Delilah's POV:My eyes slowly fluttered open and I felt a shooting headache as if my skull was cracked in two. I winced in pain as I clutched my head and forced my eyes to fully open. At first, it felt like someone was tugging the cords of my brain but after shaking my head sideways, I could finally see my surroundings clearly.My eyes took in the white bare walls and I felt suffocated at the absence of any window or ventilator in the room. The ceiling was also white with too many tiny, flashing bulbs fitted in it.I could hear the beeping sound and my eyes drifted beside my bed where a bunch of machines were placed. They were the source of faint beeps. I frowned as I saw a drip bag dangling over the other side of my bed. Following the tube with my eyes, I saw it weaving around my arm and gasped as I realized that it was attached to the back of my hand, leading the IV fluid into my veins.Just then, everything flashed in my mind. Shadow Realm...Asteria...Lucien...baby...breeder...I j
Delilah's POV:Neither there was any sun in sight to indicate whether it was a day or night nor did I have my watch with me to get an idea about time.It must have been the next day when I woke up from a restless sleep and Asteria entered the room, which was more like a cell, with two maids in tow. They both were carrying trays in their hands which they placed on the table one by one.Asteria gestured at me to get up from the hospital bed, which I still had no idea why I was placed into. I walked to the couch and settled down beside her.She ushered the maids out of the room and then pointed at the tray, "Eat."I eyed the tray loaded with food and then at the other containing water and a few tablets. Honestly, I didn't want to touch any edible item there but Asteria gave me not much choice when she announced, "I am personally going to make sure that you are getting the proper, nutritional meal. That is essential for baby's health."I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. She was again at
Delilah's POV:Casting a brief glimpse at the door, Stella nodded her head in agreement, "Yes, I am. Just like you."I knew it. I had recognized her white, clean aura; the one that is only associated with the Healers. Being a Healer gives me the ability to recognize the auras around people and helps me differentiate them. That's why I perceived Lucien's aura as that of an evil person. But why didn't I identify Asteria's as a bad one? Did she hide it well using her magic or was she not evil by heart?Focusing back on the reality, I mouthed, "How did you get here?"She kept moving her hands around the machines to appear as if she was busy working instead of talking to me, in case we were being watched. Fumbling with the tube of the drip, she deadpanned, "The same way you did."My eyebrows furrowed in question, "So, you are not with Asteria in this plan?"She remained silent for a long moment and then sighed, "I don't want to help her in whatever crazy plan she had made." The corners of
Delilah's POV:I was lying on the bed, processing my chaotic thoughts and trying to find a way out. Xee must have known by now that I was missing but without any clue, how could he find out where exactly I was? I also thought about Adeline; was she back? Did she know I was missing? Despite everything, it seemed impossible for them to find me here and I had no idea how to go back.My train of thought halted as a piercing headache shot through my skull again. It felt as if someone was knocking a hammer on my skull, trying to split it open. I clutched my head with both hands and shook it but it didn't reduce the pain like before. If anything, the headache only became only severe.My vision blurred and my eyes watered as the room spun around me. My breathing labored as I felt the cords of my brain being tugged harshly. I tried to heave myself up in a sitting position. Stars flashing behind my eyelids, I managed to sit on the bed.With trembling hands, I reached for the glass of water plac
Xander's POV:Outside the library, I was pacing the ground restlessly, thinking about what to do next. My mind was a jumbled mess of chaos and worry but I was glad to get my hands on the first clue at least. Yeah, I still had no idea where they took Delilah, but after the CCTV footage, I was sure of one thing; the involvement of witches.The way that girl in the footage blew the powder on Delilah's face was enough to highlight that it was a witch's doing and, surely, there was this one particular witch who seemed very interested in Delilah in the past few days. The fucking High Witch, Asteria.I groaned in rage and punched the metal frame of the car. It dented with the force but that wasn't enough to bring down my wrath. Right now, I was furious with myself. I never trusted Asteria so I should have been more careful and kept a closer eye on her.But again, I didn't want to impose anything on Delilah or give her the impression that I was stalking her, she hated that and I was eager not
