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
Apphia"I want to go dancing tonight," Lily whines as we walk outside. "Who's coming with me?" "We are leaving at eight o'clock in the morning. You should rest," Blade murmurs. "You go and rest," she snickers, sounding slightly annoyed. Nicholas and I exchange a glance. I tell him with my eyes that I'm tired and want to rest. "We'll walk to the hotel," he says. Lily pouts, giving me her puppy eyes, but doesn't try to convince me, "Fine, I'll go alone," she resigns and walks in another direction, another street. Blade sighs and strolls after her. Nicholas shakes his head and extends his hand to me, "Shall we?" We stroll back to the hotel. The weather is crisp, the night is serene, and the sky is full of stars. A few couples are strolling on the steep street, holding hands or stargazing. Love fills the air. "Morgana was my ex-girlfriend," he says suddenly, " She was my first real girlfriend and love?" "I know," my voice is a whisper. Nicholas scrutinizes me, and then realiza
ApphiaWe are going to the Ivory Moon pack. Lily, Drake, and the twins, Chase and Chelsea, are going with us. They are in another car in front. Blade, too, wanted to join us, but he had to stay to run the pack. Lily will help with that task after she attends the meeting we will have while we remain. I'm nervous but not scared because Nicholas is here with me. He's holding my hand the whole ride. I have to remember that no one can hurt me anymore. I'm stronger and in a higher position than them. We soon arrive at the pack. It is just as I remember it—lovely, quiet, and clean. Our driver, Chase, is sitting beside his sister Chelsea. He pulls in front of the packhouse. My brother, Duncan, handsome and full of alpha aura, stands before the cars. His council is behind him. There are eight in total, a mixture of age and gender. Some pack members stand behind the council, keeping their distance but eagerly watching." Are you ready?" Nicholas asks. If not, I promise we'll return home and c
Gavin I had an emergency at the border early in the morning, so I wasn't there to welcome the Alpha Prince and Luna. On my way back to the packhouse, there was chatter and cries. Calla and her friend rush to me as soon as I enter the driveway. The woman throws her hands around me, sobbing. " What is it?" I ask, untangling her arms from me. " Susan and Orson are dead," I'm shocked. " Shit, I saw them before I left. What happened?" " The royal members killed; it was horrible, I hear," she cries. " W-why?" " Susan called that freak bitch Apphia a murderer, and they killed them," she shrugs, puzzled too. Apphia? Apphia is here? How? " Apphia?" " Yes," " The bitch __" " Don't insult her!" I growl, making her flinch. " Where is Apphia?" " She's attending the meeting along with the royal members, beta," Calla's friend answers. I rush to the conference room and open the door. Then, I see her. My heart ceases. I can smell her and see her! My mate is standing before m
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.
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
JamilaOnce adequately clean, I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a white, fluffy towel. I take a long look at myself in the mirror. My mom always says how much I look like her, but I don't see it. I'm slender, yet I have some curves. My mom has an hourglass figure to die for. I have long curly hair almost reaching my waist, while hers is coily. My eyes are brilliant silver that glints another color if you look closely, while hers are chocolate brown. I have plump, pouty lips, and she has full lips. Lastly, my nose is small and straight, while Mom's a button and cute. "I just don't see it, never have," I exhale. I wear black jeans, a black tank top, boots, and a coat. I also wear a black beanie and grab my mobile phone and handbag. My wolf is purring in excitement. I'm going to my mate. I have his name and position. It wouldn't be too hard to find him. My parents and siblings refused to give me any information about him for a week. Determined, I leave my bedroom through t
Jamila's povMy breath shudders as I look into the stranger's eyes I fell into. He's breathtakingly handsome with dreamy eyes, sharp features, and stubble. The world fades away, and it's only the two of us. Cold Sapphire blue eyes stare into me, surprise flicker, confusion, and then anger. The wolf within me is stirring, happy, and wiggling her tail. "Jamila, baby," my mother's voice breaks the spell. I look over my shoulder at her. "Get off me," the stranger almost growls; I don't want to get off him. He's so warm. He glares at me, and I oblige. My mom pulls me into her arms. "Are you alright, my baby?" she asks, stroking my hair. I only nod. Once Mom has released me, my father kisses my forehead. My sisters, Bella and Aziz, glare at me while my brothers look worried. "Jamila, what happened? We heard you scream," Dad says. "Bella's stupid cat scratched me," I point to Bella; she gasps and clutches her cat to her chest. "She's a liar. He doesn't scratch!" she barks. "Maybe you w
Lily's pov "Lily, Nicholas is not answering my calls. I went to his place, but he wasn't home," Mom frowns, putting her phone on the table. My brother has been beside himself these four years. He's detached from the world and everyone. I close my laptop and try to mind-link Nicholas, but as always, I'm met with a met block. So, I mind-link my chosen mate, Blade. "They are hunting down some rogues who were terrorizing a district in the south. Blade took him to distract him, and after they have a meeting at General Clark's manor," I inform my mother. She sighs and leans back in her seat, closing her eyes briefly. "He'll never heal. I should have agreed to erase his memories of the bond," she whispers. When she opens her eyes, tears are dancing in them. The death of Apphia was a shock to us all. We were in pain__ and still are, but we manage it and live with it, except for Nicholas and Drake. It's like they are just surviving. They both blame themselves for what happened to Apphia, b
