Jethro's POV.When my parents died, I was sad, but I never cried, not even when my older sister was killed in the war that happened a few years back. And now, I want to. Because her words hurt more than anything.It felt like a sledgehammer repeatedly being gutted into my heart. I felt weak and sick, and I wanted to throw up. I couldn't believe someone could possess such power over me.The look in her eyes as she uttered those words would continue to torment me. I know for a fact that she couldn't refuse the mark for a long time before her body started reacting to it, but with the fact that she heard the conversation that went on with my officials, I was beginning to think otherwise.‘I’ll never be your mate.’Once again, like a repeated broken record, I heard it. Each time hit harder, felt painful, and agonizing.I never wanted her, but that was before I laid my eyes on her. Funny how the tables have turned. Now she's the one who didn't want it.I planned to change that, no matter h
Sara's POV.Jethro's face would continue to haunt me. What I said about never accepting him as my mate was harsh, but considering how we started and where we are currently, I didn't think it was unfair for me to say that. Even if it was a lie. If he ever cared about me, he'd not want to lose me.On that note, I ventured around the big cozy home of my mate's. If I am going to stay here for a while, I should at least know what occupied this mansion.“Luna,”My eyes snapped to the meek voice I heard. She was putting on a blue and white maid gown, and her brown hair was packed in an updo. She raised her bowed head and I took a moment to admire her soft features.Luna. She called me Luna and I've never felt great about that before. What's happening to me? I wondered.I cleared my throat. “Sara. Call me Sara.”She gave back a small smile. “I'm Elina, Luna Sara, Alpha Jethro's housemaid.”My eyes almost bulge out of their suckers. Did she just say, maid?? She couldn't be more than 20. Was th
Sara's POV.I stood there. In utter terror. Frozen in complete fear because I knew I'd be the next. Shocked because I just witnessed a murder. Terrified about the fact that my head would be the next one rolled away from my body. On the floor. In a land where no one liked me because I was a human. Instantly, I cursed my fate. All these would have been avoided if my mate hadn't found me.My mind drifted to my family. My mom. My sister. They'd live not knowing where I was if I was alive or not. My lips trembled. But I sucked it back in.My fight-or-flight mode kicked in. I refused to die without fighting for my life.As I watched the dirty wolf walk slowly towards me, his eyes filled with an endless promise of torture. What he would do to me before I die.He then grinned. His brown teeth opened up in what would look like a sinister smile on a human. The dripping blood of Elina made me stiffen in realization.I was so match for this beast. He would kill me the way he did her in an instant
Sara's POV.Despite what occurred at the library, I couldn't stay away. Sometimes, I find myself glaring at the exact spot where it happened a week ago. Elina...bless her poor soul, she just had to be the sacrificial lamb.Jethro refused to let me out of his sight ever since. It was like what happened scared him more than it did I. It was endearing at first because no matter the rough patch we hit, I still wanted him near. I did not want him away from me. Let's face it, what happened was frightening.But now, all I feel is irritation. He walked on eggshells around me, thinking everything was going to be a trigger. Maybe something was, but it is annoying now.I sat on one of the patio chairs, gazing at nothing in particular, yet everything that was happening within my eyesight. One thing I'd commend Jethro for his effort is the buildings that seemed to stretch on and on. This felt like the human realm, except that we are not. The kingdom is somewhere deep in the forest.The chirping bi
Sara's POV.I descended the stairs in a hurry to feed my grumbling stomach. I did notice Jethro and Elias sitting at the counter, conversing in hushed voices. I, however, ignored them both and aimed my way to the freezer.Pulling it open, I poked my head into it, searching for something I could use to satisfy my tummy for a little while but found nothing remotely satisfying.With a scowl, I turned around and started opening the cabinets. The ogling gazes and silence of both men behind me didn't go unnoticed.Still, on my quest for food, I said to them. “Please, do not stop on my account. Carry on.” Finally found bread, I grabbed it and decided to make myself a jam sandwich.Swirling around, I placed the bread on the counter and grabbed the jam from the freezer. I tried my best to ignore the holes that were burning into me and make my sandwich then go back the same way I came.I unscrewed the cover of the jam, scooped some, spread it on the sliced bread, and put it together before putt
Sara's POV.“Hi!” A bubbling voice of a young woman called behind me.I looked up from the remote control I held in my hand. Confusion swarmed in me as I kept on looking from the front door to where she stood. The lady had a very wise grin on her face that had me on edge.Her happiness is unsettling. I sighed, living with Jethro made me like this. “Um...hi?” I said...or asked, unsure of myself.She giggled, her eyes beaming with joy that it was almost choking. Almost. “Hi, Luna! It's nice to finally meet you.”What? Finally, meet me. I silently fumed. I've had enough of Jethro telling people about me and keeping me in a tight spot.Not in the mood for conversations, I carefully shut her down. “I haven't.”One should expect the smile to leave her face, but instead, it widened more. “Oh, I know!” She giggled again and I was already tired of her.Funny how I used to be a nice person, I guess if you went through what I did, you'd have no choice but to toughen up and expect the worst from