Xander's POV:Unlocking my phone, the first thing I saw was the time. My heart twisted for a moment as I noticed it was already 6 pm but I refused to give myself a moment of weakness. I must keep going on.Clenching my jaw, I dialed Lucas. As if he too was on high alert, he picked up immediately, "What's the update, Alpha?"I eyed the door in front of me, "I sniffed Delilah in the cottage."He rushed out, wanting to know more, "And...?"I explained through gritted teeth all about the door, spells, and electric shock.Lucas stayed quiet for a long moment and I let him have the time to think properly. After a moment, he started, "Asteria is a witch. If it had only been about wisdom and cunning tactics, we could have a chance to outdo her."He paused again and then continued deep in thought, "But...it's not only about wisdom and tactics, Xander. We must take into account that she is using magical spells at every step. The spells that are mostly impossible for us to break on our own."His
Xander's POV:After the deal was made, words were exchanged, and assurance was given, Deborah followed me back to the car. Settling inside, I checked my phone and saw a text message from Lucas. They had reached the pack mansion and were waiting for us.As I pressed on the pedal, Deborah turned in her seat and faced me, "So, how have you been? Long time no see."I glanced at her and cringed at the creepy way she was giving me a smile showing all of her rotten teeth in full display. Staring straight ahead, I answered her meekly, "Fine."If she took the hint to shut up, she dutifully ignored it and proceeded on, "This girl, Delilah, is she your mate?"Without looking at her, I responded with a grunt, "I don't see how that concerns you, Deborah."Not liking my attitude, she huffed out in annoyance, "Yes, it does. I am actually worried about that poor girl. It must be tiring for her to have a broody, grumpy lycan as a mate."She turned toward the window and grumbled under her breath, "I thi
Xander's POV:Breaking the eerie silence that followed Deborah's story, I walked ahead, "Okay, everyone, now if the introductions are over, we should move along."Leaning Adeline closer to his body, Lucas nodded, "Yes, for now, we should focus on what we all gathered here for."Turning around, I entered the cottage and strode straight to that mysterious door. I could hear quick steps behind me. Stopping at the door, we turned around and waited for Deborah to reach.Shuffling around, we gave her the space in front of the door. She assessed the door with calculating eyes that narrowed down at the lock. She was a witch, so she could sense the type and intensity of spells without even touching the things.The corner of her tugged up, "Locking Spell."I stepped closer to her and asked impatiently, "Can you break this spell?"Her head jerked to me and she gave me a vicious glare while hissing, "Either you are very impatient right now or you are doubting my powers, Lycan King."My eyebrow sh
EPILOGUE AFTER 7 YEARS: Delilah's POV: "But Mommy, I asked for the chocolate cake. I do not like pineapple one." Elina stated with finality. "Why does it matter, Ellie? It's okay if mommy couldn't get a chocolate cake," responded Liam. At that, Elina narrowed her eyes menacingly at her brother and reprimanded the innocent soul, "Some of us do have tastes and standards, Lee. It's my birthday, I get to have all that I want today." "As if that doesn't happen every other day of the year," Adeline chuckled. Elina pretended to gasp and hooked her hands on her hips, "Aunt Addy, that's not fair. You ought to be on the girls' team." Liam reminded her as an afterthought, "By the way, it's my birthday too." Eline tried to roll her eyes, another thing she had learned from her beloved Aunt Addy, "Ugh, please don't keep reminding me that. I don't like the fact that I even have to share a birthday with you, Liam." I have no idea how I got to have two kids with completely different personali
Delilah's POV:A moment later, the whole lawn glowed in the soft, golden glow. The whole setup was looking even more beautiful at night, exceeding all of my expectations. His footsteps halted as Xee was taken aback by the arrangements. Tilting his head to the sides, he assessed the whole area twinkling in the fairy lights and fresh flower decor. And then, his eyes widened as they landed on me. He took his time to gawk at me from head to toe multiple times, reincarnating all the butterflies in my stomach. Resuming his steps, which were slower now, he walked over to me. Grabbing my hand in a gentle hold, he lifted it and placed a soft kiss on its back, "I am 100% sure that I am not forgetting any important date. It isn't your birthday today nor any important day for us." I let out a soft chuckle, "You are kinda right." Letting go of my hand, he wrapped his big palms around my waist and whispered in my ear, "Then to what do I owe the pleasure to behold such a glamorous beauty today?"
