CalyxAgonizing pain consumed me, as if my heart and soul were being scorched by flames. The thread that connected Naomi and I disappeared, severing our bond. I could see her writhing in the grass, bound under the light of the full moon, and I feared that even my most powerful magic may not be enough to save her. She contorted and shook, her body struggling in her binds. Odette muttered something beside me, but my eyes remained fixed on Naomi as tears spirted from her eyes. Then, with a jolt, she collapsed to the ground, her once vibrant and energetic spirit now reduced to a lifeless heap. The candles that had flickered around us in a circle now sputtered and died out as she lay in a pool of her own blood.Dead.She was dead. I pushed through it and stood up, letting out a guttural roar that reverberated through the surroundings. “WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE!!!” My voice boomed with rage and grief. Odette, Tobin, and Ataz looked visibly unsettled as they stood before me, their metal m
CalyxAs I chanted the incantation, my magic fizzled and sparked, but ultimately did nothing. Frustration gnawed at me as I waited for some sign of success. Nothing … my magic did nothing. Perhaps because it had worked, and I just had to wait. It was something witches could do. Reincarnation would increase their powers. I had done it several times but there was normally a spell you had to say prior and the faint amount of magic Naomi possessed, I wasn’t sure if it was enough. The air hung heavy with disappointment as I realised my mistake and wondered if it was too late to fix it.My magic had been used to heal her wounds, and now she lay before me, seemingly at peace. Her cheeks, still stained with tears, were evidence of the pain she had endured. And yet, she looked ethereal in her white gossamer gown, which billowed in the breeze like an angel’s wings. I needed to complete the rest of the process by clinging to the hope that it might help her transformation.“Careful pet … you’re m
NaomiI watched it all. My body crumpled on the ground as Calyx mourned me. His fight with his coven. How he recoiled from the bond Odette had forged between them. I watched it all a wisp on the wind separated from my body as I tried to focus on what had happened but there was no denying it - I was dead. The air around me felt cold and heavy, as if even nature itself was mourning my passing.Despite the cruel and cold demeanour of Cal, seeing the look on his face as he lifted my broken body shattered me. The fear and vulnerability in his expression were unlike anything I had ever seen from him before, as he cradled me in his arms and gently placed me on the nearby bench. His pristine grey robes were now stained with my blood, but it seemed to have no effect on him as he paid them no mind, fully focused on me.“Cal,” With tears stinging my eyes, I tried to call out to Cal as he frantically dug into the earth. His face was twisted in intense concentration, muttering to himself like a ma
NaomiI sat by Cal’s side, watching him sleep as I tried to come up with a way to help him. Suddenly, time seemed to reverse and everything that had just happened was undone. Odette walked backwards down the stairs, meticulously retying Cal’s robe and sealing up his wounds as the blade slid back into place. Tobin and Ataz appeared before them, lifting Cal and carrying him back up the steps. The sun rose and set in rapid succession as they all came and went from the cellar. I even witnessed the disturbing interactions between myself, Odette, and Cal - how he used my body for his own pleasure without any remorse. Time sped up until the Manor around us transformed, its walls now adorned with unfamiliar faces that I could no longer recognise. It was disorienting and unsettling to say the least.As I stood in the open field, a sense of emptiness washed over me. The once grand Manor House, with its promise of luxury and opulence, was yet to be built. But even in its absence, the surroundings
NaomiI waited with bated breath, my body quivering in anticipation as I heard the voice speak to me once again. “Arise Naomi West!” The words rang out like a command, and suddenly my soul snapped back into my body with a heavy jolt. As I opened my eyes, I could feel the weight of the dirt-packed ceiling pressing down on me. But instead of feeling weak and drained like before, my magic now felt alive and electric, pulsing beneath my skin like a live wire. It was as if every cell in my body was humming with power, ready to unleash its potential.The weight of the ground was crushing, my chest heaving as I struggled for breath. Why did he have to pack everything down so tightly? My arm trembled as I desperately tried to wiggle it free, channelling my magic in a feeble attempt to escape. Unlike Cal, Tobin, Ataz and Odette, I had no formal training in harnessing my powers. I could feel the energy within me, pulsing and wild, but I had no idea how to wield it to do my bidding. My heart pou
NaomiI crept along the overgrown path that led to the grand Manor House, my heart racing with each step. This was a place I had promised never to return to, but now I found myself drawn back by a force beyond my control. My magic hummed beneath my skin, urging me forward. I took careful steps, avoiding any crunching leaves or twigs that might give away my presence. I couldn’t risk being detected here.As I approached the kitchen window, the faint murmur of voices drifted out into the open air. I paused, my steps sliding up against the outside wall closet to the window in order to remain hidden. I was going to help Cal and then find a cure for their curse, then leave them.I listened closer, trying to make out the words my magic seems to extend from me breezing in through the window until I was floating above the three of them. Odette stood in her kitchen wearing a luxurious silk robe that had slipped off one shoulder, revealing smooth, tanned skin. It was on purpose from the way the