Sara's POV.Remember when I said Emma seemed like a noisy person? Well, I think I was wrong. She hadn't said a word since we stepped outside. I didn't mind it though, except for the fact that she kept on throwing glances my way, waiting for me to talk.I threw my head back in ecstasy. The evening breeze was amazing. My waves of hair kept spiraling at my back, I closed my eyes and sighed in pure bliss. God, I've missed the outside world. Now I am wondering how I survived staying inside for two months.“This is rejuvenating, Emma. Thank you.” We had both stopped walking. Just standing at the front of the cemented pathway outside the house.“You seemed like you were a minute away from snapping at everyone if you stayed a moment longer inside.” She shrugged.How had she known that? I opened my eyes and shifted my gaze to her. She fixed her eyes ahead but I knew she knew that my eyes were on her. Her short brown hair framed her olive face. Her arms were inside her jacket pocket which remin
Sara's POV.“I had no idea you felt like that, Cara Mia.”My stomach dropped, my eyes bulging out of their sockets. Even in my unconscious state, I would recognize that voice. I closed my eyes and bit my lips so hard that I was sure it'd draw blood. Ever so slowly, I turned around, my gaze connected with Emma first, who looked equally surprised before it settled on my mate.My eyes carefully roamed his figure, he looked so breathtaking from where he stood in the dark. The moonlight offered its use tonight. But nothing slapped me as hard when I noticed the emotion he had in his eyes.Hurt. Despair. And I felt guilty for what I said. Not because I said it, but because he heard it. He wasn't supposed to. I opened my mouth and closed it, unable to formulate any responses.I peeked at Emma who stood still, as if she didn't want to be called into this. You and I, Emma. You and I.I cleared my throat. “Hey, Jethro. I thought you were supposed to arrive tomorrow...” I gave a painfully aware s
Sara's POV As night fell, we spoke and laughed to make up for lost time. The announcement of the baby's arrival brought tears of joy to our eyes as Emma and Elias announced it. Henry and Anne's reunion was warm and welcomely received.We sat down to dinner at which time Jethro reached for my hand, his eyes locking mine. "I'm so glad to have you home," he whispered.I smiled, knowing full well the deep connecting nerve that was between us, and simply replied, "Me too.".Not one of my loved ones was missing from the dinner table, and for the first time in a very, very long time, I was whole.As the night wore on, Jethro took me toward our chambers with his arm securely wrapped around me."You're safe now," he whispered as his lips tickled my ear.I nodded, finally, the memories no longer weighing on my shoulders. "I'm home," I said out loud.Jethro's eyes sparkled, his lips curving into a smile. "Forever," he replied with a promise.I smiled in return; knowing all was right in the worl
Sara's POV As night fell, we spoke and laughed to make up for lost time. The announcement of the baby's arrival brought tears of joy to our eyes as Emma and Elias announced it. Henry and Anne's reunion was warm and welcomely received.We sat down to dinner at which time Jethro reached for my hand, his eyes locking mine. "I'm so glad to have you home," he whispered.I smiled, knowing full well the deep connecting nerve that was between us, and simply replied, "Me too.".Not one of my loved ones was missing from the dinner table, and for the first time in a very, very long time, I was whole.As the night wore on, Jethro took me toward our chambers with his arm securely wrapped around me."You're safe now," he whispered as his lips tickled my ear.I nodded, finally, the memories no longer weighing on my shoulders. "I'm home," I said out loud.Jethro's eyes sparkled, his lips curving into a smile. "Forever," he replied with a promise.I smiled in return; knowing all was right in the worl
Sara's P.O.V I hummed softly to myself as I cleaned Vincent's bedroom, my hands gliding easily across the surfaces. My eyes strayed to his dresser, toward that one drawer he'd always said not to touch. Curious, I wondered what could be so special in that one little drawer. "A surprise?" I asked innocently.My fingers found the handle and drew the drawer open in a second. Inside were heaps of photos. The first I picked was of a man crowned, an aura of melancholy diffused about him. A lot about him seemed so familiar, yet I just couldn't place who he was.I went onto the next picture couple embracing. The woman's face stirred something in my system. "Emma? Elias?" I blurred my head racing. Then, a sharp pain pierced my head, and pictures slipped from my hands as a groan escaped my lips.A voice reverberated inside my head, "I love you, and you are forever mine." But it wasn't Vincent's voice. There came confusion inside me. Picking up the coronation picture, the rise of tears was to be
