From Arina’s POV I was mortified. The only thing I could do was avoid eye contact with him. When I saw him next to me, I only wanted to disappear. It was unclear what prompted those thoughts in my head. Yes, he was handsome, and who wouldn't want a piece of him? But he was way beyond my reach. Despite the fact that Aella helped me stand up, I couldn't even look at her. I was sure she knew what had happened by now, especially since she could read minds. My only hope was that Alexandre would not hear about it from her. Once I finally dared to look at them, I noticed they each had two distinct looks. Compared to Alexandre's look of concern, Aella's was one of knowing. She knew what I was dreaming about. "Goddess, Kill me. Spare me the embarrassment of explaining", I thought to myself as Alexandre stepped closer, placing his hand on my forehead to check my temperature. As I pushed his hand away, I saw the pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry," I replied. It's just... I'm okay. When I came o
From Arina’s POV The drive into town with Aella and Thiago was unsettling, especially since I didn't know them. While they tried to include me in the conversation, I wasn't sure what to say. The only thing I could do was gaze out the window and take in the surroundings. All the autumn trees displayed beautiful burnt orange, red, and yellow leaves, like postcard pictures. As I stared out the window at the big blue sky, I thought of the times when Father and I would go to the park after training with our ice cream in hand, and we would sit under the vast Acacia trees staring at the sky while talking about his trips to other cities, states, or countries. Among his favorite places were the French Polynesian islands. I remember he talked about a small island known as Papiete with its beautiful blue skies and crystal-clear waters. “One day, I will take you there, and you will fall in love with it,” my father would say. A tear rolled down my cheek as I remembered his story. Our car sudd
From Alexandre's POV As the full moon approached, I knew Arina had a good chance of shifting for the first time. I was sending out my last email when Thiago walked in. "Hey," Thiago said. I lifted a finger to signal for him to give me a moment. I quickly hit send, stood from my desk, and headed for the door. "You were saying,” I asked as I walked out of the office and headed toward the kitchen. “Well, before I was rudely interrupted, I was going to ask how long I was supposed to suffer before we could come home, but Bryan informed me you two are heading into town to pick up a dog?” he asked. I laughed at how he said "dog" as if it was the worst thing in the world. “Yes, we are picking up a French Bulldog puppy for Arina. You can head back at three-thirty. It gives the girls time to rest a bit on the way home, not to mention I can give her the puppy,” I replied. “Why a dog? You couldn’t get her a fish?” Thiago questioned. I was taken aback by his response and asked, "What is w
From Alexandre's POV The staff had set everything up perfectly, from the light gray cushion covers to the dim lights for when the sun gave way to the moon. The brightly lit fire in the center fire pit I built last month was the best centerpiece for the occasion. I had planned on having a movie night in the theater. However, with so many questions still needing answers, a cozy fire would set the tone for tonight. In addition, the full moon would mean Arina would shift. The first shift was the most brutal, especially for wolves. It's not as painful for Lycans since we stand on two legs instead of all four. For a wolf, it takes a heavier toll on your body because of how they transform. Yet, now that she was officially eighteen years old, there was no way to stop that from happening; the moon goddess herself couldn’t stop it even if she wanted to. I could see D’Artagnan pacing around in my head; he was also worried. Although he was usually quiet about his emotions, he was more concerned
From Arina's POV As he sat there watching me play with Kiara, I couldn’t help but feel something stir inside me. I couldn’t tell what it was, but it felt warm, loving, and caring. The silence was peaceful; there was no pressure on either of us to speak, and there was an unspoken level of comfort between us in each other's presence. A few minutes later, Alexandre stood and walked to the door. It was clear to me that I needed to say something. After placing Kiara in the puppy pen, I called him. “Alexandre,” I called softly. Suddenly, my mouth felt dry as he turned to look at me, clearing my throat. I mustered the minuscule courage I had. “Thank you so much. It must get boring to hear me repeat this. However, I would like you to know how grateful I am for everything, from opening your home to me to providing a bed and for her." I said, turning to Kiara, who was fast asleep in her bed. As I returned my gaze to Alexandre, I said, "I've not been treated so nice not since my father, and I
From Arina's POV Walking down to dinner, I was excited yet nervous. I knew tonight would lead to Zakara and I being united again, but I didn't know precisely when or how it would happen. That's what made me nervous. I realized I wasn’t alone, but I also knew this was not how it was supposed to happen originally. The dim lights added a bit of extra warmth to the area, the fire offered warming comfort, and the food smelled delicious. I was following next to Aella when I noticed it suddenly became quiet, and my eyes landed on Alexandre. He looked dashing. His black shirt looked like it melted directly onto his skin after he had dressed. His every muscle was accentuated, and his biceps naturally bulged. It sent a chill up my spine; his displayed tattoos made my mouth water. His ocean-blue eyes searched my entire body. “You look beautiful,” he told me as I approached. “Thank you, so do you,” I replied, realizing I called him beautiful. I quickly looked up, my face even more flushed as
