She’s burst into my life, warning me about enemies close to me and saving my sister. Is it because I know nothing about her and she’s refusing to be open with me? “What can I get you, Alpha?” I’m so lost in my own head that I didn’t even notice she’s standing in front of me. She’s wearing a smile that doesn’t seem to be fake, which is something I am not used to seeing on her. That and her eyes are glazed. “Dalmore 62, the entire bottle, please,” I say as I lean my elbow against the counter and watch her work. She’s flushed, so I know she’s aware of my gaze, and when she turns back with a bottle and a pitcher of ice, I can see something’s off. “Have you been drinking?” She blinks and shakes her head, placing both things in front of me. “N-no… I mean, I had a sh–shot with one of the guests, but I know how to hold my liquor—” then she sways and stumbles backwards. I growl and move behind the counter before she falls, gesturing to Laz to come over as I scoop her into my arms. “What’
Verena I wake with a start, my head aching as if I drank two bottles of red wine in one sitting the night before. “Ow…” I trail off as I reach for my cell phone on my nightstand…then my heart drops when I see the time. “Shit, shit, shit!” I exclaim and rush out of bed, only to scream when I see Al
“I die five years into the future,” Gods, that sounds weird. “My sister, who is Lucan’s mistress, killed me after I ended up pregnant with Lucan’s child and he finally decided to leave her.” He shakes his head. “This is fucking crazy, and I don’t know if I believe you.” I shrug. “I mean, I know a
Niklaus “She’s telling the truth,” “I know,” I say, not even looking at Shelby. There was no doubt about it; I could see on Verena’s face just how shocked she was that it wasn’t the Goddess’ doing. I don’t think she’s lying, either. “Have you ever heard of something like this?” Shelby shakes her
As usual, I keep the library for last, but in order for me to clean it, I need to walk past the room with the black door again. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about going in there. But as he said, curiosity killed the cat, and the last thing I want to be is dead. So I pretend not to n
Verena I’m laying curled up in bed, wondering how long I have until Alpha Niklaus waltzes in here and tells me I have to move out. I literally insulted him last night, so the last thing he’s going to want to do is to keep me here. Right? That’s what Alphas do; when you’re no longer useful, they ch
“True, and I don’t think I should,” he says as he finishes the last of his alcohol. “Ours is a professional relationship and it wouldn’t be a good look on me as Alpha to sleep with … the help.” Wow, talk about a blow to my ego. “That’s understandable and expected,” I say with a shrug of my should
Niklaus “All the bombs are planted, we’re ready to go,” These were Ares’ words over the mind link as I set Kristina’s pyre alight. I give the signal to detonate just as the first branches caught alight, knowing the poetic justice was served. Nothing about the explosion lead to me since we were
“I love you so fucking much,” he breathes against my lips, his forehead resting against mine. His voice is a husky whisper, carrying the weight of his emotions. “Thank you for everything — for our son, for this life, for a future that looks brighter every damn day because of you. You’ve given me a f
VerenaI sit quietly in the softly lit room; the air filled with the subtle scent of lavender and sage. Nastassja moves around with an air of focus, setting up the final components for the soul extraction and replacement ritual. My mind drifts to Niklaus and Arsenio, sleeping peacefully under his f
“In all lives that may come, and in all universes that may exist, you will always be my son, my light, and my hope. You have King blood in you and you are destined for greatness. By my will, and by your forefathers' blessings, so will it be.”After reciting the vow, I lean down and gently kiss Veren
“A son…” he whispers, then he murmurs something in Greek, I’m assuming—a prayer or a promise, perhaps both—before leaning over to kiss my forehead.“Thank you, Verena,” he chokes out, his voice breaking. “Thank you for giving me a son, a blessing.”His gratitude, so heartfelt, so raw, eases the last
VerenaThe pain is indescribable, a relentless, consuming force that grips my entire body. I’m clutching the sheets, my knuckles white, screaming as another contraction hits. Niklaus is beside me, his face etched with concern, his hands attempting to comfort me, but right now, I’m not having any of
I nod, understanding her struggle. “That’s completely valid, and I get it. Kris disappeared when you needed her. It’s not something you can just forget.”She sighs, looking down at her hands before meeting my eyes again. “I know. And I’m glad she’s doing good now, really. But you’re right, it feels
NiklausI’m perched at my desk, staring blankly at the papers strewn across it, but my mind is miles away, focused on the ticking clock and the phone beside it. The quiet of the office amplifies the occasional rustle of leaves outside, a cruel reminder of the waiting game I’m now playing. Three mon
“I didn’t teach you any dark magic because I was terrified of the implications it would have. You have Peter’s blood; my blood, and with that comes an addiction to dark magic,” she admits. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The pull? The lure to take things a step further? I know how it feels, darling, a
VerenaThe sun is warm on my back as I move among the tables laid out on the pack lands, the laughter of children bubbling around me like a cheerful stream. I’m arranging the final touches for the picnic we’ve promised them, smoothing a tablecloth here, straightening a plate there. The ladies of the