Sara's P.O.V I nodded, my gaze fixed on Jethro's pale face as he lay unconscious, his chest rising and falling in slow, shallow breaths.Tunisha's smile broadened as we approached. "Ah, Sara. Just in time. I've been waiting for you."A malevolent spark was gleaming in her eyes as her hand lifted and wove a pattern with her fingers through the air. The room almost seemed to darken, as if the shadows were lengthening and twisting around us."Jethro is mine now," she spat, in a tone filled with malice. "And soon, you will be joining him in eternal sleep."Elias took another step forward, his eyes flaming bright. "Not if we can help it, Tunisha.I took one step forward, my eyes fastened onto Tunisha's crazed expression. "Are you crazy?" I shook with anger and fear; my voice wasn't steady. "What have you done to him?"Tunisha burst into cold, mirthless laughter. "Oh Sara, you are so predictable. Do you believe that by just waltzing in, you can save the day? I have been planning this for m
Sara's POV Jethro's eyes widened as he turned to see Elias standing beside him. "You're out of the hospital?" he asked his voice full of surprise.Elias nodded a slight smile on his lips. "Yes, all thanks to Emma. She's been taking care of me, making sure I recovered fast."Jethro's gaze turned solemn, his eyes narrowing. "Ryker tried to kill you, didn't he?Elias's face was grim. "Yes, he did. But believe me, Jethro, he's coming for you next. We need to be prepared."Jethro's jaw was clenched, his fists following suit. "I'm ready for him. I won't let him win."I laid a hand on Jethro's arm, trying to placate him. "We'll face him together, Jethro. We won't let him hurt you again."Elias nodded in agreement. "We are all in this, Jethro. We all bring Ryker down and Tunisha, and we stop the twisted games once and for all."Jethro's eyes landed hard on mine, ablaze with an unyielding resolve. " Let's take back control and show them the true meaning of power."And just like that, the thre
Sara's POV As we walked back into the palace, Jethro turned to Elias with an apologetic look. "Elias, I am so sorry that I haven't been around much lately. I know I should have visited you more often while recovering ."Elias's eyes softened, understanding in his gaze. "You were under Tunisha's spell, Jethro. I know that. Don't apologize for something that wasn't in your control."Jethro's face twisted in regret, his jaw clenched. "I ought to have been stronger. I ought to have resisted her magic."I laid a soothing hand on Jethro's arm. "You're free now, Jethro. That's all that matters."Elias nodded. "Yes, and we're together now. We'll face whatever comes next as a team."Jethro's eyes locked onto Elias's, and in their depths was a deep well of gratitude. "Thank you, Elias," he said. "For understanding, for being here for me."Elias smiled, and his voice was warm. "That's what friends are for, Jethro. Now, let's channel our energy into something more productive-like taking Tunisha
Jethro's POV Her eyes had locked with mine, her lips curving into a soft smile. "I am so tired," she whispered.I brushed her hair, my tone low. "You are safe now, Sara. You can sleep."She nodded, allowing her lids to flutter closed again. I looked upon her, my heart so full of my love and gratitude; she had saved me-washed clean of the dark magic that had leeched inside me, threatening to consume me.I fell asleep with her hand in mine, having been lulled to sleep by that peaceful feeling that came into my heart. We were a long way from home yet, but at least with Sara, whatever lay ahead, we could do.Days turned into weeks; Sara was getting well day by day, and her magic came to the surface. We talked for hours every day, sometimes laughing, sometimes mapping out the next course of action against Tunisha and Ryker.Elias joined in, and resolution flared in his eyes. "We must strike soon," he said. "Before they gather a far stronger force."I nodded, setting my jaw. "Agreed. We sh
Jethro's POV I watched Sara listen, her reaction so evident on her face. "A witch and werewolves all under the same roof? You can't be serious, right?" she asked, one brow raised.Elias smiled and nodded. "Akira is one of a kind. She has always been into supernatural beings and has the special gift of helping them. She has been working with Emma, who is a hybrid just like you, Sara-part magical, part werewolf."I stared agog when shock overspread Sara's face as Elias dropped this bomb. "You mean, Emma is a werewolf?" she asked, her eyes so wide with wonder. "I have never seen her shift."Elias nodded. "Yes, and that's what makes you two so special. Your mixed powers are just so rare, and we need to help you learn how to control them-especially with Ryker breathing down our necks."As Elias talked, the impression I got was that there was a kaleidoscope of emotions dancing on Sara's face. She took a deep breath then, steeling herself against what was to come. "Let's do it," she said, h
Jethro's POV Sara shot back, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Says the man who almost got married to his crazy ex because he lost his memories of me."I winced, feeling a pang of guilt and embarrassment. "Hey, that's not fair. I didn't know what I was doing back then."The smile on Sara's face now became mischievous. "Oh, I know, you were stuck in the past-literally. But I'm just saying, maybe we both have a history of highly questionable judgment when it came to our relations."I burst out laughing, shaking my head. "You got me there, Sara. I guess we both have our load of baggage."Sara's face turned serious, her eyes locking onto mine. "But I'm glad we found our way back to each other, Jethro. I don't know what I'd do without you."My heart skipped a beat at the sentiment; a surge of emotion welled up within me. "I feel the same way, Sara. We've been through too much to let anything come between us again.Sara's voice trailed off, her gaze going out the window. "I hope so.
Jethro's POV Stella's eyes narrowed, confusion etched on her features. "But why? Ryker doesn't know where we live. We're safe here, aren't we, Mom?"Ms. Lauren's face grew uncertain, and she looked at Sara before answering. "We thought we were, sweetie. But Sara's right. We can't take any chances. If Ryker's men are still after her, we need to get out of here and go somewhere safe."Stella's gaze flickered to me, her voice dripping in skepticism. "And who's going to keep us safe? You? You're just a werewolf, Jethro. What can you do against Ryker's men?"I smiled wryly, understanding her doubts. "I'm not just a werewolf, Stella. I'm the alpha of my pack, and I have resources and people who can help keep you all safe. Plus, I have a personal stake in protecting Sara and your family."Sara's hand found mine, her touch reassuring. "Jethro's right, Stella. We need to trust him. He's the only one who can help us now."Stella's eyes didn't leave our clasped hands until she nodded very slowl
Sara's P.O.V As we got into the car, Stella looked around, fidgeting before turning to him. "Where will we be staying?"Jethro's eyes met mine in the rearview mirror before focusing on the road ahead. "At my palace. Elias would be in charge of keeping you safe alongside my guards."Stella's eyes had widened in surprise. "Your palace? What's that like?"I smiled to reassure her. "It is beautiful, Stella. You shall be safe there."Stella nodded, but her face gave away a doubtful pose. "And who is Elias?"Jethro's voice came out warm as he spoke of his friend. "Elias is my second-in-command. He has been with me for years, and I'd trust him with my life. He'll see that you are safe and comfortable at the palace.Stella nodded, but it was more to take Jethro's words further and a little deeper than to respond in like, and I knew that knotted ball of energy in the seat beside me; she said nothing, just digested it all.Jethro spoke again after some time. "We're almost there. Just a few mor
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