From Arina’s POV Everyone remained pensive the rest of the night. Their facial expressions told me they had questions. The only neutral person was Maribelle, and I knew she had the answers we all sought. As Alexandre walked me to my room, I couldn’t help but wonder what this meant for him and me. He opened the bedroom door and walked in; I watched him take Kiara to her bed. Making my way to the couch at the foot of the bed, I sat down and took a deep breath. “Are you alright? You seem like there’s something on your mind,” Alexandre asked. I looked at him; he was so handsome. As much as I wanted to be in his arms, a sudden wave of fear came over me. But this wasn't a fear I had; it seemed like a feeling that manifested out of the blue. I was confused by this change. I had nothing to fear and was sure I hadn't felt this earlier today. “Ask him to stay with us tonight,” Zakara's voice rang through my mind. “Why?” I replied. “Something is not right.” She said before quickly retreati
Trigger Warning This chapter may include mention of physical violence, mental and emotional abuse, and sexual assault. I acknowledge that it may be difficult to engage with this content. From Alexandre’s POV As I stared at the note, I felt dizzy. It was beyond my comprehension. I recognized that handwriting anywhere. Though I wasn't sure if Arina knew, I knew I had to tell her it belonged to Zeno. The question is, how and why? I mind-linked Thiago, telling him to gather Bryan and Maribelle Enough is enough. I need answers, and I need them now. As King, I have a responsibility to my people, not just to them but to our cousin species. Once Arina was ready, we headed to the kitchen. I watched as she grabbed the puppy bowls, filling them with food and water for Kiara. Internally, I smiled. I could feel D'Artagnan push forward as he watched her in admiration. “She would make an excellent mom. I mean, she cares so much for the little rat. Imagine what she wouldn’t do for our pups,” D'
Hello, my wonderful readers!I want to thank all who have read my book. Your love and support is greatly appreciated.This book has finally come to an end, but not, for there is a second part to this wonderful story that will come soon.This book is currently undergoing editing and will be released in print soon, so be sure to look out for that.In the meantime, make sure to check out my other book, Mated and Rejected by her Beta, and tune in for the other amazing projects I have upcoming.As always, thank you for your love and support.Mistress of the West
From Arina's POV In the days that followed the meeting with Alpha Jax, or Grandfather as he would have me call him, we settled into the Running River pack quietly, well except Kiara as she kept tormenting everyone, taking their shoes and making a mess in the kitchen when she was fed, but regardless of whatever she did for some reason everyone loved her. Alpha Jax even stole her once and took a nap with her. He swears that he never did such a thing and that she had snuck into his room. Alexandre and I had not seen each other since we arrived. He spent all his time with Alpha Jax discussing everything we knew about Eleni, and then there was the Lycan Blood Pack that also required his attention. Thiago spent his time training with the warriors, saying, "I need to get better prepared for this epic battle that is coming." Of course, he still kept his sense of humor. I was just about to sit and relax on the back patio when I saw my dad approaching. "Hello, Arina," he said, sitting next
From Arina's POV I was nervous. I had no idea what to expect. The most terrible thoughts ran through my mind as we drove to the Running River Pack. Alpha Jax sent two cars, as he instructed; my father and I rode together while Alexandre and Thiago rode in the other car. "Relax, Arina; we are sure to be fine. Nothing terrible will happen; if anything, this is a positive thing," Zakara said as she pranced around in my head. For her, this was something extraordinary, but for me, this was uncharted territory, not to mention this was also my mother's pack we were going to, which had me even more on edge. I shifted in my seat, feeling uncomfortable. "Is everything okay with you?" My father's voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I smiled at him. "Dad, when were you here last?" I asked. With a heavy heart, he patted my head and smiled, "The last time I was here was the day I promised your mother I would return for her." I hugged him tightly, and tears started flowing down my face. We
