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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
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
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
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
Calyx Many years ago His strong jaws digs into my shoulder, biting down hard. I raised my hand, blasting the rocks from the floor towards him as he tumbles back, his black fur rippling as he snarls before charging towards me. I could already feel his venom pumping through my veins. My magic weakens before the rocks drop to the floor inches from his paws. His head tilts to the side and I can picture him fucking smirking at me. I hate wolves. He drags his paws through the dirt, deep scratch marks digging deep into the ground. Then he leaps into the air, his razor-sharp teeth aiming for my neck. Fuck, I’m done for. This is the end. The venom is slowing me down, my magic weakening as I let out the last blast suspending the beast in mid air, giving me enough time to roll out from under him as I quickly evaporate returning to the coven as I collapse on the floor. “What the hell happened?” Tobin roars as he pulls my shirt back, seeing the deep bite mark on my shoulder. “Shit,” he grumbles
Naomi Clap, clap, clap. The whip lashed into my back, tearing through my skin like a hot knife through butter. I wouldn’t make a sound. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of knowing they were causing me pain. Worse, it was fucking Simon who was using the whip. We had grown up together, but alpha’s orders, or should I say luna’s orders. Bitch! The whip cracked again and my skin ignited, turning sticky as my blood spilled from my body. My wolf howled as I bit my lips to stop from screaming. It fucking hurt. It wasn’t exactly an unwarranted punishment … harsh, but as much as I hated her, if I had been in her shoes ... I would have done something far worse. I loved our alpha. His brooding, domineering personality just turned me on. And before he met his mate, I was his chosen one; I was set to be his luna. The way he fucked me was unlike any other. It was primal, savage and yes, it hurt, but the pleasure … the pleasure was oh so sweet that a gal was hungry for more. So I saw an opport
Naomi My fingers quivered as they wrapped around the metal bar, delicately pulling it open, hoping the hinges wouldn’t squeak and the metal wouldn’t drag along the floor. By some miracle, it swung open effortlessly. Letting out a breath ... okay so I can get out, but now what? I can’t exactly walk around the pack naked to make my escape. I looked around my 4x5 cell and even the scraps of clothes I had had been removed. Pools of wolfsbane still remain its burnt my knees and elbows as I drag myself to stand. There is barely and inch of skin left unharmed. I take a tentative step out of my cell. It will be just my luck if there is a guard down the corridor waiting for me. My fingers still gripping the steel door for balance as I cautiously take a step out, ensuring the coast is clear. It can’t be this easy … is it a trap? If they know I have escaped will they increase my punishment? I’m halfway between my cell and the corridor, unsure what to do. My mind is cloudy as I blink, trying to
Naomi The drive is long and bumpy as I zone in and out, my eyes fluttering. It must be what, 3am now? Maybe later? My back is sticking to the shirt, but I can’t do anything about it. Once I get to Bloodmoon bay, I’ll be able to get some bandages or a herbal paste to help with the healing. My wolf still hasn’t come too, but I occasionally hear her still so I know she is just waiting for the effects of the wolfsbane to wear off. The driver pulls a sharp left as the boxes stacked high come hurtling towards me. Oh shit, I’ll be crushed! I brace my arms up, hoping to shield my back as much as possible as I brace for impact. It crushes me, but the lid cracks open, allowing me to see inside … not what I was expecting. There are some weapons and gold jewels. I grab a ring and a small dagger, where I rip the end of my shirt to wrap around the blade and tuck it in my boot. I slip two gold rings on my finger and conceal a gold chain into my shoe as a backup. At least I can hopefully trade thes