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'?" "
My whole life has been harsh. I have no purpose but to serve my pack, who constantly abuse me because they blame me for the death of my mother, the pack's beloved Luna Harper. My father, alpha Thomas Aeson, and brother, Duncan, don't care about me anymore. They don't defend me from the bullies. I cook and clean; on top of that, I'm their punching bag. I've been abused verbally and physically by everyone who could. I don't always let them mistreat me; I fight back, but when I do, the punishments I receive are harsher. My name is Apphia Aeson. I'm seventeen years old. I belong to the werewolf pack called Ivory Moon pack. I haven't shifted yet, so everyone is stronger than I am "Apphia!" I shudder when I hear the voice that calls me. He walks in with angry-filled eyes on me. He approaches me and slaps me across the face. I fall to the ground. "Where the fuck were you?" he roars. I shut my eyes, waiting for the burn on my cheek to dissipate. "I was- doing my assignment," I
Apphia"Hey, freak, chef is looking for you," Rory, one of my greatest assailants, says. He is evil and once beat me to a pulp because I rejected his advances. He left me in the cold streets, bleeding. I still don't know how I survived that night. I found myself in the hospital the following day. However, I couldn't continue with treatment because I was not allowed any medical care. " Dickass," I growl. His eyes flash. Damn, I angered him again. Rory grabs my hair and pushes me against the wall. He raises his fist to punch me, but I kick him in the balls with my knee. He doubles over, cussing at me, and I run to the kitchen."Where the fuck were you? Dinner isn't going to make itself!" Jeff shouts as soon as he sets his eyes on me. "We have many dishes to prepare. Alpha Amir, and his daughter, Aya, is coming early to attend young Alpha Duncan's inauguration next week," I frown at the mention of those two. Alpha Amir is an insufferable, creepy Lycan from a neighboring pack who d
ApphiaSapphire blue eyes, jet black hair, and the loveliest smile I've ever seen. He is perfect in every way, yet I can't make out his face. I'm lying on my back, my body trembling as his fingers tease their way to my core. "You're so perfect, Apphia," the stranger whispers in my ear. "I want to mark your neck and make you mine for real," His delicious lips descend on mine, and he pushes his tongue between my lips, exploring my mouth. His long, slender fingers are caressing my skin delicately, and I feel a burning sensation throughout my body. My pussy is pulsating and dripping for him. "You're mine, baby," he murmurs, eyes consumed with lust. His lips are subjecting me to more pleasure as he leaves trails of kisses on my skin. My breath is irregular. "Say it," "Hmm," a moan bubbles from my chest as I rock my hips back and forth against his massive hardness. "Say it," he orders. I shiver, and then warmth spreads as his delicious scent shrouds me. "I'm... Yours," H
Apphia"Y- you're my mate," my voice is unrecognizable to my ears. I feel a lump growing in my throat. "Shut up! I'm not your mate," he commands. My eyes widen in shock, and a whimper escapes my mouth at his harshness. Gavin grabs my elbow; sparks erupt over my arm again. My heart sprints as he discreetly drags me away from the packhouse into the forest where no one can see or hear us. "No," I whimper, knowing what he is about to do. Fear settles in my stomach at the thought of not being wanted by my soulmate. Even though mates are given by the moon goddess, they can still reject each other and break the bond. There is no doubt Gavin brought me here to reject me. I feel a burning pain in my chest, and tears fill my eyes. "You've dragged me here to reject me, " I say, my voice quiet. "Of course. What choice do I have?!" he growls, running a hand through dark brown hair, " You are the reason Luna, your mother, is dead. Because of your selfishness," Those words from his
ApphiaOn my way outside, I see Gavin in the common area. He's making out with the pack slut, Calla. I almost puke at the sight, and the pain in my chest intensifies."Hey, slut, stop," Calla calls me in her nasal voice. I don't stop walking. "Apphia!" she shouts. I stop and cock my head to look at her. "Did you not hear me call you?" she asks, getting off Gavi's lap and walks to me. "You said slut, and the only slut I see in this room is you," I say, making Nalani and Vivian burst into laughter. The two girls are never mean to me. Nalani tries to make conversation with me, and even go as far as to defend me from bullies. Calla gasps and attempts to slap me, but a growl from Gavin stops her hand in mid-air. I stare at my ex-mate; he has a blank expression. "Don't fucking dare hit my- her, Calla," "I won't fight her. Apphia needs to reserve her energy for Amir. He is taking her to his pack tomorrow, "Calla laughs. My eyes widen with fear. "What?!" Gavin, and Nalani boom, th
Apphia My eyes flutter open, and I feel the weight of someone on top of me. Sheer terror runs through me. I can't breathe properly. I fight to no avail. He's so much stronger than me. "Don't be a tease," he pants as he thrusts into me. A sob escapes my lips. "You're so dramatic, Apphia. I know you like it," "Stop it, please!" I cry. I hit Rory's chest, hoping he'd get him me, but he pins my hands over my head as he continues his assault mercilessly. "Help me!" I scream at the top of my lungs. He attempts to cover my mouth but fails. He smacks me, and I feel my lip split. I can taste blood in my mouth. "Why don't you just stay still!" he hisses, choking me. I feel like passing out again. I see a rock through my peripheral blurred vision and grab it. I hit him with a large rock against his temple several times. "Ahh," he screams, rolling off me. I use this change to stagger to my feet. There's a painful sensation between my legs because of his forced entry, and there
ApphiaI'm running as fast as I can. I don't know where I'm going, but I keep running for my life, tears rolling down my cheeks. I hear their thundering paws and footsteps behind me, their growls and snarls of excitement piercing through the forest as they enjoy the chase. I run faster. I hear a clap of thunder roll through the dark sky, and lightning strikes the ground. I lose my footing and fall to the dirt, landing on my knees and hands, but I get up instantly, dragging my legs and running again. Slowly, raindrops fall on me, and I get soaked. I'm so cold. I'm shivering uncontrollably. But the harsh cold and rain are unimportant right now. I need to get further from the men hunting me down. I can see the light not far from me. I'm thankful for the rain because it covers my scent and makes it hard for them to find me. My lungs burn with exhaustion, and my legs can't carry me anymore. I'm panting for breath. I need to hide, but there is nowhere to hide. I begin to slow d
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. "