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 I approached the door, I hid behind a tapestry and peeked around it. Jethro stood before the Council of Elders. Aaron was to the side of them; the smugness on his face wasn't missed.Just then, I had gotten into position when one of the maids happened upon me. Her eyes widened in alarm. I set a frantic finger against my lips in a plea for her silence."Please," I begged in a whisper. "Don't wake Jethro and the others. All I want to know is what's going on."The maid's face slackened, and she nodded imperceptibly. "Follow me," she said, whispering.She took me to a small serving room that adjoined the throne room. "You can listen from in here," she said. "But be careful, they might notice you."As she handed me a tray of drinks, her whispered voice rose. "Serve the Council their refreshments. It will give you a reason to be here."I nodded gratefully, taking the tray. Entering the throne room, I kept my head down and avoided looking at Jethro and the rest."Refreshments,
Sara's P.O.V I stood in front of the bathroom mirror smearing a light film of moisturizer upon my skin. The soft candlelight lit around the room set a warm atmosphere and I felt a wave of peace wash over me."Do you think Aaron would come to terms with you?" I said to Jethro as my voice bounced off the marble tiles.Jethro's voice was low, even, and sure, from the bedroom. "He has no choice."I couldn't help but smile to myself as I thought of Jethro's stubborn face. I turned off the faucet and stepped out of the bathroom, wrapping up in the plush towel."What do you mean?" I asked, coming into the bedroom.Jethro lay across the bed, his eyes attached to me. He patted the space beside him, inviting me onto the bed."Aaron has to," he said. "He'll either buckle down under my leadership and work to rebuild the pack, or he'll have to suffer the result of his betrayal."I slipped onto the bed beside him, the heat radiating from his body. Jethro wrapped his arms around me, drawing me clos
Author's P.O.V.The full moon hung low overhead; its silvery rays streamed in through the open window and bathed the room in an ethereal light. Jethro's senses came alive, buzzing coursing under his skin as primeval forces stirred the atmosphere. The scent of Sara's arousal wafted up - a heady combination of woman and want that dragged him further down into desire."Do you feel that?" he growled low.There was mischief dancing in Sara's eyes, but an edge of curiosity, too. "Feel what?"He leaned in closer to her, his lips brushing her ear. "The pull of the moon. It's like it's calling to us."Her eyes went a little wide, and he could practically see her brain racing. "You mean…?"Yeah," he said, leaning back to meet her eyes, pupils dilating. "It's more than heat. It's instinct. Can't explain it, but I want you, Sara, in a way that feels bigger than us."Sara's breath hitched something ancient flaring to life in the darkness of her eyes. "Then let's not hold back."With that, Jethro
POV - AuthorJethro growled, a low rumble in his chest but the flash in his eyes made her stare in surprise. God, she treasured how she could catch him off guard with her control. She flipped him onto his back with one swift motion; he was surprised and wide-eyed; her confidence soared.“I am in charge now,” she purred, the corners of her mouth twisting up into an evil grin.Jethro smiled lustfully as he enjoyed this shift in authority over Sara. He fell backward on the bed giving up to her because he wanted to lead where she would go. A wave of excitement moved through Sara when she started moving, her hips swaying against him while feeling his burning desire within her.“Wow, you’re so amazing,” he whispered letting his hands settle on her hips only to guide her without taking over.She leaned down tracing his chest with her lips as they went further downwards. Each kiss teased softly and promised much more than what it said at first sight. She liked everything about him – how he
Author's POVAfter the passion was spent and they breathed in each other, entwined in a warm embrace, Jethro's eyes showered adoration upon Sara's tranquil face. Gently, softly, he caught her in his arms, holding her as though she was some captured treasure of fleeting worth."I'll wash you," he rasped low, his voice thick with tenderness.Sara opened her eyes, a dreamy, dispassionate smile caressing her lips. "You don't have to," she whispered back, her voice but a murmur.Jethro's eyes flashed hot with devotion. "I do," he said, and the resolve of his voice was firm, clear. "I need to take care of you, to pamper you."He lifted her into the bathroom, placing her on the edge of the tub. Gently, he began to strip her bare, his fingers tracing the lines of her body.The water was warm, so Jethro climbed behind Sara into the tub, wrapping his arms around her. He squirted some soap into his hands and worked it into a creamy lather.He tenderly smoothed the suds over her skin, his touch s
Authors P.O.V.Tease them with warm water running down her body, steam rose when she turned to face Jethro standing behind her, his eyes dark with desire. Slick shower tile beneath her feet; the noise of rushing water surrounds them - an intimate cocoon making her heart faster."Ready for round two?" she teased, voice thick with flirtation, as she turned, letting the water douse her hair.Jethro closed the gap between them, hot energy sizzling off his body. She could feel his gaze travel down her body as every drop of water clung to her skin. "I was born ready," he said low and gruffly.She turned fully into him now, and the water cascaded down over them in a sensual embrace. Sara felt the tension in the air, this magnetic pull that seemed to draw them together. She reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a deep kiss. Their mouths moved together, hot and hungry, as the world outside receded and they lost themselves in each other.Smoothening the motion, Je
Sara's Pov I opened my eyes groggily and saw the warm light streaming across the windows. My gaze focused and met Jethro's face inches away from mine. His eyes shone bright with adoration.My heart did a happy skip.And with that, all of last night exploded in my head in a gust of wind.Jethro's touches, those gentle sweet words, the rhythm of their bodies fitting into perfect harmony.My face was afire with embarrassment, buried in my hands, mortified."Oh no, oh no, oh no," I whispered, my voice muffled by my palms.A low chuckle rumbled through the bed from Jethro as his fingers pried my hands from my face."Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, eyes glinting with mirth.I peeked through my fingers at him. I grew even hotter."Morning," I mumbled, trying to burrow behind my hair.His lips brushed against mine in a gentle, light kiss."Don't be embarrassed, Sara," he whispered. "It was perfect last night. You're perfect."Yeah, those words did send a shiver down my spine, but it
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