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
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 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
ApphiaThere are thousands of warriors. We didn't know how many our enemy had, so we had to prepare as many so we couldn't be outnumbered. The lycans and wolves are getting ready to eradicate the vampires attacking them. We have formed five groups, each with a leader. I will lead group E in rescuing the humans used as blood bags as I know exactly where they are keeping them while others fight. We are standing atop a mountain, secretly watching the vast estate. I'm wearing tight leather pants, a black tank top, and boots, and my hair is pulled in a tight ponytail. My mate snakes an arm around my waist and kisses my temple. "Please be safe. Don't hesitate to strike, and be quick on your feet," he says. "You too," He scoffs. I grin at him, knowing no one can come close to him in battle. His face is stern again. "Maybe I should go with you," he says."No, you're helping the warriors get rid of the vampires. Don't worry about me, Chelsea and Chase will be with me," "But_" "I'll be fi
Duncan After receiving my sister's forgiveness, I feel the pain I'd carried in my chest for ten years slowly dissipate. We are sitting on the kitchen island, all four of us, now eating the horrible pasta Nalani had made us for dinner. She seemed so impressed with her cooking skills that we could not tell her how awful the food was. My relationship with Nalani has improved so much, and I'm happy about that; we go on dates, and she joins me for pack duties; she makes a fine Luna. However, she hasn't let me mark her yet and refuses to sleep in my bed. It bothers my lycan and whines about it, but I'm patient; after my history with women, it's a given that she'd be reserved to give her all to me. But I let her mark me, to show her how much I'm committed to this relationship. " No, I can't have more without my stomach exploding; thank you, Nala," Apphia shakes her head, pushing her plate away. Her mate, too, refuses Nalani's offer to give them more food. The two exchange glances and ex
Apphia. After I told them everything that had happened to me and all I had learned about my new powers, my brother hurriedly left the dungeons. I glance at my mate, and he nods. I go after Duncan. He's sitting on the ground, back against the wall. I swallow and approach him."Duncan," he looks up at me, eyes red. His face a picture of devastation. He gets to his feet and tells me it's not my fault that any of that happened to Mom and me and that he's sorry for abandoning me. He did abandon me, but I didn't hate him for it. I've always loved Duncan. I was just hurt and disappointed that he treated me like I was no one to him, even after promising to look after me. I try to tell him that, but words fail me. Unable to produce a word, I turn and walk away. He's two steps behind me, silent. I go to the lake where I used to go. It is as lovely as ever; the air is crisp cold here, yet bearable. The lake I loved so much was now tainted with the night Rory assaulted me. Every place I look, I
Duncan Flashback'Duncan, i told you to take care of your sister,' Mom scolds gently after I tell her Apphia has run away after I refused to share my new toys with her. I would give her, but she destroys them, and when I scold her, she cries and runs into the forest. Mom scolds me… Even though she says she doesn't have favorites and loves us equally, I know Apphia is her favorite. However, it's alright because Apphia is a girl and needs Mommy more than I do. I'm a big boy. I just turned ten!"I went looking for her, but I got hungry and came back. I'm sorry, Mom," I tell her. She smiles__ my mom is the most beautiful mommy ever, but I love her smile more. She holds my hand; her hand is very soft. We go in search of my sister. We find little Apphia soon; she is playing alone at the lake. Her skin seems to glow more than ever in the afternoon sun. "Apphia," Mom calls, but my baby sister doesn't turn to look at us. However, the glow around her dims a little. "Baby, let's
Appphia I startle awake from my sleep, my heart thundering in my chest, sweating and haggard. Something streamed down my face__ tears. Nicholas rushes to me instantly and climbs into bed, knees on the bed and cupping my cheeks, "Baby, you're alright. It was just a bad dream," he soothes. I wrap my trembling arms around him. That dream scared me. Many vampires and two witches surrounded me. My body shudders, and I hold Nicholas tighter. He coos me, stroking soothing lines down my back to comfort me. When we pull away from each other, he wipes my tears. I take him in. His sculptured chest is bare, but he's wearing sweatpants. It seems he's been awake for hours. What time is it? My gaze goes to the digital clock on the bedside table. 12.34. Have I been asleep for that long? "What was your nightmare about?" he asks quietly. I fix the pillow behind me to rest my back as I tell him about my dream. He's frowning as I do, worried. Afterward, I take a long cold shower and wear jeans
ApphiaI'm bent over Nicholas' knee, my torso against him and my behind exposed to him, and a little sore from the spanking I've received. After a brief talk with Ziora, I decide to take this all in good fun, "Will you continue to disobey me?" he asks, his voice cool and challenging. "Yes," He exhales, raises his hand, and brings it down to slap my naked ass again... harder than before. I gasp at the impact. It hurts, but it is so hot and sexy—even his hard dick twitches. "Will you do it again?" "No," I concede, not knowing how long I'll last in this position without coming all over him. "No, what?" "No, Sir," "Good girl," he brings his lips to kiss my behind while he caresses it softly. I get on my feet and hiss at the soreness on my ass. Nicholas goes to the bathroom and returns with a bottle of oil. I'm trying to gauge his reaction; he seemed mad before spanking me, but now he's just stoic. And I can read his thoughts. He gets on one knee behind me and rubs my behind
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. 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 inside the room, shutting the
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