Elena POVThe second my arms wrapped around the strangers neck I felt a deep connection. "Please tell me how we know each other. I can sense you are not telling me something important, something we are to each other."The man squinted his eyes to me, debating what to say."We were once destined to be family, but your father made sure that never happened. Since the day I found out the truth, my only thought was to take your life in vengeance for what he took from me." He paused for a moment, looking over my face and I looked wide eyed to him. I didn't feel afraid though, just shocked at his bluntness. "Tell me my Queen, do you feel your life is more important than others? Should some die so you could live?" The man swept his fingers across my check, tucking a strand of lose hair behind my ear as a shiver ran down my back.The man spoke with confidence, without an ounce of fear that he just threatened my life. "I don't understand, but I would never sacrifice another for myself.""Neith
Nate POVAfter saying goodbye to Damien at the party I sped down the halls, needing to feel my goddess before she was taken from me, again. I never wanted to leave her side yet every time I turned around we were being separated. I wanted Hope to speak to Ryker now and I didn't understand why she was holding back. How can she willingly leave me when every fiber of my being needed to be molded to hers?'El, tell Helena to leave and I'll watch over Hope. I need to be with her before she returns home.''Wow! Damien was right, you are totally whipped.''El, please. I don't know when I'll see her again. Let me say goodbye.''Of course Nate. I'm just messing with you. Enjoy your Hope!' She giggled just like my brother did when teasing me. They were spending too much time together. I slammed right into Helena as I turned the corner to Elena's room. "Careful boy!" she scolded me. She seemed a little more on edge than I remembered her to be. She was known as such a patient woman, especially w
Hope POV"Nate, I'm going to literally explode if you don't stop teasing me. Please baby, make me cum." My voice was filled with desire, and my damn Alpha mate soaked up every ounce of it. My body was always burning to touch his, to be under and over every inch of my perfect mate. I stopped questioning how it was possible to desire someone so much, or how ridiculous my body reacted to his. Now all I wanted was to give in to him. He needed to dominate me and I needed to submit to him. Something I didn't think would ever be possible of me. He pulled my hands down in front of me, then my body out of the shower. He grabbed my waist, lifting me up and I instantly wrapped my legs around him. "Nate please." I begged again, unsure what he was doing, but he only gave me that sly smirk.He undid one cuff then moved my hands behind my back and replaced it around my wrist. His eyes watched as my breast pushed up flush against him. I was pouring out on his abs and he just growled at my growing n
Damien POVI woke on my couch covering my eyes from the burning sunlight. "What the fuck happened?" I grumbled to myself, pushing up to my feet. Every muscle in my body ached.I looked down at my half naked body, examining myself for wounds. When my hand reached my neck I cursed at both the pain and memory. Chris marked me last night. All I wanted was him to realize what we were to each other. I knew it the second he pinned me in my office and threatened to kill me. Those black eyes with gold swirls was his lust building from the connection we shared. I had no idea he would lose all control and claim me like he did last night though. I looked around at my destroyed office that Chris once again smashed and found a paper on my liquor cart. Pouring myself a glass of whiskey I read the note."Burn this when you wake. I'm sorry about last night and that I left. My brother needed me after what I did. He is in a rage and looking for blood. I know you don't understand, but please tell no on
Ryker POVI stormed out of my pack house in a fit of rage. Not a soul came forward last night with admission or information and I wanted to kill all my members. In the history of Shadows no one ever marked another with out approval from their Alpha and goddess. I came to my conference room where only Shadows stood before me. I wanted to sort out this mess before my announcement of yesterday's events of linking Elena to us all."There are eighty five Shadows that remain in this world. Eighty five from thousands is all that survived. We were granted the strength of the moon and power of our goddess to protect our species from tyranny. Eight years ago I stood before you a young child and asked every member at that time how we would proceed. Every one of you vowed your devotion to myself and our goddess. Last night one of you broke that vow. Last night one of you betrayed every one of us and I promise you will pay for what you have done. I will hunt you and your mate and the goddess wil
Ryker POVI arrived at the hospital with Damien, Nate, and Elena curled up together on a couch waiting to hear from the Doctor. Nate's fingers lightly swept up and down her arm while she gently caressed Damien's head that laid across her lap. I wanted to rip each finger off his dirty hands then tear off the other's head.Elena heard my growl and looked to me with pure defeat. My eyes returned to blue and I slowly approached them. I had no reason to be jealous. I knew it was my wolf desperate to mark her, but we had to be patient. I needed to trust her or that day would never come. Elena rose letting me engulf her into my embrace and she let her heart break all over again. Everyone around us, from nurses to patients, whined at her pain."Baby, I'm so sorry. Do we know how this happened?" I spoke softly, still fighting my wolf to calm his jealousy of finding her in two other men's embrace.Elena shook her head no. I had bonded with the boy too and finally felt the weight of what happen
