Niklaus When I open my eyes, the familiar, harsh edges of the cell greet me, but the pain that had been a constant companion is notably absent. I shift slightly, testing my limbs, surprised to find myself free of chains and feeling stronger. Someone fucking healed me completely. My mind races, t
/“Laz,”/ I send out into the void, hoping for a flicker of connection. /“If you can hear me, respond.”/ Minutes stretch into what feels like hours. I repeat the message, each time like striking a flint, hoping for a spark. My head throbs with the effort, the strain blurring my vision at the edges.
Verena In Axton’s sprawling Vegas home, the air is thick with tension as Laz finishes relaying Niklaus’s message. My heart pounds furiously against my chest, a mix of anger and shock swirling inside me. I had known Ares didn’t like me, but to betray his own brother, to join hands with Lucan and P
Everything is going according to plan until a distant sound cuts through the chaos—the unmistakable, guttural roar of an Alpha. “Niklaus!” I blurt out, my focus shattering. “Verena, stay put! It’s a trap!” Kris’s voice crackles through the comms, urgent and commanding. But I’m already moving, ru
Niklaus As the medic runs a final scan, confirming what I already feel in every fiber of my being—I’m completely healed, no lingering traces of the torture or the drugs—I only half-listen. My attention is fixed on Verena, who sits across the small space of the jet, her eyes occasionally meeting m
Verena grabs the loofah and soaps it up before washing my chest. My eyes widen at the intimate act, but I don’t say anything because something tells me Verena needs to do this. To make sure I’m really okay. Afterwards, I do the same to her, and as I wash the lathered soap from her skin, I can’t hel
“Niklaus…” she breathes my name as her legs start to tremble, letting me know that she’s close. I flick my tongue faster, digging my fingers into the soft skin of her thighs and when she comes… Gods, I can die happy knowing she comes with my name on her lips. I let her ride out her orgasm before se
Verena “Stop arguing with me! This is the safest place right now—” “A werewolf in a vampire’s den is absolutely NOT the safest fucking place, Verena,” Niklaus growls, his cool blue eyes now looking stormy gray with anger. “I’m stronger when I’m closer to my pack; I can’t stay here.” We’ve been ar
“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