Stella’s POVJust then, I heard it creaking from above me. I was frozen, wondering if it was Eliza sneaking around me. Then, just in cue, I heard my mother speak."Stella? You're not asleep yet? Can you get me some water?"My thoughts were spinning; I had to rise amidst what had just been known. It overwhelmed me. Walking down to the kitchen for water for my mother, felt like an upturned, canned-over sense of waves. Eliza was up to something. Something big. Big. And I was going to find out exactly what.I gave it to her and went upstairs to my room. I still had the past information about Eliza churning in my mind. I reached Sara's room, the door ajar, and with a little push, it opened. I eased it further, and there was Eliza in the process of ransacking my daughter's clothes drawer.The best scene flashed before my eyes, and my heart wanted to throw a backflip into my stomach, that Eliza got caught just as she had whipped around. She just stood there—like a deer in the headlight—her e
Author's POV"This is plain injustice, Aaron," Jethro turned dark in the face. "We can't judge her on what she is. We have to think of the circumstances.""Oh, but you've always been whining about the hazards posed by werewolves, Jethro. This time, you fret that one might die?"Jethro's eyes flickered to anger. "I'm defending her because she's innocent, Aaron. And she deserves our protection."As her question was asked of the mysterious werewolf, Sara's room fell silent; even Jethro and Aaron, locked horns, as the rest of the council and pack looked on, unsure of what to make from things. What was to have been a simple enough question now erupted into controversy. Things were only going to get worse."I will have none of this, Jethro." Aaron spat, his face growing red. "With your idiocy, you are jeopardizing the complete pack."Jethro's voice had amped up a notch from merely measuredly calm to where his eyes sparkled warning, even though he kept the volume down. "Aaron, I appreciate t
Author's POV"What is there left for me to do?" she asked, between sobs, turning up her face to Jethro's and Elias' eyes for advice.Jethro's face had softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We will not harm you, Sara. We will teach you to use your powers, and we will keep you away from the rogues. You are one of us."Emma had narrowed her eyes, her voice curious now. "Sara, have you any idea why the rogues want you end to end?"Perplexed, the brain of the woman wanted to race; the thoughts rendered clear. And, in an instant, much like she would open a dam, surged in the research by her father, the secrecy, the way often he would disappear for hours at an end."My father," she gasped out, barely audible. "He was working on something before he died. I don't know what it was, but I think it might have had something to do with me."Jethro caught her eyes with an intense gaze. "What do you mean?"She was trying to take a deep breath and mentally sort through the jigsaw
Author's Point-of-ViewShe rested her head on his shoulder, and her eyes were soft. "We're a team," she said. "And together, we'll face whatever comes our way."Only Jethro nodded back, now his grimness exposed on his face. "Alright then. We've lots to uncover and not a bit of time to waste."A chill went down Sara's spine as Emma and Elias walked away, leaving her standing alone with Jethro, the full weight of what she had been told now settling upon her.Jethro felt her horrific, unbearable pain, so he reached her. "Hey, it's okay," she said sifting. "You're safe now. We'll figure everything out together."Sara looked up at him with big eyes, and he felt his heart hurt for her. "I don't know if I can do this," she whispered. "I don't know if I can stand being part of this world.""But you don't have to go it alone, you know," Jethro soothed in a much more level tone. He reached up and stroked her face, brushing back a strand of hair that slipped across her eyes.He moved a bit close
Author's POV Sara's eyes fluttered open. She looked into Jethro's, where everything was serene, and she felt secure in his arms. His mating bond was strong, and she felt him deep within her."Jethro," she whispered, her voice barely audible."My mate," he replied, his voice filled with emotion. "You are mine now, forever and ever."Sara couldn't help but smile at the fact that for the first time in her life, she'd felt an odd sense of belonging. She knew she resolutely found her place in the world, and that was with Jethro.Sara felt a sense of peace she couldn't explain while lying so close to him; his arms practically possessed her. She knew there was a lot of trouble ahead, but with Jethro by her side, Sara could feel the strength to encounter it.She needed an interruption, and it came with a rude knock. "We need to talk, Jeth," shouted Emma's voice.Jeth looked into Sara's eyes and then sighed, finally letting her go from his arms. "I'm coming, Emma."Sara nodded, fully aware th
Sara's POV Nodding, I felt that calmness envelop me. So long as I had Jethro, I could get through anything.But the night couldn't completely hide the sensation that we were being watched and those rogues were biding their time.And then I saw him. There he was, waiting, in the shadows, fire in his eyes, waiting for me.My heart stuttered, and then Jethro hauled me in another step closer as he snarled, "Don't worry, Sara. I've got you."But in Ryder's eyes, I saw how it was so not over.Her eyes stared back at mine, almost piercing my soul, with such an appetite that it seemed to make my skin crawl. I'd won. Jethro was growling, his chest rumbling, his entire body tautened, and ready to spring."Well, well, that took some doing. Sara." Ryder sneered at her, sounding rather malicious. It had been a long time coming, but "I've found you, and now you aren't going anywhere."Jethro stepped one small leap in front; his eyes sparkled with anger. "No, Ryder, you are not taking this one. She
The memory brought waves of pain and anger through my mind, and Irene's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Yes, that will do," she croaked.A wave of her hand brought the magic rushing.enveloped me in its dark embrace-and with that, my mind was open to me. And then it was over. Irene handed me a tiny vial of glowing liquid. This will get you through Jethro's defenses." "Though remember, Ryder, there will be a price.My hands clenched around the vial, feeling the power surge in me. Well, I made a pact with a malevolent force, but I would risk everything in the world just to have Sara in my hands.Outside, I met Victor. His eyes were skittish. "Ryder, what did Irene do to you?"My smile that overtook my face at the mention of Victor was cold, and calculated, as I repeated, "She just handed me the key to Sara's heart, Victor. And soon, I'll have it in mine."The other man narrowed his eyes, doubtful. "What do you need with Sara, Ryder? She's just a pawn in your game against Jethro."
"Well, you're certainly getting a show," I muttered, turning back to my mom and Stella.Eliza snorted, then sat down in one of the armchairs. "Oh, I'm getting a front-row seat to the Sara and Ryder circus. Can't wait to see what comes next."I gave her a look that should have had her cowering, but she just smiled sweetly, taking a sip of her coffee. She knew she was getting under my skin, and I wasn't going to let her have her way with me. Hard, though, to ignore the kind of tension that brewed between us—unvoiced/hushed-up rivalries more or less simmered between us for a good number of years.I leaned a bit toward Stella and whispered, "What is Eliza doing here? I thought she had some major meeting downtown today."Stella shrugged and darted her eyes toward Eliza, who was putting her coffee cup to her lips with the indifferent air of a grande dame. "She showed up about a day ago, and said she needed to 'recharge' before her meeting."I arched an eyebrow. The Eliza I knew didn't even
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