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
Gavin " Fuck, that feels good," I grab a fistful of her hair. Calla moans as she sucks my dick. At least she's fucking good at something. Her tongue twirled and played around my dick, making me growl in pleasure. I move my hips faster, and she follows my speed. I grab the back of her head, shoving her head down, making her go faster. "Yes, suck my dick faster," I move my hips into her, my dick going deeper into her throat. My body starts to shake as I cum undone. I spill my liquid into her throat, and she sucks me dry. I exhale, sinking into my office chair. Calla gets up, giggling and straddling me. " Did you like that, baby?" she asks. I nod, running a hand through my hair. " I did too, I enjoy pleasuring you, Gavi, imagine if-" " Don't speak, please," I've told her multiple times to shut her dumb mouth. " You've been so sullen and rude towards me lately," she murmurs. I growl and push her off me, " There you go again, speaking when I told you not to!" Cal
Nicholas " You've always been closed off, and I accepted it, but this is too much even from you," I ignore my mother's voice as I focus on my exercise. She keeps walking back and forth as I change my routine. "You are hardly sleeping or eating. It's unhealthy, we should have dinner tonight," "I'm fine, Mom," I growl, annoyed at her. " It's been a week since your mate has been in a coma. You don't talk about her to anyone. How do you feel?" she asks. My family has been on my case since I found my mate at the border, beaten. They are worried about my well-being since I've been more closed off than usual. "I hate that you bottle things inside, Nick. You won't explode if you vent or communicate your emotions out loud," I exhale and drop the dumbells, and face my dear mother. " I feel like fucking shit! It's been a week, and we haven't found who did that to her. They hurt her... So badly. I hate myself that I couldn't be there, that she had to suffer while I didn't.
ApphiaIt's serene. Very quiet. I love the quiet. I slowly open my eyes. The first thing I see is a high, bland ceiling. I scan the room with my eyes, turning my head. I'm surrounded by medical equipment. It's a hospital room—except it looks like a suite and it's airy. The furniture is fancy, all white. There are three people in the room. A young woman and a man chat buoyantly on a sofa on the left while a younger man, a teenager, occupies the other. He's furiously pressing on his mobile phone. "Our sleeping princess is awake!" The girl on the sofa gets up and comes to me with a perfect smile on her rosy lips. She is tall, gorgeous, curvaceous, and has flawless bronze skin. Long braids complement her soft facial features and clear sky-blue eyes. She wears a short blue dress and high-heeled shoes. She stares at me in awe, the look I get when people see my eyes. However, her look doesn't turn to disdain. She seems mesmerized by my eyes. "How do you feel, sweetie?" she asks
ApphiaAfter Nicholas and Blade leave, I stare at Lily. She has an amused look on her face. I squint my eyes; it's like she's reading me. I heard the royal family has unique gifts—they all do. What gift does the first princess have? " Telepath," she answers. She elegantly gets up from her seat and walks over to me. " I can read thoughts, put thoughts and images in people's heads, too," she explains; I'm stunned and unable to say a word. " However, I can't read yours, Apphia, and I have tried. It is the first time I've been unable to read someone's thoughts. How are you doing it?" " But you answered my question before I could ask," I murmur. " I just guessed you were thinking it because you realized we were royalty when Nicholas was on the phone," I bite my lips in thought. How come Lily can't read my thoughts? Not that I'm displeased about that. " Are... There people whose thoughts you can't read?" I ask slowly. "There are a few strong alphas who guard their minds, yes. B
ApphiaIt's late at night, and I'm in bed, wearing cream silk pajamas. I've never worn such pyjamas before, they feel wonderful on my skin. I close my eyes to sleep. 'I can't be with you. I'm the future beta of this pack, and if I accepted you, which I couldn't even in the next life, I'd lose my status. And besides, you're not my type,' a memory comes back to me. I'm crying as Gavin says that to me. He's rejecting me! 'I reject you,' that is my voice. I'm standing there, helpless, as I watch the scene of my rejection play in front of me. Gavin Jr was my mate! Tears run down my face. The scenes change, and I'm with Duncan, hugging him, and then I'm dragged away to my father's office. He wants me to go to Amir's pack. I leave the room and find Gavin kissing Calla; there is an altercation between me and that bitch, I run, and Rory follows me to the lake, where he assaults me. Duncan finds me after I've killed Rory; he's telling me to leave and come back when it's safe. He's sad. Very
Nicholas Apphia had regained her memory and was depressed, refusing to eat. She woke up to nightmares. Lily told me she does nothing but write in her notebook and journal and takes a lot of showers. She locks herself in the bathroom for hours, crying. My heart broke to hear that, so I decided to visit her. I missed her so much. "I'm going to see her," I tell my sister over the phone. She has been staying by her side. I'm scared to leave her alone in fear she might self harm or escape. "Nicholas, what about the necklace? Did you send people to look for it?" she asks. "I did, but they couldn't find it," I sigh. "Oh, no. It has a lot of sentimental value. Poor girl was sobbing when she realized it was missing," she informs me. I hope the staff I sent out to look for it find it. I could do it myself, but time didn't allow me, as I've been in meetings constantly. I end the call and drive to the general hospital. I entered the royal hospital suite easily, as I knew the code. She w
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