(Hilda)That night, the tension between Arlo and me seemed to dissolve into the stillness of the air, yet the turmoil within me only grew stronger. My thoughts twisted and turned, caught between the loyalty I felt for Soren and the undeniable pull I felt toward Arlo. But as the night stretched on, I allowed myself to be enveloped in the warmth of Arlo's presence, feeling my resolve weaken. The forest around us was serene, the stars above shimmering as silent witnesses to our conversation. Arlo's words echoed in my mind, laced with sincerity and a promise of something more. I couldn’t deny the magnetic attraction that drew me closer to him, even as I fought the conflicting emotions raging inside me. Arlo stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Thank you, Hilda," he murmured, his voice full of relief and sincerity. "I promise you won't regret this." A rush of emotions flooded through me. Hope, fear, and an undeniable attraction that I could no longer ignore. The connection b
(Soren)I paced back and forth in the clearing. Every passing minute felt like an eternity, my heart hammering in my chest as I waited, praying that Hilda would show up. It had been days with no sign of her, but I kept my promise. I showed up every night. I waited for her. I needed to warn her. But more than that, I needed her help to get to Lilith. I had no chance without her, without King Arlo. And then I would expose King Arlo’s deceit and protect the pack. I had been so sure that she would see reason, that she would stand by my side against King Arlo’s tyranny. But doubt gnawed at the edges of my confidence, its claws digging deeper with every second that ticked by. I glanced at the trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The serenity of the forest was at odds with the turmoil inside me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. This had to work. Hilda had to understand. When she fi
(Arlo)I loved her. I loved everything about her. From the moment I found her in the woods, bleeding and whimpering like a fawn, I loved her. The mate bond was nothing compared to the love I felt for her. I needed her. I needed to hear her voice, to feel her touch. Every time I saw her, I felt happier than I’d ever been before. Every time I heard her voice, it was like nothing I’d ever heard. She changed my world with her presence. But I couldn’t get too close to her. I hated that. I hated the lies, the control. I didn’t have a choice. "Arlo," my mother’s voice slithered into my consciousness, her tone dripping with malevolence. "Bring her to me. It is time."I stiffened, my hands involuntarily clenching into fists. "No," I muttered, more to myself than to her. "Not this time."Her laughter echoed in my head, cold and cruel, sending shivers down my spine. "You do not have a choice, my son. You never did. Hilda is essential for the ritual. Bring her to me, or face the consequences."
(Arlo)The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Hilda's peaceful face. I watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She looked so serene, so content, and I felt a swell of tenderness for her. I hadn’t been there last night. I would have to explain that. I would have to tell her about my mother. That was a heavy burden that I wished to bear alone, to save her from. But I could only avoid her questions for so long. She would need to know the truth. But maybe not today. Determined to make this day special for her, I quietly headed to the kitchen. I wanted to surprise her with breakfast in bed, something sweet and thoughtful to start her day. As I moved around the kitchen, I couldn't help but smile at the memory of her laughter, her moans, and the way she had clung to me. I wanted to give her more moments like that, to show her how much she meant to me.I prepared a tray with freshly made pancakes, a bowl of strawberries, and a
(Hilda)The morning sun gently woke me from a dreamless sleep. As my eyes fluttered open, they settled on Arlo standing beside the bed. His smile was soft, his eyes radiating a possessive love so deep it seemed to reach into my very soul. “Good morning, love,” he whispered, his voice a soothing melody that made my heart flutter. I returned his smile, a warmth spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with the sunlight. “Good morning, Arlo,” I replied, sitting up slowly. Arlo extended his hand to me. “Come with me,” he said, his voice a soft invitation. We walked together out past the pack to the riverbank. He was quiet as we walked, but his hand gripped mine tightly. When we reached the river he stopped, his face etched with a pain I had never seen before. “Hilda,” Arlo began, his voice low. “There’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.” “Arlo…” I said, looking up into his eyes. “What is it?” But the sound of rustling leav
(Soren)Dragging Hilda through the forest, I couldn't shake the image of her standing between me and Arlo, the look of betrayal on her face cutting deeper than any wound. My grip on her wrist was firm, my pace unyielding. The forest was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves a remainder of the chaos we had just left behind. I knew I had crossed a line by taking her, but there was no turning back now. She had to understand the danger she was in, even if it meant risking everything.The hidden cabin came into view, a small, unassuming structure nestled deep in the woods. I pushed the door open and pulled Hilda inside, releasing her wrist as she stumbled away from me. The cabin was quiet, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me. It was a place of secrets and shadows, much like the feelings I had buried deep for far too long."What are you doing, Soren?" Hilda's voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. Her eyes flashed with anger, and something else. Betrayal, maybe. It t