DrakeFor a moment, I think she's sleeping, but then I see it... a trail of blood across her slender neck. Nicholas takes her in his arms, shaking her briefly, and then cradles her. He doesn't move or speak, just holding her, tears streaming down his face."Get them!" I hear Uncle Leondre's order. Anger surges me, and I look toward the mountains where Blade and Vicker are running. I see two women and a man heading for the hills. I recognize the three immediately, the two witches that helped that bastard seeker escape last time. They are not getting away this time. Before I can think, I'm already running towards them. I get there as Blade and Vicker tackle them to the ground. A fight breaks out; they are good fighters throwing their powers at us, but they are no match; we are fighting angrily—anger for what they did to our Luna. Getting momentum over the seeker, I get over him and punch him in his face repeatedly while the guys restrain the two witches, who are screaming, and thrash
ApphiaThe lake area is silent and beautiful each time I come here. The water is blue-green, and a blanket of green grass covers the place. The trees are greener across the mountain, and birds are singing. I stay with Drake and Vicker. I'm honestly tired from all the walking we did today. Lizzy and Jerry explore the area. Drake places a hand on my shoulder, and I lean into him, smiling. "You look tired, you're pale," he comments. "I'm hungry," I say. Having the wraiths inside me gives me ravenous hunger." I'll make you something when we go home, a special meal just for you," he promises. " I can't wait," I grin. Lizzy and Jerry are walking down the hills, looking pleased. "This lake is simply unbelievable, Luna," Lizzy hollers, going into the shallow part of the water. Jerry follows her and gestures for me to go, too. I exchange a glance with Drake, who looks displeased, "One minute, and then we are going home," I tell him with a sigh as I approach the couple. " Guys, we nee
Apphia I wake up the following morning to the buzzing of a phone. I stir; my body feels like it's been run over by a truck. My phone buzzes again, and I reach the bedside to check it. It is a message from Jerry. They have arrived in town. I check the time; it is a quarter to ten. I stretch my limbs, noticing my mate is not in bed with me. I mind-link him, 'Where are you, my love?' 'You're awake. Good morning, baby. How was your night?' I can hear the arrogance in his tone. He knows too well that we barely had any sleep because of his sex games. The whole night, he pounded into me, leaving his load dripping down my legs. We'd only sleep for not longer than an hour when I woke up to be fucked again, hard. My pussy still aches from getting pounded all night. He had his way with my body. Goddess, I loved it. 'My night was amazing,' I can't help the smile on my face. 'I'm pleased to hear that, baby,' I can see his smug smile. 'Why did you leave me in bed alone?' I moan. 'I ha
ApphiaI reach home in the evening and see Gwyn and Lily in the driveway. Gwen is Knox's ex-girlfriend, but she wants nothing to do with him now. The girl was having problems at her house, so Anaiah invited her to live here until her home issues are settled. "Good evening, girls," I greet them with a smile. Gwyn bows her head and answers my greeting while Lily rushes to hug me. I'm taken aback. I kiss her hair and hold her. "I missed you, too, Princess," I chuckle. 'I heard Mom and Dad talk; I hate what you did,' she mind-links. 'I'll be fine, promise,' I assure her. We pull apart, and she looks at me for a long time and then nods. "Where did you go?" I ask. "Gwyn went home to see her little sister, and then we got ice cream," she says as we walk inside the house. The girls are starving, and so am I. We head to the kitchen, but surprisingly, we find the whole gang there: Nicholas, Drake, Blade, Lily, and Knox. They are sitting on the island, chatting and laughing with each other
Apphia "They can't pull them out for another two weeks!" my mate bellows, fuming. We are in the study at the castle with his parents, Lily, Drake, and Blade. None of them are impressed with me. Since I left my suite, they've been giving me an earful; Drake won't speak to me altogether. "What were you thinking, Apphia," bristles Lily, disapprovingly shaking her head. "I was thinking we have a shot at eliminating the dark magic, and I took it. You all knew my powers could, but you didn't tell me," I accuse, looking at each of them. "They could corrupt you, Apphia. You shouldn't have taken them_" "You mean stole them," Nicholas snarls, still not looking at me. I roll my eyes and attempt to retort, but I'm already in big trouble with him. He has barely talked to me today. "The mages and Savannah are working together to create a spell to pull the wraiths out," Leondre says. "How is taking it back hard when she got them so easily?" Drake questions. "Because the dark magic wanted her
ApphiaWhen I open my eyes hours later, my body feels completely sore, and my body temperature is cold, even with a fleece blanket around me. Nicholas is sitting at the edge of the bed, back turned to me. I reach to touch him, but he stiffens, and I retract my hand. Memories of what I'd done rush back to me—the wraiths. I'm hosting them. I can feel them within me. I attempt to sit up but wince at the headache I feel. My mate turns to me, alert. He is watching me intensely, deciphering who's in charge. "Hi," I croak.A slight smile breaks on his face, and he almost lunges at me in a hug. He holds me tight; I keep myself from whimpering. "Hi, Apphia," He pulls away from me, cupping myself. " How do you feel, baby," " Sore, my throat is dry, I feel cold, and I'm so hungry," He closes his eyes briefly and kisses my forehead. " Something happened, Apphia, the dark magic, they entered-" " I know," I interrupt. He raises his eyebrows, surprised. " You know? how?" I exhale, ready t