Nalani My eyes open early in the morning. I groan and scream into the pillow, remembering the erotic dream I had of that handsome jerk. My panties are wet, and my body is hot. "Fucking stupid Alpha jerk!" I jump out of bed and decide to do some training. If only to get Duncan out of my head. His face is a plague that has taken over my mind. I don't want it. I need it to leave before it kills or crazy me crazy - crazy for him. The way he looks at me with his gorgeous silver eyes makes my heart race and fills my stomach with butterflies. 'He's dangerously handsome, that alpha,' chimes my Lycan Nana. She is over the moon to have him as her mate, but I can't accept him after everything I know about him. However, even spending hours in the gym couldn't rid the memories of him. His smile and beautiful face. Those sharp features and skin that glows. How good it would feel to be under him, ' Or over him,' Yes, that, too. I would ride—no. No, Nala, stop your thoughts. I coach myself
Nalani "Hi," I breathe, my voice demurely low. Catch a grip, Greene. Duncan is wearing a black shirt rolled up to his elbows, the first two buttons undone to show off his gleaming skin and chain around his neck. He's also wearing black pants. I have to work hard to stabilize my erratic heartbeat. I have no doubt he can hear it. "You look stunning," he says. "T- thank you," Did I just stutter? What the fuck is going on with me? It's probably his smell. He smells delicious! I feel my cheeks heat up. His gaze is too much for me. "Nalani, we should talk, don't you think?" His handsome face expresses concern. I nod. Mom is right; I should hear him out. He gives me a dazzling smile, and my eyes widen slightly, my heart fluttering in my chest. It is the first time I've seen him smile. It's breathtaking. "I should find my parents," I mumble. Why am I acting so coquettish around him today?! Our fingers touch, and sparks erupt on my skin. I gasp and almost jump back. Our gaze meets, and I
Apphia 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. "
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
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