NaomiAs my fingers tingle with newly discovered magic, I shiver against the cold and approach the towering Manor House. The massive black door taunts me, locked tight. I search frantically for a spare key in the potted plants lining the entrance, but come up empty-handed. Desperation sets in as I circle the house, hoping for an open window or a forgotten back door. But every entryway is sealed shut, no doubt Ataz’s doing to keep me out. I try to summon my magic. If I can transform myself into a shrub, I can open a damn lock.I grip the cold metal handle of the kitchen door, my eyes squeezed shut as I try to concentrate. But no matter how hard I turn it, the stubborn thing refuses to budge. Okay time plan B. I summon myself some cloth, wrapping it around my hand before I punch the glass, shattering into sharp pieces, but I quickly punch through them and toss aside the cloth to inspect my injured hand. Thankfully, a few scratches but nothing too severe. I unlock the door and carefully
NaomiCal guides me through the grand manor, up staircases and through hallways until we finally reach the library. The room is lined with shelves from floor to ceiling, filled with books of all shapes and sizes. In the centre hangs a stunning chandelier, casting a soft light over multiple tables and chairs for reading. “How do you even reach the books at the top?” I ask, amazed. Cal simply snaps his fingers, and a book begins to float down from the highest shelf, landing gently on my outstretched hand. “Of course... magic,” he smirks as I playfully roll my eyes and let go of his hand.“So, why did you bring me up here?” I can feel his eyes on me as I step into the room, the musty smell of old books filling my nose. There is a fireplace in one corner that lights as Cal snaps his fingers once more. The crackle and pop fill the silence as I arch a brow. He smirks again before his face becomes serious. “Training for you,” I must have gasped as he holds out his hands in surrender, an amus
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to all of my lovely readers who have stuck with me until the end of this book. This novel has taken a darker turn than I had initially planned, and I apologize for not providing enough trigger warnings. My intention was never to cause distress to any of my readers with the content in some of the chapters. I truly believe that Naomi's journey needed this darkness for her to grow and fight for her own future. I am aware that there are still several unanswered questions at the end of this book, and it was always meant to be a shorter novel. However, it also serves as a set-up for the rest of the Mated Series books. If you continue reading, you will find answers to these questions. For those who wish to know more about Naomi and a few details about Addison, they can be found in "Mated To My Promised Alpha." Naomi's journey has been a challenging one, and while she may not fit into the classic hero or "good" character mold, I was hesita
Naomi 2 years later The smoke of burnt herbs billowed in the small corner of the library in Greyclaw Ridge, where I had holed myself up. I rocked baby Addison in my arms, watching as she slept, taking in each one of her perfect features. A single tear rolled down my cheek as I cradled her, my little angel. The herbs burned like grains in an hourglass, signaling that I didn’t have much time left. I kissed her soft cheeks and delicate forehead. “My baby, if only you knew how much I love you.” Her little eyes fluttered open, and she smiled—a big, bright smile that tugged at my heart. I smiled back, even as tears blurred my vision. I heard her sweet gurgle, but when I blinked the tears away, she was gone. I looked at the herbs, now reduced to nothing but ash. I didn’t have any more. I’d have to wait until I could go to the store to buy some. A throb began to pulse at my temples, the telltale sign of an oncoming headache. I really needed to stop doing this, but the thought of never seei
NaomiOn the journey home to the manor, Cal drove his car, the bay disappearing in the rearview mirror. I finally felt like I was coming home.“I found something out, by the way. My old alpha… he has a son now,” I added casually after Hilda told me the reason Elio was so pissed was because his mate had just given birth to their first child a few days prior. I tried not to think about it, but the painful memory was already surfacing, squeezing at my chest.“I know. I already sent him our gift,” Cal replied just as casually, driving around a bend as my breath caught in my throat.“What do you mean you already know?” I asked, and he gave me one of his winning smiles.“I wanted to keep busy while you were away, so I put a lot of thought into his gift. Tobin helped me,” he explained, making my blood run cold. Fuck, that isn’t good.I tried to act casual, feeling anything but, as the car picked up speed, pushing me back into my seat. “Well, after how he treated you, I wanted to get even with