Serenity POVIt had been a week of nothing but training and studying day and night. I was itching to have a minute of fun or to see my best friend again. My father's eyes had nothing but love and guilt for me, while Nicholas had nothing but disgust that he tried hiding. He had this overbearing fake attitude of interest whenever my father was around that annoyed me to no end. Ramsey kept us both so busy with lessons either in the field or with books I barely had time to think of what a disaster my life suddenly became. Ester told me I needed to become stronger for Elena, so I pushed down my need to be a young adult and poured myself into my training. I would be ready with Elena needed me.I was standing in the forest with trees that seemed to reach the sky and so thick they hid most the sun. Dead leaves crinkled under my feet as my spirit connected with the roots below. I insisted on working on my earth magic, knowing Elena was still struggling with it. I knew that Ryker taught her h
Nicholas POVI tried concentrating on the words in front of me, but my resolve was breaking as this beautiful creature sat on the couch in front of me. She was lost in some sad thoughts as she sipped her tea and I couldn't help but feel it was my doing. I didn't have any real reason to hate her other than what I was taught my whole life; werewolves were savage beast who sought only power and control. Serenity wasn't just a sexy badass, she was kind, funny, and smart as hell. She had a natural talent in her magics, but absorbed information and quickly applied it in every way possible. I found her intriguing."You're doing it again." Serenity eyes met mine and I smirked at getting caught. I couldn't help but stare at her. She was so gorgeous with those thick lips, dark skin, and these hazel eyes with tints of yellow. I knew she had her father's electricity in her, she just didn't know how to tap into yet."What?" I shrugged my shoulders, brushing it off."You’re staring at me like you’
Damien POVElena and I stayed in her room hiding from everyone. We had so much drama in these few short months that we were both on edge."Oh, Elena dear. Why is Alpha Damien here?" Helena walked in rubbing her head confused.Elena looked to her sensing something was off. "Are you ok?" She asked."Fine my child. Just seem to have misplaced some time. I guess I'm getting old, no worries though. Would you like me to bring you some dinner?" Helena smiled and her eyes held that soft motherly innocence that we hadn't seen in so long."What do you mean, misplaced time?" My tone let my Alpha aura slip through. I knew something was off and I didn't like it. Not just for Helena sake, but that she was so close to my Queen."I don't know exactly. I woke in the pantry earlier and feel like weeks have passed. In truth, I don't remember being here in the castle that much the last month or so. Like I zoned out or something.""Or something." I growled. My eyes went blank for a few moments mind linkin
Serenity POV"I can't believe you came here, Nicholas. It was foolish and you could have been killed." I huffed in aggravation at my mate."Well, it was worth it because if I didn't we wouldn't be together. I know you had every intention of leaving me." He pouted."I did not!"He gave me a look telling me he knew that was a big fat lie. "Ok, fine, maybe I was thinking about it, but it hurt like hell." I punched him in the shoulder before getting out of the car."Awe! What was that for, beast?" He whined, standing next to me by the front door to our house."That was for making me like you so much. Now what are we going to do about him?" I pointed to the door where my father was close by waiting for us."No clue. Let's just wing it, I guess." He said, grabbing my hand and leaning closer."Wing it? You have gone rogue little witch boy.""I'm not that much younger then you S and I didn't go Rogue. I was born a witch and always will be. Your moon goddess and Hecate linked us together for
Elena POV"I'm sorry S. I was such a foolish child. I can't live without you. Please forgive me!" I pleaded."Seriously, I should be begging you. I lied to you your whole life. You're like my sister, my only true family. I should have told you everything years ago."We stayed in each other's arms for a long time, apologizing over and over. "Ok, I think we both agree we are sorry and forgive each other. Come sit with me and tell me everything." I pulled Serenity to my bed and we laid down side by side.We spent an hour catching up from Serenity's true heritage to meeting her father and unlocking her powers. She even mentioned a certain boy, Nicholas, but pretended like it was nothing. I told her about Tyler's betrayal, my father and Luna Marissa affair in both the bedroom and with experimenting on species. I went on about my love for Ryker and that I finally lost my virginity, which of course Serenity wanted all the details of. I gushed telling her about how Nate and Hope found each
