Sara's POV.Her hand reached out to mine which crunched the covers in my palms. The smile I managed to put on my face wavered at the look in her eyes. “Sara,” Emma said softly as she cast me a warm look. My resolve broke and I had to bite my lips to conceal my cry. I hurried her a glance and back to the baby blue flowery pattern covers that lay above me. Using my other hand to trace the flowers on them, I responded with my gaze remaining on the covers. “I don't know…” I swallowed, “I don't know how I feel, Emma. I feel conflicted, so many emotions at once. It's bothersome.” I managed to let out.“I know, sweetie.” If anyone told me Emma could speak to someone the way she is doing, I'd laugh at the person. I guess those are the pecks of a spy. “None of us were expecting that. Especially, Jethro…you should have seen him during the cost of the week.” She chuckled lightly.My eyebrows raised at that, I nodded to her. “Yeah, he looked like shit.”“Hm,” Emma eyed me, the serious look ret
Sara's POV.As the words Emma uttered sank in, I felt a mixture of emotions exploding in me. I truly didn't know how I felt, but the one emotion I was sure of was shock. Baffled. Terrified.‘You have werewolf blood in you.’ The words, despite hearing them, I still couldn't believe them. Because how was that possible??? I was nowhere a wolf, I was a born human.The words repeatedly echoed in my mind. Disbelief paralyzed me as I struggled to comprehend the revelation disclosed to me, just like trying to grasp a memory slipping away.Then the fears crept in, overshadowing every organ and muscle in me, rendering me weak. A series of questions arose in me as I struggled with the answers myself. What did she mean I have the werewolf blood in me? Will I turn into a wolf? Of course, you are, Sara! Will I lose control and murder humans and animals like them? The question I feared the most knocked me out of my breath. If I turn into a bastardized beast, what will become of my family and me?My
Sara's POV.The anger left him and his eyes softened. I hated the look he gave me. The one of understanding. Which it is not supposed to be. He should throw words back at me, yell, anything.Anything that would not make me break down in front of him.My lips quivered and tears attacked my eyes, I stilled them, refusing to let the water cascade down my face. “I'm no longer a human, you mad dog,” I repeated my last words to him, my voice was supposed to come out strong and angry. But it betrayed me.I craned my neck to the wall by the side, deeply glaring at the gray-colored wall while I tried to control my breathing. I couldn't afford to have another panic attack.I heard him take steps closer to me until he was directly in front of me before he stopped. The heat between our close bodies evaporated and I had to urge to close the space left.“Can we talk about this properly?” Jethro offered gently, his voice almost whispering. “But first, I need you to shower and eat something for me. C
Sara's POV.He winced, his face taking on a displeased look like what I said had hurt him. “Yes, that.” He breathed out before clearing his throat and connected his gray orbs to mine. “The only way a human can have werewolf blood in them is if they were never fully a human to begin with.”I threw him a ridiculous look, “what is that supposed to mean?”“Werewolves don't release venoms when they're marking their mate since they are already a similar species like us—”“So, you decided to release yours in me to turn me into a beast?!”His posture on the chair hardened, and my eyes trailed down the the clenched fist that lay on his lap. “Listen to me, Sara.” He forced out.The last thing I wanted was to fight, so I nodded.Ever so slowly, he began to relax. “When I marked you, I didn't release my venom into you. My intention was not to transform you into a wolf but to publicly claim you,” I frowned at his possessiveness. He hesitated what he was about to say, his face turning sour. “My mar
Sara's POV.I stood still, not able to comprehend what he said. My eyes flew open as I parted my lips in surprise. “What?!” I blurted out.He gazed down at me with a serious, “I am not letting you go back to the human realm with you. I am coming.” He spelled out.I opened my mouth and closed it, gaping. Coming with me?? What do I tell my mom and sister who he is?? Coming with me might make everything slightly difficult. This is for me and my family, he is not included.When I parted my lips to refuse, he spoke before me, seemingly knowing what I was about to do.“Or we both don't go.” I frowned, rolling my eyes. And he's back to being a possessive man. “And he goes talking about my freedom.” I sassed.“Sara—” He started but I cut him off, turning around and walking back to the bed. Sitting on it, I raised my left eyebrow in question when I felt his gaze on me. He looked away and cleared his throat before looking back at me. “Pack up, we depart by night.” With that, he walked out of
Jethro's POV.The thought of my mate going anywhere without me was sickening, my wolf wanted to go with her, despite me telling her she was free to do whatever she pleases, and for the first time in a while, I hurriedly agreed with him.Right now, he jumped with glee in my head at the fact that his mate hadn't refused his tagging along. Do not get me wrong, I meant what I said when I gave her her freedom, but the fact that I wouldn't be where she was going to, whom she met with, and without my eyes on her was…as I said earlier, sickening.I always wanted her near me. That would never change.Right now, I watched her curled up on the light brown, soft leather seat with her head resting against the tinted window of the car and her eyes closed. She wasn't asleep, that much I knew.But she was quiet, awfully quiet and it deeply bothered me. Sara never failed to fill me with her consistent chatter. It used to irritate me since I loved silence, but I've gotten accustomed to it and hated it
Sara's POV.Not soon after, Jethro found a hostel for us to spend the night. As soon as he parked the car outside of the dimly lit hotel lot, I scrambled out of the car as if it were on fire. My legs quaved under me and I managed to clutch on the car door, to prevent falling.I sighed heavily. When I was sure that I could stand on my feet, I released my stronghold on the door and then shut it. Jeezus, my limbs are sore from staying cramped in a place for hours and I wondered how Jethro did it yet he managed to stand upright.Perks of being a werewolf, I guess.“Are you alright to walk?” I heard Jethro's voice from the other side of the car.My gaze found him as he stared down at me with worry, I had no idea he was watching me. I mutely bobbed my head.He stood still, staring at me for any signs that could contradict my words, only when he found none did he nod to himself and remove his eyes from me.He peered around the quiet and dark lot before taking a glance at the door and returni
Sara's POV.I could barely contain myself as Jethro passed the lawn to the little car park that my mom created for guests outside our home. The two-story white house showed and I bustled on the seat as the leather made a crushing sound underneath me.Jethro chuckled, turning the wheel. “Calm down, will you? You'll see them soon.” His eyes crinkled in adoration as he stared at me.I looked away, blushing, and tried to calm myself down from excitement. As soon as he halted the car and killed the engine, I was out of my seat and the car. Running towards the white front door.I decided to wait for Jethro to catch up before knocking on the door. I could use my key, but it'd ruin the surprise.Once he was by my side with our bags clutched on one arm and the other rested on my waist, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.Breathing out, I opened my eyes and rang the doorbell. Nervously, I twisted my fingers together as I waited for someone to respond. When I heard nothing, I frowned slight
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