Apphia I can't believe my eyes. The bulky man hunting me down that night in the rain is glaring at me from across the road. I recognize him because I've seen him multiple times with Amir. 'The alpha will feel good tonight,' he laughed when I was struck down. What is he doing in the Sapphire royal pack? My heart pounds painfully against my chest, and panic crushes me. My wolf is telling me to calm down, that he can't hurt me, but I can't calm myself now. My body shudders. A harsh reminder of what happened that night rushes to me. My body is trembling. "Nicholas!" I call urgently, tears pool in my eyes. He ends his call and runs to my side. He opens the car door hurriedly and crouches beside me, his hands cupping my head. "Apphia, you're shaking. What is it?" he asks, worry lacing his voice. I point to where I saw that man standing, but he's not there anymore, "Someone was watching me. He was there, Nicholas. It's one of the men who were hunting me down the night of the atta
Apphia I glare at the brunette who hugged my mate at my Luna ceremony as she approaches me cockily. She has the perfect hourglass figure with big boobs and is wearing a low-cut black dress that shows off her legs. She looks at me like I'm dirt beneath her shoe. I try to remember her name, but it eludes me. She stops and scowls at me once she's within arms' reach. " Afia, is it?" she sneers. " Apphia," I correct, my voice small. She knows my name but is trying to aggravate me. This woman has come to intimidate me. I summon all the courage I require; I refuse to be bullied by her. No more. Those days are gone. " Oh yes," she says, shaking her head. " My alpha's new toy," I scowl, I don't like how she says " My alpha," " I'm not your Alpha's new toy. I'm his mate, his Luna," I retort, my voice leveled. " I would say congratulations and offer my best wishes, but I wouldn't mean it, and I'm not a liar," her piercing brown gaze stares into me. " I don't need either of that from
Apphia "What the fuck are you doing here?" a growl resounds.We both turn to see Lily and Daisy Zhang approaching us. The Ladies look immaculate in their office outfits. Lily crosses her arms against her chest, glaring at the Alpha beside me."Sweet goddess," Maximus sighs, rolling his eyes. "Apphia, why are you with this man?" Lily asks. "He found me at the fountain on his way out, and we just exchanged pleasantries," I say, hoping I don't sound fake. Lily gives me a skeptical stare but doesn't comment any further—instead, Daisy sneers. "Paving his way in her good graces," "Why does he need to?" I ask. "Because he wants your help getting in the alpha council committee," she rolls lovely eyes as though it is common knowledge. Council committe? "Me? I can't do that," I mumble, frowning and glancing at Maximus, but his expression remains impassive. Could it be that he wanted to be my ally because he needed my help with that? " You're Luna of the Sapphire Royal Pack and Future Q
Apphia "S- should I be expecting anything? What should I do?" I ask nervously, blushing deeply. "No, sweetie, trust me when I say your body will know what to do when the time comes. It knows everything," Lily answers. "And you're lucky you're doing it with your mate for the first time. He will be gentle and ensure you're good," Daisy adds. "How old were you when you had sex the first time," "I was fifteen, and it hurt because he was rough," Daisy snarls, scrunching her face, " He didn't even make me come, that idiot," My mood is dampened when I remember my first time if I can call it that. It was painful, too, and I often hear Rory's voice in my ear when he was rapping me. I hear his labored breathing and breathe against my skin. My skin crawls. I breathe in and out silently, purging that awful memory from my mind. Lily squeezes my hand, knowing why my mood has soured. I glance at her, and she shakes her head, silently asking me to expel such thoughts." And you, Lily?" I a
Apphia I yelp. My heart ceases briefly. However, whatever it is, he grabs its neck and stretches out his arm so it doesn't scratch him with its sharp claws. I clamber out of bed and rush to him. " No, stay there, Apphia," he barred his teeth in a low growl. I ignore his command and stand beside him. The creature that almost attacked him is a tiger—a cub, but it's large. We glance at each other, my heart calming now that I know it didn't hurt him. The cub is growling and trying to scratch him weakly this time, as Nicholas has it by its neck. Its gaze snaps to me; mesmerizing large golden eyes stare into mine- into my soul. My heart melts as recognition sets in me. ' it's our friend,' Ziora says. " You're hurting her," I choke. " It wants to attack me," he grits. " It's Shai," I whisper, not taking my eyes off the cub. Nicholas instantly puts her on the floor. The two glare at each other briefly, and then the cub strides toward me; Nicholas grabs my elbow, protective, still
Apphia " I want you, Nicholas," I murmur, warm tingles running down my body. He smiles wickedly at me. I run my thumb over his mouth, and his lips open, taking my thumb in his mouth and sucking it hard, his gaze intently on mine. It's so hot. Nicholas takes me towards the bed and gently puts me in the middle, my back against the fluffy pillows. He kneels before my feet and resumes the kiss. I close my eyes, melting into the kiss. He retreats, gazing at me again in awe. " You're perfection, Apphia," he whispers. My breath is stuck in my throat. I can't take my gaze off him. He's freaking gorgeous! Nicholas' long fingers caress my inner thighs, making me shiver. He is watching me with amusement, enjoying my reactions to him. His fingers go up my thigh and touch my sex over my thong. My heart leaps. His lips quirk into what resembles a smile. He moves my thong aside and skims my clit, massaging it. His gaze is intense on me, hypnotizing me with his orbs. My breath is getting sha
ApphiaWhy hasn't he marked me? I wonder. Is he unsure about me? Does he not want me to feel what he does? I'm prepared to ask him, but Ziora stops me. Nicholas slowly slips out of me and stands beside the bed. I close my eyes, reeling from everything that happened. I feel him hover over me again and kiss my neck, licking and nibbling it. " You're so intoxicating," he mutters. I can feel his dick hardening again. His hips thrust gently against my skin. He lifts himself slightly and lowers his dick into my wet pussy. " You were made for me, Apphia. Your body was, too," Nicholas thrusts into me. My hands go to the back of his neck, caressing his skin. Our gaze locked on each other as he pushed deeper into me. " I love you, Nicholas," " I love you," We keep going. I'm a moaning mess again. My hips meet his pace fiercely. I'm about to explode again. I feel the build-up in my abdomen. Nicholas' canines elongate against the crook of my neck. He's about to mark me. It will show everyone
Apphia Nicholas observes me, his face impassive. I didn't want to raise the issue suddenly, but I couldn't stop thinking about what the brunette said. ' He likes it rough,' her stupid voice rings in my head. Nicholas wasn't rough with me. He was passionate and gentle, yet I could feel he was holding out something. Did Nicholas enjoy sex with me? What if he didn't relish it as he did with her?" Brooklyn?" he asks, his voice indifferent. " Brunnet, big tits, and brown eyes," I sneer. I can't keep the bitterness out of my tone. To think my mate had sex with her makes me feel so jealous and angry. " She's not my girlfriend," he refutes. " That's not what she told me," I answer." What did Brooklyn tell you," he almost growls. His gaze is stern on me. " That you left her because of me. And that you will leave me because only she can please you," I retell, frowning. Nicholas snorts. He reaches out to touch my hand. " She lied to you. Brooklyn and I broke up three years ago," That l
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