“Do you think you’ll ever be able to... find happiness in your marriage?” I ask gently, not wanting to pry but genuinely curious.“I hope so,” she says softly. “I believe in the power of time and effort. And maybe one day, we’ll be able to look past our roles and see each other for who we really are
NiklausVerena is finally asleep, her breaths soft and even as she lies next to me. I should be asleep too, but I can’t shut off my mind. Every time I close my eyes, I see her face, hear her words, feel the weight of what she sacrificed for me, for us.She traded her soul. Fucking hell, she gave up
It doesn’t take long for my orgasm to build up again. I gasp when he encircles the pad of his finger over my clit, teasing me in the perfect position as I push my ass against his hard cock. Niklaus brings his other hand around and places it at my throat as he continues to whisper filthy nothings int
VerenaAs we stand at Dante and Keilani’s private landing zone, I take a deep breath, letting the early afternoon air fill my lungs. Niklaus’s jet waits for us on the tarmac, sleek and ready to whisk us away. Axton and Laz left a day ago to get things ready back home, but saying goodbye to Dante and
VerenaTouching down in New York feels like stepping into a storm. The weight of everything Niklaus and I have been through crashes into me, but there’s no time to process it all. As soon as we land, we head straight for the pack house. The ride is silent, tension hanging in the air like a thick fog
*** I’m sitting on the edge of my bed, flipping through a book Niklaus left on the nightstand, when Kristina knocks softly on the door. Her face appears, a mix of relief and weariness as she sees me. I motion her in, my heart aching a little at her stricken expression.“Hey, Kristina,” I greet her,
NiklausI lean back in my chair; the leather creaking under the shift of my weight, and rub at the bridge of my nose, feeling the onset of a headache. Laz sits across from me, his expression grim. The maps and various reports spread out between us only adding to the sense of chaos that has settled
VerenaFeeling queasy again, I clutch the edge of the sink, my reflection in the mirror a ghostly shade of pale. These past few days have been a whirlwind of nausea and exhaustion, with Niklaus playing the unexpected role of caretaker. He’s been incredibly supportive, even though we’re both clueless
“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