Jethro's POV Three Months later…%.Three months had passed since that fateful day. I sat in my throne room, full of the grandeur of a restored kingdom but my heart was still shattered. Ryker's defeat and Tanisha's demise brought peace, but only Eldrid still stirred in my heart.Elias entered, his face solemn. "Your Highness," he greeted low. I did not even look up. "Did you find her?" I asked without any expectation of a different answer.The pause that followed was all the answer Elias needed. "Nein, Your Highness." I looked down, my eyes welling up hot. I had sent Elias to scour the ruins-to search every inch of the explosion site. But there was nothing. No sign of Sara. No indication of her fate.I clung to hope, tenuous as the thinnest of threads but refused to break. She may yet be alive. She must. Elias stepped near. His footsteps made quiet echoes in the still hall. "I have searched every possible place, Jethro," he said, using my name rather than my title. "I have interrogate
Jethro's P.O.V.I stormed down the corridors of Ryker's lair-my sword slicing through the shadows. Guards leaped to intercept me, but with rage fueling my movements, I cut them down with precision.Finally, I burst into Ryker's chamber, my eyes locking onto the man himself.Ryker stood calmly, an amused hint dancing on his lips."Where is Sara?" I yelled, my voice echoing off the stone walls. "Where are you keeping her?"Ryker's smile spread wider, but nothing fell from his lips. "Liar!" I spat, my hand tightening on my sword hilt. "I know you're behind this." Ryker somehow managed to lift an eyebrow. "Sara? Do you think I have Sara? You ought to know me by now, Jethro. If I had Sara, I'd leave a message. But I don't have Sara." Anger spilled over and I was yelling, "You're lying!Ryker's men drew their swords and, in the dim light of the room, angled them at me."Be careful, Jethro," Ryker said, his voice thick with malice. "You're on my turf, surrounded by my men. Your recklessne
Sara's POV I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess fogging my brain. Where was I? The air was heavy with darkness and an eerie silence.A faint splash sounded through the room followed by a cold trickle down my face. I jackknifed upwards, gasping.Someone was sitting beside me, swathed in shadows. My eyes slowly accommodated to the dim light and the outline of a woman appeared."Welcome back, Sara," she said, her voice oozing malice.The woman leaned forward, and a sliver of light danced across her features, revealing Tanisha's sinister smile."You must be wondering where you are," Tanisha said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Let's just say you're guessing with me."Memories came flooding back to Emma's visit, the figure in black, the knock to the head. My mind reeled; fear clawed its way up my throat.Tanisha did not even bat an eye. "You see, Sara, you're quite valuable to me. Your. Particular talents could tip the scales in Ryker's favor."My heart plummeted. Emma's words replayed
Tunisia's POV I was sitting in my dark living room; only a little light was in view, as it was occupied with dancing candles casting gruesome shadows on the walls. Marcus came in. "Ma'am, our spy says Emma is planning to open Sara's gate of energy for the war," he informed me with low urgent tones.My gaze jerked up; my eyes slit. That gate was the key to unimaginable power, and I wouldn't allow Emma to unlock it. "And?" I pushed my voice tight with anticipation.Marcus did hesitate this time before finishing, "Emma's trying to harness Sara's energy to aid her cause." My fist clenched alongside my jaw. That would be Ryker's death sentence. Failure. Defeat. No, I wouldn't let that happen."We cannot let that happen," I muttered to myself as my mind started racing. "Ryker would lose." Marcus stood before me, a look of neutrality upon his face. "What do you think we should do?" he asked.I smiled, cold and calculated. "We'll kidnap Sara, rendering Emma's plan useless. And this might jus
Emma's P.O.V.I pushed the door open of our modest home, worn out. The last few days had messed with my head, turning into a blur of anxiety and fear, as Mamma's condition deteriorated further with each passing hour. I walked toward her room, apprehension hanging heavy in my heart. Inside, she lay frail, pale with clammy skin."Mother?" I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. I took her hand in mine. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Emma. . my dear," she whispered, just barely audible. I forced a smile onto my face, trying to hide my tears. "I'm here, Mother. You're going to be all right."But before I could get her reply, Lia strode into the room, a frown etched on her features. "Emma, don't tire her out," she reprimanded, firm in her voice. I frowned, suspicion dawning that something wasn't right. "Lia, what's going on? Mother isn't getting better," I said, accusation creeping into my tone.Lia's smile was syrupy and sweet. "Oh, Emma, you know your mother's illness is.co
Tunisia's Pov I snuggled deeper into Ryker's side, my fingers tracing the outlines of his chest. His eyes gleamed with amusement, and I knew he was right where I wanted him."Ryker, now that Jethro knows about me. Secrecy," I started, letting my voice drop to a fragile state, "I will have to be protected even more. More men."Ryker's brow arched, and a teasing smile curled his lips. "So that's why you came to me."I smiled back, feigning innocence. "Can you blame me? You are the most powerful man in the realm after all."Ryker chuckled, his eyes glinting with desire. "And what do I get in return?"My heart skittered as my gaze met his. This was it."Whatever you want," I whispered, my voice husky.Ryker's eyes flashed to mine, an inferno of intensity blazing there. "Will you?" he asked, his voice so low it was little more than a whisper and sensual.My heart fluttered at the sound as I nodded, my lips grazing his. "Whatever it will take to ensure our alliance is solidified."Ryker's