My mother reaches across the desk, placing her hand on mine. “I know you are, and she does. But this is different. This is about helping her manage something that can be overwhelming. You need to be her anchor, keep her connected to all the reasons she started this journey—not for power, but to prot
We continue walking; the path leading us to a small clearing that overlooks part of our territory. The view here is always something else—a vast expanse of land that stretches out under the wide sky, rolling fields and dense woods, all protected by our pack’s magic and strength. As we stop to take
Verena I’m plunged into darkness, the kind that presses against your eyes and crawls under your skin. It’s cold, impossibly cold, and I’m standing alone. The ground beneath my feet feels unstable, like standing on a thin sheet of ice over a dark lake. “Your powers are destined to be mine. It won’t
He reaches out, pulling me close, his arms warm and solid around me. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” I lean into his embrace, grateful for his presence, for the reassuring beat of his heart against mine. His hand strokes my back, a slow, comforting rhythm that helps soothe the tightness in my chest. “W
Niklaus The evening air is crisp, the setting sun casting long shadows across the ground as it dips below the horizon. It’s the evening of the Claiming Ceremony, a night that’s supposed to be filled with celebration and joy. Instead, I’m pacing outside the pack house, a tightness in my chest that
“As ready as I can be,” I reply, pulling her into my arms. *** Verena “As ready as I can be,” he says before pulling me into his arms. The warmth of Niklaus’s embrace calms the flutter of nerves in my stomach, a comforting reassurance amidst the whirlwind of preparation for the Claiming Ceremony.
Verena This is it. I’m walking down an aisle just like a normal wedding. The only difference is I am wearing a golden ceremonial dress and the tiny fact that there are loads of powerful people here; people who I’m glad are on our side. When I was with Lucan, I heard rumors about Dante Rios, Liam
Verena Niklaus turns to me, his eyes searching mine. He pulls me close, his touch reassuring. “Are you ready, Verena?” His voice is gentle, a contrast to the strength of his arms around me. I nod, feeling the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Yes, I’m ready.” The words are a whisper, borne of a co
“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