(Hilda)My lips still tingled from Soren's kiss, a mix of anger and desire swirling inside me. The small cabin felt like it was closing in, making everything even more intense. "I can't stay here," I said, my voice shaking. "You can't decide what's best for me." Soren's eyes were filled with determination and something else I couldn't name. "I won't let you get hurt," he said firmly. "Not by Arlo, not by anyone." "You don't get it," I snapped. "This isn't about Arlo. It's about you controlling me, thinking you know what's best." His jaw clenched. "Hilda, you don't understand the danger. Arlo is hiding something that could destroy us all." "Then let me decide!" I shouted. "I'm not a pawn in your game, Soren. I can take care of myself." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "I won't lose you," he said in a low growl. "Not like this." His intensity made my heart pound with fear and something else—something I didn't want to admit. "You have to let me go," I whispered
(Arlo)The forest blurred around me as I raced through it, my heart pounding with anger and fear. Hilda had been taken by Soren, and I was frantic. Losing her was unimaginable. I had to get her back. Every breath was a struggle as I pushed myself through the underbrush. Hilda’s face, filled with pain and confusion, haunted me. I needed to find her, to prove I was the one who truly cared, that Soren was the real threat. I needed to save her. The scent trail was faint but unmistakable. I pushed harder, my muscles screaming in protest as I forced myself to move faster. The trees whipped past me, their branches clawing at my skin, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was finding Hilda before it was too late. Then, a voice cut through the chaos in my mind—it was my mother’s voice, cold and commanding. “Arlo, stop,” she ordered. I skidded to a halt, the shock of her voice hitting me like a slap. My mother’s presence in my mind was as imposing as ever. Her words felt like icy fingers
AshTara won’t look at me. It must sicken her to see me in such a dishevelled state with Isadora. I tried to convince her we should bathe and get dressed first, but I suspect she wants Tara to know what we’ve been up to.I’ve never had any trouble sexually pleasing my partners. I’m an inventive, attentive and insatiable lover under normal circumstances. Last night was the first time since becoming human that I had to close my eyes and pretend.I imagined Tara was the one in bed with me. The one I kissed. The one who sucked my cock with such exuberance. The one I fucked until she was exhausted and passed out in my arms.I didn’t offer Isadora pleasure with my tongue this time. Exceptionally talented as I am at cunnilingus, I know she was hoping I would. I haven’t had the pleasure of tasting Tara, but I know she would burst on my tongue like some exotic fruit. Intoxicating my senses. I couldn’t suckle Isadora’s clit and keep lying to myself about who I was with.“Tell me how to break th
TaraI feel violated and ill when I wake up the following morning. Ash certainly doesn’t have human stamina, based on the information gleaned from the books I’ve read. Human males apparently require a period of recovery between one bout of mating and the next.“Thank you for the books,” I tell the serving girl when she brings my breakfast. She glances at the bedside table and her eyes briefly meet mine before darting to the floor again. “That one’s good, but the other one is better,” she says quietly.So these aren’t from Redgrave at all. “I’ll make sure to hide them when I have visitors,” I promise her quietly. She lowers her head, “I don’t think she’ll know. She doesn’t pay much attention to the house. You can just say you found them in a drawer.”“My name is Tara,” I tell her gently. She looks at me again with a faint smile, “I know. The mistress cursed your name repeatedly when you took Sir Ash from her before.” Right. I wonder how Redgrave believes I managed that. It’s all to t
TaraAsh seems to have accelerated healing abilities like we do. He told me he’s never been sick and he doesn’t think he ages, but he has no idea if that’s pure luck or if he’s not as human as he seems.The black eye took a bit longer to heal than the lacerations from the whipping, but it was still much faster than a human would have mended.I wish I could see him. Just for a minute. Just to be sure he’s in the same shape physically that I am. Logically I know he has to be, but I need to see with my own eyes that he’s fine. Or at least as fine as it’s possible to be while pretending to be enchanted by a completely delusional woman.If Isadora Redgrave hadn’t shown up when she did, I know exactly what would have happened to me next in that cage and I despise having to feel grateful to her, but I can’t deny that I am. I’d rather be beaten for hours on end than sexually violated by Malcolm.I know the only reason I’m being kept in this beautiful room and fed like royalty is because