NaomiA Few Weeks LaterAddison was gone, and I found myself drifting down to the beach. I had been unable to eat or sleep much, feeling her absence like a missing limb. I knew she was safe—the small spell I cast told me she was—but that was my only connection to her. It was better than nothing. My body had returned to its pre-pregnant self, and somehow, that made things worse. Was she even real?I should go home. I need Cal now. I needed him to help fill the void, and I was tired of fighting it—the pull of the bond. I found myself walking back toward the Mermaid Claw Inn. It had been my refuge so many times since coming here. I stood outside the wooden door, watching the sign flap in the wind.I headed inside, unsure why I had come. Maybe I just needed to get out from under Hilda’s watchful eye. The place still had that same woodsy, salt smell with hints of malt from the ale. Jasper had a new barmaid. She was a wolf and seemed eager to learn as he showed her how to pour a pint. She o
Naomi2 weeks laterI had been feeling uncomfortable all day. Every step felt like a balloon about to burst as I paced back and forth in my room, hands gripping the swollen curve of my belly. I was certain the baby was going to arrive. I had kept to my room for fear of my water breaking in Hilda’s house. Her words of chucking me out on the street still ringing in my ears.I hoped the information I had found was enough. If I told him what I needed to cure our curse, I could persuade the coven not to make any more silver bullets or other weapons that would harm the packs. I had also found out a few of their regular customers and that Tobin had been working on a few new products. It was enough … I was sure of it.It didn’t matter what happened to me as long as my baby was safe, that was all that mattered. I had also been crying far too much, thinking about all the things I would miss out on as she grows up. Suffice to say, my eyes were puffy, and I was already sleep deprived. Hilda had to
NaomiElio grabs my hand and pulls me down narrow, dimly lit alleys before pushing me through the heavy wooden door of a dingy bar. The pungent scent of old beer and unwashed bodies hits me like a wave as I step inside. The patrons are a mix of rowdy drunks and slumped over figures, eyeing us warily. I know with a sinking feeling that we’re back at the same place Cal had dragged me to before.The bartender looks at us as we walk in, but one snarl from Elio has everyone going silent, looking away. They don’t care that he is dragging in a heavily pregnant lady with him. He kicks through the back door until we reach a dimly lit corner. The table he finds is small and wobbly, tucked away where the flickering lightbulb casts an eerie glow. “Sit,” he commands, and I quickly sink into the rickety chair. As I watch him he wants to know about the chaos of the coven. A sly smirk forms on my lips - perhaps I can use his reputation to my advantage.I clear my throat and ask nonchalantly, “So, how
Naomi4 months laterThe wind whipped through my layers of clothing, bringing a slight chill as I trudged down the narrow streets of Bloodmoon Bay. The search for the moon goddess and any clues about Richard’s son had been fruitless. My belly bulged with a baby that would be arriving in a few short weeks, and I still hadn’t figured out how to get the child safely to my sister, who had agreed to take it in. My mind raced with worry as I walked, hoping for some sort of solution before it was too late.A sharp gust of salty wind stung my face, whipping through my tightly braided hair and bringing a strangled gasp to my lips. I paused to stretch out the knots in my spine, only to freeze as I caught sight of a menacing figure looming ahead. My blood turned to ice as I realised who it was. Shit.Pure terror grips me as I sprint down the street, my fat feet pounding against the pavement in a desperate attempt to escape. My hands desperately drop my bags in order to clutch my tummy, the weigh
Naomi*** Trigger Warnings Apply ***It had been weeks later, and despite my persistent efforts, I still couldn’t reach the moon goddess. In desperation, I sought out a seance in Bloodmoon Bay, but was met with confusion and disbelief. They claimed the moon goddess was already among us, but I couldn’t sense her presence at all. It seemed like a ridiculous excuse to avoid helping me. Surely, if the goddess truly walked among us, we would feel her divine power radiating from her very being. But instead, I was left with nothing but frustration and unanswered questions.I had trudged back to Hilda’s failing to find answers yet again. I didn’t want to delve into the dark blood magic if I could help it. If things got worse, I figured I knew where to start for looking for a rogue that might actually help as part of this cure.I took back to sitting on my bed with a spell book reading through it trying to learn different techniques. The pages were worn, and I was careful not to tear them, or
NaomiI catch the sickly scent of Odette’s perfume as I follow her around the manor as she rifles through her wardrobe, packing a bag. Ataz stands on the other side of the room with his arms folded over his chest and a death glare on his face. “We have been through this. If you don’t want the others to get suspicious of you, I need to leave,” she whispers, but even with the softness of her voice, I don’t miss the harshness of her words.“You’re supposed to want to stay here with me,” he grumbles, like a petulant child who can’t get what he wants. Odette sighs as if this conversation is actually draining her energy. I don’t know how many times they have had this conversation. Odette is changed out of her robes. She looks fresh as a daisy and a glow to her skin that wasn’t there when she was first freed from the figurine. She slowly walks towards him, her hips swaying sensually as she crosses the distance. It’s a practiced art form, but it seems to do the trick.“Ataz,” she purrs, her v