Niklaus paces behind me, a caged animal eager to join the fight. /“Stay back. This is my fight, baby. I have to end this,”/ I remind him through our link. His frustration is palpable, a tangible thing that prickles at my senses, but he respects my wish.“Why protect him?” Peter taunts as we circle e
NiklausWith Verena in my arms, I walk out of the basement and already know where the fuck we were being held. Of course, he’d bring us back to his fuckass compound in Vegas; of course he’s always been here.I let out a low growl as his guards approach me while I walk and I wish to fucking Gods I ha
A black SUV pulls up, dust billowing around it as it comes to a stop. The door opens, and sure enough, but it’s Dante, his expression grim as he steps out. He’s followed by Axton for some reason.Of course, I fucking forgot Dante is based here. Fuck, that demon did a number on me.“Ah, I think I mig
VerenaThe softness of the plush bed and a slight throbbing in my head pull me slowly out of sleep. I feel clean, refreshed, but still so exhausted. It’s one of those moments where the world isn’t quite solid yet, where everything feels a bit like a dream—except the arm wrapped around my middle is u
The decision is final, firm, and it’s classic Niklaus—taking control, making sure we’re safe. But it’s more than that; it’s him trying to put the world back together after it’s been torn apart.He pulls me closer when he sees the look on my face, his embrace reassuring. “I know, baby, and I’m sorry.
NiklausI wait for Verena to fall asleep again before slipping out of the bedroom and making my way to Dante’s office. He mentioned earlier that he found something out, and after speaking to Axton about my suspicions about Kris, we were all on high alert.We didn’t know who to trust outside of our i
I lean back in my chair, processing this new information. It reshapes the image I had of Kris, complicates it. “So, she might still be harboring some old ambitions? Is that what you’re suggesting? She wants Peter’s position?”“Yes,” Axton confirms, his gaze steady. “Her expulsion could have been the
VerenaI’m walking through the back gardens of Dante’s estate alone, trying to wrap my head around what Niklaus told me last night. I mean, I had my own suspicions, since I figured out none of the spells Kris taught me would have worked on Peter.But it makes no sense. If Kris wanted Peter’s place i
“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