 5. 10. I'm in the lobby, waiting for you. I thought I would come myself, or you would have found an excuse to cancel. I sigh and check the time. I grab my phone to text Nicholas. Apphia: I'm going out for dinner with Vicky. Missing you. I love youHis response takes less than a minuteNi
Apphia Maximus: Congratulations on your first day in office, Luna. Look out for Avril James. I stare at the message, swallowing, and then reply.Apphia: Who's Avril James? I hit send.Maximus: She's the Sapphire royal pack's chief financial officer (CFO) and mother to your nemeses, Brooklyn James. Today, Anaiah mentioned the chief financial officer's office. The CFO directly assists the chief operation officer on all matters relating to budget management, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting needs, and securing new funding. Maximus: Avril James hates you for taking the Alpha prince from her daughter and hence blames you for her daughter's attempted suicide. It is news to me. Brooklyn attempted to end her life. What was she thinking? For a man who isn't hers? How ridiculous!' She's crazy! And it seems her mother is, too!' shouts my wolf. I bite my lower lip in thought. If Brooklyn's mother blames and hates me, she will make it difficult for my office to acquire project funds to spi
Anaiah I open my heavy eyelids, and bright light fills them. I groan. Nicholas is wrapped around me like a blanket. My bladder is full, but there is no way of leaving his embrace without waking him up. However, I try to remove my body from him slowly. He stirs and mumbles something incoherent but doesn't open his eyes. What time is it, anyway? I glance at the clock; it's six forty-seven. I have a long day ahead. Anaiah told me it's time I start my Luna duties. I'm very nervous.I detangle myself from Nicholas and scramble out of bed, but he wakes up. He sits up on the bed, watching me with a scowl. " I'm sorry. Pressed," I apologize and dash to the toilet. I wash my hands and then brush my teeth before exiting. When I return to the bedroom, Nicholas is talking on the phone, his hand running through his messy morning hair." Yes... The shipment can be sent in the evening... Okay, I gotta go," he said, hanging up the phone and kissing me deeply. I grin when he pulls his lips away. "