The resolve in her words bolsters my spirits. “I want to be ready. I won’t let him harm anyone I love.” Kris reaches over, squeezing my hand. “And you won’t be alone in this fight. You have Axton, you have me, and apparently, you have an incredibly handsome Alpha werewolf who is besotted with you.”
“Hmm, how did you know I love red lace on you?” he says with a smirk, running a finger over my slit before he pulls my panties down. Then he takes the garment and puts it in the back pocket of his slacks. “For safekeeping.” “Safe keeping — Oh, fuck,” he cuts me off when I feel him flatten his tongu
Verena I wake up to the soft, gray light of morning filtering through the curtains, and for a moment, I lie still, allowing the remnants of a dream—a very vivid dream involving Niklaus—to linger in my mind. The memory of last night’s reality, though, quickly nudges the dream aside. I can’t beli
I step out, smoothing down my dress, and look up to see Niklaus waiting in the lobby. His presence is like a magnet; instantly, I feel drawn, my earlier anxieties melting away at his smile. He offers his arm, which I take, and he leads me toward the elevators. “I hope you’re hungry. I’ve prepared s
Niklaus Lying in the plush bed of my hotel room, the soft hum of the city below barely permeates the thick glass windows. My thoughts linger on Verena, her smile, the warmth of her touch, and the promise we made tonight. A contented smile spreads across my face; she’s finally accepted me, agreed
They’re all waiting for me to do something, and here I am, rendered helpless. As the sounds of sirens begin to build in the distance, my consciousness flickers, waning. I hold onto her image, a beacon in the encroaching dark. “Verena,” I whisper. Then, nothing but darkness. *** Consciousness cr
Verena I listen to Niklaus’s voicemail again, my frown deepening with each word. Something serious has happened back home, and the worry in his voice is unmistakable. I press the phone to my chest for a moment, taking a deep breath, trying to push away the anxiety that claws at me. It doesn’t compl
“Yeah, it really does,” I agree, feeling relieved at the shift. “I love how every shop and café has its own personality. It’s like stepping into different little worlds all on the same street.” He nods enthusiastically. “Exactly! I come here whenever I need a break from the usual corporate environm
“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