Her words sting more than I want to admit. “She brings strength, intelligence, and a perspective we need. She’s proven herself, time and again.” “Proven herself?” My mother scoffs, folding her arms. “By doing what, exactly? She comes from a line of failed Blood Magic Covens, Niklaus. There are wome
Verena As Kristina busily chatters about the latest pack gossip, the kitchen door swings open and Niklaus’ mother steps in. The atmosphere shifts immediately; even Kristina senses the change, her words trailing off as she excuses herself, leaving me alone with the matriarch of the pack. The silenc
I growl in frustration, and he chuckles, continuing with his tongue flicking over my oversensitive clit. Ever since we got to his pack house, this is all he’s wanted to do; eat me out, day and night, while not allowing me to touch him at all. He says he can wait until our Claiming Ceremony, but he
Niklaus I’m pacing the length of my office, each step echoing the mounting anger and frustration boiling inside me. Laz is leaning against the wall, his face set in lines of concern and betrayal that mirror my own feelings. “Fucking Ares,” I growl, clenching my fists. “He’s not just betraying me;
“I feel like it too,” I admit, stripping off my clothes and placing them in the hamper in the bathroom. I sit on the edge of the bed in just my boxers, my elbows on my knees, my hands buried in my hair as I let out a long, weary sigh. I feel Verena as she moves behind me, her hands gentle as she st
Verena “I don’t understand why all this is necessary,” “If you’re going to be a King, this is just the first step,” Nastassja Cirillo says drily. “It’s what all potential Lunas have to do before the Claiming Ceremony.” I sigh and look at Niklaus’ mother, realizing that her saying that means that
“Remember, precision is key,” she instructs as I attempt to replicate a complicated hand gesture that accompanies the incantation. “Every movement of your wrist, every syllable must be exact, or the spell could backfire.” After a while, she turns to me with a smile that sends a shiver down my spine
Niklaus I’m sitting at my desk when I hear my office door open and my mother walks inside. For the last few days, she’s really taken Verena under her wing and it honestly surprised me just how much she’s taught my kitten. But now my mother looks troubled, and it scares the shit out of me. You do n
“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