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. "
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
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
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. "
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 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
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 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
Seeker I need to get my hands on the marked wolf. The spy we put in the pack noticed a silver, purple wolf in the forest running, and after following the wolf, it turned out to be the Luna of the Sapphire royal pack, Apphia Aeson. Fuck. It would make things difficult. Her position is too high. The Luna Queen of lycans is the unique wolf with the power I need to take my crown. " What did the sisters say?" I ask my third, Shona. We've been gathering our witch allies since learning the marked wolf's identity—just two. They can cast a spell on me that enables me to siphon the marked wolf's divine powers for myself. " They are ready. Once we have Apphia Aeson, we shall call them, and then they can begin the spell," she informs me, satisfied. " Good job, Shona," I praise. " Thank you, master," " And the spy?" I ask, suddenly remembering the young man. " I paid him and released his human mate from our holding," she answers. " You should have killed them; it's too dangerous, especiall
Nicholas What the fuck is she doing here? I know this girl. She's the daughter of the bastard Amir. She has been coming to my office to beg for her father's pardon, but all her requests have been shut down. I close the door behind me and glare at her. " Why are you here, on my bedroom door?" I ask. " I'm sorry, my prince. I came here to collect my items and heard you are visiting this pack. I wanted to implore you again for my father's release," she says. " The answer is still no," " Please, Alpha. He's a good man," she sniffs, tears filling her eyes. " Is he?" I question, reigning in my anger. She's at a loss for words. She, too, knows the truth. Her eyes filled with tears. Amir is a bloody bastard_ a pedophile. After extensive investigation, we discovered pictures of my mate on his phones and computers. The man was obsessed with her since she was a child. " I don't want to see your face again. Your father will serve the sentence he was given," I declare and get back in
ApphiaMy father is not the man he once was. He has lost weight, his eyes dull, and he has a permanent scowl on his face. It seems he has lost all spark in life. I want to turn and walk in another direction, but my legs won't move. For some reason, he scares me. Why am I scared? I try to get in his head and read his thoughts. There is only contempt, no kind memories of me whatsoever. It's just hurt and hate. He still blames me for his mate's death. And then realization dawns on me: this man has always hated me; my mother's death was only the tip of the iceberg.His eyes darken, and he regards Jerry beside me, mindlinking him. " Luna, he's asking me to leave," he whispers, eyes glimpsing at his former alpha, lips pressed in a thin line." Go," my voice is barely audible. Jerry hesitates for a bit, but I give him a light smile. He bows to me and leaves, leaving me with the monster in my life." You, I heard you're back," his silver eyes survey me. If eyes could kill, I'd be dead. I cro
ApphiaHe stands aside, talking to a few ranked warriors. I'm still paired up with Jessica. "Luna," she scoffs, throwing a punch at me, but I dodge it, "What happened to 'I could never date a manwhore like Duncan'? He's not my type," "He's my mate, and if the goddess paired us, then we must fit," "You're a hypocrite," she spites, angry tears in her eyes, "You don't deserve him__ any of this. You've never had anything good to say about the Alpha. Now you're getting praised for being a good Luna and kissing him!" "I know you're hurting, and I'm sorry, but I've given you enough grace by letting all you do against me slide. Can you exist without throwing shade or mean-girling me?" I ask. Ever since my date with Duncan, she's been the biggest bitch towards me. I tried to talk things with her, but she wouldn't hear it. "No, Nala, you were my friend and betrayed me by accepting the bond with the man I wanted," "Well, he didn't want you, Jessica. Get fucking over it, put on your big gir