RedgraveAs much as I despise Tara, seeing her spread-eagled, bloody and whimpering in pain doesn’t bring me any pleasure. I’m not a cat, who needs to play with my food before I deal the final blow.“Do you no longer need her to get you across the border?” I ask with a raised brow. Malcolm frowns as though the question makes no sense. “I do. She’s not dead,” he responds sullenly.“I gather she attacked you?” His jaw clenches, “What are you getting at, Isadora?” he asks irritably. “I’m trying to understand why you’re torturing her. What’s the point?”“She came here to spy on us before. My men only caught her this time because she was chasing down your precious Ash. She may have important information that could impact the mission,” he informs me dryly. Like I’m a silly child asking stupid questions. I wonder whether he knows that the thin layer of ice that he’s standing on has already started to crack.“Have you asked her?” I enquire. I can hear his teeth grinding together before he
MalcolmEither I was incredibly unlucky with the first werewolf I captured, or this one is very weak for some reason. Maybe because she’s linked to the human.I need to know whether most of them are more like Arlo, or like her. It’s going to make a huge difference in the size of the force I need. Arlo bent steel bars and wouldn’t go down until he was peppered with tranquillizer darts.I wouldn’t have stepped into Arlo’s cage for all the money in the world. Not even when he’d just been knocked out. This little female is completely different. One shot puts her down and she hasn’t attempted to shift once.Maybe I don’t even need to keep putting up with Redgrave. I’ve acquired an arsenal of weapons because Arlo refused to bloody die. Something tells me if I shoot this one in the head, she’ll expire immediately.As tempted as I am to test out my theory, I need her to get me into the werewolves’ territory. Her screams are like the most beautiful symphony. Ringing out loudly with each e
TaraArlo’s advice definitely helped. I’ve been drifting in and out of consciousness from the one dart that hit me, but I never fully went under. I’m abruptly pulled from my dreamy state when pain explodes in my head and my left eye starts throbbing.Ash. What are they doing to him? I want to hurl myself at the bars of the cage surrounding me and demand that they set him free, but we have to maintain our cover.“What the hell are you yipping about?” one of the guards stationed around my prison asks. I hadn’t realized I was making small sounds of distress.Based on the sheer volume of armed guards surrounding me, it’s clear King Arlo gave them a lot of trouble. Pride swells in my chest. He truly is a worthy leader for our pack.“Did she just hit herself?” one of the others asked, gaping at what must be significant bruising around my eye.“Crazy bitch,” the first guy mutters. “I’ve been watching her, she didn’t do it to herself. Her head rocked back and then the bruise was there.
AshFuck. This is not supposed to be happening. What the hell do I do now? I’ve never met Malcolm, but by all accounts he’s the scum of the earth and has no conscience. And he knows I’m not a mythical hero. He planted the bullshit that made Redgrave believe I was some kind of Messiah.He may just decide to kill us for the hell of it. No. I can’t think like that. He needs Tara to get across the border. That doesn’t mean he won’t hurt her though. Or kill me, if he doesn’t believe we’re linked. The problem is, we actually are.Cerelia cast a spell before we left, binding our life forces together. I’ll suffer any harm done to Tara, and she’ll die if they kill me.It was meant to keep Tara safe from Redgrave, and provide further proof that she controls me. I would happily offer my own life if it would save Tara, but it’s currently impossible.The men who grabbed me pulled a thick burlap sack over my head. I can’t see anything and even hearing is problematic. I know they put Tara in
TaraAsh is being extremely huffy as we walk toward the border. “I could have done this on my own. There’s absolutely no reason for you to be putting yourself in danger.”“Aside from the multitude of reasons already discussed in the war council?” I ask, matching his level of peevishness without any trouble. “And don’t suggest again that you could have steered them towards a specific area to cross the border, because it would have been too suspicious and risky.”He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, like I’m the one giving him a headache, instead of the other way around.“Look, I know you want to leave the forest and get back to Raventon as soon as possible. This is the best way for us to speed up the timeline of Malcolm’s attack and control the outcome. I’m sure this is why Scarlett called you here and you can leave as soon as the threat is neutralized.”“Dammit, Tara! This isn’t about me getting back to my life in the city, it’s about your safety. I don’t want you to be hurt. I
Arlo“I don’t like it,” I say, shaking my head.“For once we agree on something,” Ash huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re not going out there like some lamb to the slaughter,” he tells Tara with finality.“I don’t remember asking for your permission,” Tara tells him softly and Ash’s head jerks back like she just slapped him.“Nobody likes it, but we have to act first,” she continues in her quiet, but determined tone. “We have no idea what Malcolm is up to. If we can control when they cross the border, Cerelia can do her thing. Humans don’t know about our ability to mind link.”“We weren’t able to use the mind link while you were in the city,” I point out grimly. Tara nods, “I know. I’ve spoken to Cerelia and she agrees that it’s probably because of the magical barrier at the border. The moment we come across, I can warn you, so you’ll have at least a 30 minute headstart.”“I could communicate with Arlo when Malcolm had him,” Hilda says, a shiver of distaste running down