Serenity POVI waited in the small village all night unable to find sleep. I missed Nicholas, but I knew nurturing our bond would only cause more pain. Once he realized the life we would have, he would reject me. Right now, I needed to focus on saving Elena and my friends. Hearing Chris say that Elena and Damien were searching for me filled me with so much happiness. I spent months away from everything I ever known. I thought the people I loved, hated me. That they all viewed me as a traitor and a filthy witch. Now I knew they love me too and I used that to push me forward. I dressed in a long elegant green and beige dress. My dark skin seemed to glow and my black hair was half up with lose curls. I masked my powers from my witch heritage, but didn't lock them away. If I needed to fight I would be ready too. The herbs I gave Chris were harmless, and I prayed he didn't figure it out it until it was too late to do anything about it.I hid myself in the crowd, watching Elena and Damien
Ryker POVI tore apart the forest in my wolf form, taking down one rogue after the other. I could tell which ones were feral beast that spent years losing their humanity. I wasn't sure if this was a way to release pent up anger or some offering to the goddess that I could still help our kind by ridding those that harmed others. I cursed our goddess, but still felt a devotion to her. My wolf was at odds with me, wanting to take complete control, but I wouldn’t let him have it. He would run back to Elena then we would all die.The words Elena spoke of my betrayal kept replaying in my mind. Her eyes held no longing or compassion for me anymore. Her love for me vanished and I feared I would never see it again.~ "There is nothing between us Ryker, not anymore. You broke my heart and betrayed my loyalty. Leave and don't return." Elena's voice echoed over and over as I tore the Rogues limb from limb.My wolf argued that she didn't understand the dangers. That we needed to capture her and b
Hope POV"Oh thank the goddess. Where have you been, mom?" I gave her hug but scolded her for leaving my younger siblings alone. "I was at the castle. After everything that happened I ran back here. Ryker stripped Christopher of his Beta title. He can't do that. We can't let this family fall apart. He is too invested in that damn girl who just crowned Tyler as King."Nate growled at my mom for speaking so disrespectful of Elena. "You will watch your tongue about our Queen. I'm done playing by the Shadow's rules." Lucian came forward and we could both feel the immense power radiating from his aura.I took a second to swoon over his power then smacked his shoulder. "Enough, this is my mother, you will not growl at her, understood. As far as Ryker and Chris are concerned they can sort their own shit out. Right now, we need to get our people to safety. Go pack a bag mom!"Nate smiled at my bossy tone and my mom looked between the both of us about to speak, but retreated to her room inste
Nate POVI looked around the forrest, looking out to our pack house, my home in the distance. This might be the last time I saw these lands. I let out a long sigh then turned and left. I shifted into my white wolf, grabbing my bag in my mouth and headed to Hope. Lucian was desperate to see her. He needed to sense our pup growing inside her. It filled me with a new purpose that I couldn't wait to fulfill.When I arrived to the Shadow Moon's territory people were running around like crazy. I didn't bother shifting to ask what happened though. If there was danger then I couldn't wait another second to find Hope.Her scent grew stronger near the cells which made me let out a ferocious growl. Elena told me she was taken prisoner, but I didn't actually think Ryker could put her in a dungeon. At that moment, I no longer cared who the Alpha was or what anyone's rules were. I was getting my mate and we were leaving to do this our own way in this world.Two large men guarded the cement doors.
Meredith POVI watched the ceremony from a distance with a shattered heart. Everything we worked for was for nothing. Both my boys defied the goddess and now all the Shadows would feel her wrath. I didn't want to admit it, but I was growing fond of Elena too. This new life she was about to lead would be one of a loveless marriage filled with nothing but to please others. I was sad for my son mostly. As much as I wanted them apart and I knew Ryker loved her. This could break our Alpha and our family. Too many secrets have lived between us for too long. I rushed back to the castle to change back to my body. I needed to be there for my sons when they returned home.I left Helena's body in the kitchen's pantry with enough sleeping potion to keep her knocked out for a few hours. If I wasn't able to return I at least wanted Helena to have a chance to get her life back. Elena was going to need her and her husband truly loved her. Helena was a good person and she made a good life here in t
Elena POV"No father! Please don't do this! It's a misunderstanding." I grabbed my father's shirt, kneeling before him, begging him to not kill Nate. The King's eyes turned black then back handed me across the face. The entire crowd gasped at the sudden hit he gave me across the face. They screamed for their Queen to not be harmed by the Savage king.My father cursed at his rash behavior. He knew he couldn't let his emotions take over, but everyone knew he hated to be challenged. I needed to do something."You want to be Queen, then kill this traitor and the crown is yours. Show our people that you will protect them." The King took a blade from a guard and handed it to me.I wrapped my fingers around the blade and the King took his seat. He knew I had to do it or I would lose the faith of our people. I looked out to the crowd in a panic of what to do.I slowly walked to Nate, giving Ryker a look of disgust. This time he caught my eyes and a sharp pain of guilt ran through him. I stoo