Delilah's POV:It was that time of the year.The Claiming Ball was to be held by the Lycan/ Werewolf Council so that all the unmated males and females come in proximity and have a chance to meet their fated mates.As a member of the council, I and Xee were invited to attend the Claiming Ball and we had a good chuckle at the remembrance of our bittersweet memories of the last Ball.I was standing at the side while unmated males and females indulged themselves in the dance as per ritual. My eyes spotted Xee busy in a conversation with the other members of the Council.I was just about to make my way over to him when a tall figure blocked my way. I lifted my head to find a young man whom I had never seen before.I tilted my head to the side, "Have we met before?"He kept staring at me and then finally shook his head, "I hate to say this but no, we haven't met before."My eyebrows creased together. He was probably from some other territory who was attending the annual ball in the hope of
Delilah's POV: The next morning, I woke up to the sound of commotion. My eyes peeked open and I yawned, already feeling the soreness in my body. I winced at the pain when I stood up and slowly walked to the window. My eyes widened with shock as I saw Ethan standing in front of the mansion, hollering at the top of his lungs, "I don't give a fuck. Let me go inside this instant or otherwise..." He clamped his mouth shut when a new guard stopped by the gate, "The King said to let him inside." The guards opened the gate and Ethan huffed angrily before making his way inside the mansion. What the hell was he doing here? Quicking donning my PJs, I made my way downstairs slowly, thanks to the soreness. I arrived in the hall just in time to see Ethan entering. Xee was sitting on the couch in a suit, sipping his black coffee whereas Ethan was looking all disheveled and upset. He stopped in front of Xee and yelled, "What the hell is wrong with you?" Xee kept his calm and only raised his eye
Delilah's POV: As a wedding present, Xee had gifted the Europe tour for Luke and Addy. Due to some issue with tickets, they had to leave the night of the wedding day. After the reception was over and the guests were gone, we returned to the mansion. Everything seemed to happen in a fast motion and none of us rested until after bidding farewell to the newlywed couple for their honeymoon. It was only once they were gone had I returned to my room. It was such a hectic day and I couldn't wait to don my comfortable PJs and hit the soft mattress. Standing in front of the vanity, I was removing my makeup when the door flung open. In came the Lycan King, looking heavenly gorgeous in the black tuxedo. Hot lava spilled inside me as I noticed his eyes traveling down my body. His hand curved around the nape of his neck and he smiled, "You were looking so beautiful today that it was practically impossible to peel my eyes off of you." I knew he was right. I had constantly felt a pair of eyes g
3 Months Later: Delilah's POV:"I am really getting concerned about you, Delilah," I heard Xee behind me.I looked over my shoulder and found him with a tray in his hands, "Why is that?"He placed the tray holding a glass of milk and cookies on the coffee table and walked over to my desk, "Because for the last 3 months, you've been working nonstop."I let out a soft chuckle, "Now you are exaggerating."His eyebrow quivered higher, "No, I am not. Can't remember the time when I've not seen you hunched up on the desk, sticking your nose in all those books, jotting down your notes, and whatnot."Well, he was kind of right about that. Lately, I have been having a really hectic routine. After waking up early in the morning, I'd go to training. After breakfast, I'd be in the clinic that Xee had recently built me in his territory. I have been working hard to polish my skills as a Healer.I have started treating patients and I loved interacting with all the people. Occasionally, I'd even go on
Delilah's POV:Once again, I became the target of everyone's attention but I didn't let the nervousness or panic get hold of me as they all turned their eyes toward me.Instead, I took a deep breath and got up from my seat. Addy rushed in my direction, "What happened, Dee? Why are you interrupting?"I made a mental note to have a proper talk with Addy after returning to the mansion but for now, I had something more important to take care of.Without responding to her, I turned around and jumped down the stage. Gasps chorused around me as I landed on the Duel Ground but I paid none of it any heed.I kept walking to where Xee was pinning Ryan to the ground. The frown between Xee's brows deepened. He opened the mindlink, "What are you doing here?"He didn't sound pleased at all. Well, we were on the same page then. Shutting the mindlink down, I reached him. I tried to keep my calm but my nostrils still flared when I ordered Xee, "Get off of him, Alpha."A flash of betrayal shone in Xee's
Delilah's POV:"What have you been doing all day?" Addy asked curiously.I closed the journal I was writing on and shrugged lightly, "Just working on a few important things."Her gaze shifted to my study table but she passed no comment. Nodding her head, she said, "I am waiting downstairs. Be quick."Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I turned toward my closet and took out a pair of black jeans and a black shirt. It took me no more than fifteen minutes to get ready.When I climbed down the stairs, I noticed that the mansion was eerily quiet and empty. My eyes swept the area, "Has everybody gone to the duel?"Addy raised her eyebrow and remarked, "Who exactly would want to miss the chance to experience such a duel?"At this point, I was confirmed that my best friend had gone crazy just by living among the lycans for a few months.The car was already waiting for us outside the mansion. As soon as we settled inside, the driver revved up the engine and started driving toward the Council
Delilah's POV:In the room, I kept pacing the floor restlessly with a thousand thoughts swirling in my mind. It was only when I heard a knock on the door I took a breath of relief.I rushed to open the door and inhaled sharply at the sight of Isabella standing on the other side with a cup of coffee.I ushered her inside and closed the door behind her. She smiled lightly and placed the cup on the coffee table. She was about to go back when I blocked her way to the door.She eyed me nervously. I wondered whether she was thinking the same thing that I was.My eyebrow quivered higher as I inquired, "What do you know about Ryan Hooper, Isabella?"Her eyes widened as she swallowed the lump in her throat, "We are not to talk about him in this mansion."I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to make her understand calmly, "I don't care about that, Isabella. Just know that it is very important for me to know all that you do."She fidgeted her fingers together nervously, weighing her options.