Apphia The rogues that were caught had died from food poisoning three days later. There has been a clean sweep of security details around the pack; no one can leave or enter without a thorough search and reason. Now more than ever, we suspect someone wants access to the pack. However, we still don't know who or what they want yet. It seems a spy is in the pack, and investigations are underway to find out who. Duncan and Nicholas have been in meetings, strategizing while I've been bored out of my mind. The only action I got was yesterday when Calla and her two little minions cornered me as I left the woods from my run. I was alone. They wanted to intimidate and fight me, but suddenly, they couldn't move as I willed it in my mind. I controlled their minds and managed to do it simultaneously since they were weak. After I released them from the mental hold, they came at me, but I was faster than all of them and beat them black and blue. Ziora was excited, and I got part of my revenge on
ApphiaNicholas is not pleased to see me here. He's fuming as he approaches me. My eyes swiftly sweep him. Okay, he's fine, with not a single scratch on him. Drake and the twins by his side also give me a worried but disapproving look. "Apphia, what the fuck are you doing here?" Nicholas growls. "Don't talk to me in that tone," I retort sharply. He stops and runs a hand through his tousled hair, his eyes glaring at me, aggrieved. Drake walks past him and checks my minor injuries. "Luna, are you alright?" I give him a tiny smile and nod, "I'm fine, Drake. Relax. You trained me well," I wink. He exhales in relief. "I told you to stay in the room, and you disobeyed me," Nicholas says sternly as if talking to a deviant child. "And I told you I wanted to c—go with you, but you left me," I tell him disapprovingly. The four shifters with us silently leave, giving us privacy. “ It’s dangerous; you could have gotten hurt__ look, you’re hurt,” "It's just a few scratches, Nicholas.
ApphiaGavin's Lycan has resigned, whimpering in defeat. He knows what's about to happen and is filled with regret for this challenge. He did it on impulse, and now it will cost him his life. I hate Gavin so much for what he did to me, but I wouldn't want him dead because of it__ because of me."You're an unpleasant little Lycan," sneers Nicholas, ready to end him, 'No, Nicholas, please,' He doesn't turn to look at me. Please, no, I implore. 'Why?' he growls. 'I don't want another death on my conscience,' I tell him. 'It's on me,' 'Don't, Nicholas,' 'Why do you always call me Nicholas… No words of endearment,' he sounds sore and juvenile. I could laugh if this situation weren't dire. A wail resounds before I can respond to his question. The former beta female, Nancy, runs in, throwing himself before the Alpha prince, two hands rubbing together."Please don't kill my son.," she pleads, "He's all I have, please, I beg you," Nancy is crying, head bowed to the ground. I hate the sat
Apphia"Apphia!" someone calls me. I stop and turn. It's Nalani. She smiles and waves as she walks towards us. Next to her is her friend, Vivian. Nalani looks me up and down with a smile. "I heard you were back. How are you?" she's smiling hard. I can't help but reciprocate her excitement. "Hi, I'm alright. How are you?" "I'm fine. We were going to the pack to see you …" she glances back at her friend, but Vivian has frozen, her gaze solely on Chase. They are mates. Vivian, as though on autopilot. She moves towards my bodyguard and smiles, standing very close to him, "Hi," Chase steps back and quietly answers, "H—hello. " There is silence. Chelsea smacks her brother on the shoulder hard, making Vivian growl. "Are you going to stand there like an idiot?!" she barks. He finally tears his gaze away and meets his sister's eyes, lost. He doesn't know what to say or do. I almost chuckle. "Congratulations, you two," I beam. They regard me and bow their heads in thanks. "Ladies
Apphia When we wake up from our nap, it is evening. We take a shower and change into fresh clothes. I wear a pale blue V-neck short-sleeve dress. My hair is unbound, and my makeup is minimally done. My mate holds my hand as we go downstairs. Drake and Lily are waiting for us downstairs to go to dinner. "Hello," she greets me cheerfully, smiling like a cat. She is in a better mood than we arrived. Drake, too, looks satisfied. What did they do? "What have you done?" "There are quite some mannerless people in your pack. But we dealt with them," she grins, her eyes glinting. I don't want to know what they did, but I know it was in my defense. We head down to the dining room. Everyone sits around a long table laden with so much food and wine. I can read their energy. It is so different. Uniformly, everyone gets to their feet and bow their heads to us... My gaze immediately finds Calla sitting close to the beta; she's glaring at me with red eyes while Gavin looks pissed at my mate.