From Alexandre’s POV As I let the hot water wash away the stress that had accumulated from the night's events, I could only think about what Arina had told us last night. I was shocked by her words, "Eleni is here." How could she have known? No one outside of my parents knew of the plan. I racked my brain, thinking about how she might have found out but kept coming up with nothing. Her claims left me dumbfounded, and no amount of hot water could rid me of the confusion and questions that filled my mind. Due to my loss of focus, I didn't notice when Arina walked through the shower door. I felt tingles running throughout my entire body as her hands caressed the small of my back. My eyes were drawn to her naked body under the water. Taking in the sight of her perfect breast, I let out a low growl as I moved closer, pressing my body against hers. I gently kissed her neck and felt her shudder in response. Our breathing quickened as we embraced each other, the water cascading over us. I fe
From Alexandre's POV During the flight to Sicily, I only thought of my parents. I knew they would hold Aella's funeral in a few hours. Goddess how much I missed her taunting voice. I was overjoyed when she came home because I knew she had been waiting so long to leave that place. Initially, Father sent her to school to study her gifts, but after one semester, she was fed up and decided to venture out independently. Having worked and built her powers alone, she returned home to find that our parents had already left, and I had taken the throne. I was so proud to see how far she had come. Even if I didn't spend much time with her, I knew she would have been a force to be reckoned with. I wanted to honor her legacy and keep her memory alive in some way. After twelve hours of flying, I was ready for some much-needed rest. The hotel was our first stop after getting off the plane. On arrival, we headed to pick up our rental. I notified the Alpha of the main pack that we would be arriving
From Arina's POV It had been two days since we discussed leaving for Sicily. All of the arrangements had been made to accommodate Alexandre, Thiago, my father, and myself. Having said goodbye to Leonidas and Penelope, we headed for the airport. I was sorry that we would be leaving them at a time when we should all be together for Aella's funeral, but they understood. Bryan and maribelle had returned to the Okami pack. Bryan had not seen his family since he began helping me, so I knew he was happy to spend time with them. He vowed to bring them all back to Lycan Blood Pack after we returned. Alexandre hated the idea of me bringing Kiara along. However, I couldn't leave my beloved Frenchie behind, so I made sure the hotel could accommodate room for her. As our flight boarded at five am, we needed to leave early enough to get through security. To draw less attention from anyone or anything, Alexandre decided to fly commercial instead of taking one of his jets. The phoenixes followed
I stared at all the Phoenix on the front lawn. Different colors, different sizes, but with the same goal in mind: to protect me and to be here for me. I felt a sense of comfort and safety just looking at them. I knew that no matter what I faced, they would be there for me, a loyal companion through life. I was grateful for their presence. But I was also worried about them. Everyone knew that a Phoenix would burn itself and be reborn after some time, but the thought of losing them in battle was still heartbreaking. Alexandre was just as shocked as I was when he saw them. "What are we supposed to do with so many?" Thiago asked. Alexandre shrugged off his shoulders. Unable to form a coherent sentence I turned to him. "Do we need to go to Sicily?" I blurted out. He turned to me with confusion on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked. I explained that Zakara had mentioned that the answers we sought were there. "We have to be there before the next full moon," I said. I braced for his r
I sat up and stared into the trees. I watched as the red eyes glared at us, "Do you see it?" I asked Alexandre my eyes never leaving those of whatever was out there, when Alexandre stepped forward and said, "Come out Jessica?" he said, leaving me speechless. Jessica stepped out of the trees. Her lycan fur was light gray with a white stripe down her face and her red eyes never left me. I stared at her in shock. I had no idea how she got here or why she was here. She stepped forward and opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, I found my voice and asked her "What are you doing here?" She stopped and looked at me, her red eyes burning into me. She smiled, but there was something off about it. She said nothing and slowly turned to face Alexandre. "What do you want?" he asked sharply, his voice holding a hint of warning. There was a sudden chill in the air, and for a moment I felt as if I had stepped into a dream. Jessica shifted back to her human form, standing in front of
From Arina's POV We planned on having the ceremony within two weeks' time. This would give everyone enough time to compose themselves and enough time to get informed of the entire kingdom of the Lycan Princess's death. Penelope decided to hire someone to do the catering and decor as she was not up to doing it herself. Once we settled on the day and time, Leonidas and Penelope returned back to their room. Bryan and maribelle stayed away this morning allowing the former King and Queen space. Thiago had not been seen since we arrived, so he too decided to give everyone space. My father had walked up to his room. He was silent the entire time and I knew he could relate to their loss having died himself. Alexandre and I decided to head out for our run, as we walked outside the three phoenixes waddled behind me the moment we stepped outside they took off into the air. Their wings were magnificent, and I had no idea what other mythical creatures would arise but I was excited to find out. Ki