From Alexandre's POV After my last conversation with Bryan, I felt uneasy in the pit of my stomach. All I kept thinking about was why Zeno kept the big secret. I kept mulling over every conversation he and I had before he died, but nothing that would raise any suspicions came to mind. Shaking my head, I tried to eliminate the thoughts flowing through my mind and mind-linked Thiago. He was supposed to set up two rooms for Bryan, maribelle, and Arina. They needed to be comfortable, especially Arina, after everything she had endured. "Thiago, have the rooms been prepared for our guests?" I asked. "Yeah, they just finished. I placed them on the king's floor. Why is everything OK?" he asked. "Yeah, I was just asking to ensure everything was set up. Come to my office when you are done," I told him, cutting the mind link. At that moment, the intercom beeped, and I heard Emmitt's voice. He was the guard on duty at the front gate. "My King, Alpha Bryan, and company request entrance," he
***Trigger Warning*** This chapter contains descriptions of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. From Arina's POV "Welcome to the family," Aella says before embracing me. I could feel her warmth and sincerity through her hug. Aella stood about five feet five inches tall, had a body rivaling Salma Hayek, and was completely natural. Her blonde waist-length hair was tied in a high ponytail. She wore teal-colored Victoria's Secret sweatpants, a white crop tank top, and a fuzzy white cashmere sweater. Long, thick eyelashes framed her blue-green eyes. Her olive-colored skin looked like it had never been exposed to the sun. She had a soft, gentle smile that lit up her entire face when she talked. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to accentuate her features. I could tell she was naturally beautiful and didn't need much makeup to enhance her beauty. "Come inside. You must be starving," Aella said as she pulled me upstairs and led me to the front door. I glanced over my shoulde
From Arina's POV "Andre, calm down," Thiago said as he rushed to his side and tried to calm him. "WHY DID HE HIDE THIS FROM US? WE WERE BROTHERS. I COULD HAVE HELPED HIM!" Alexandre yelled. "Andre, you aren't the only one he betrayed, but now is not the time. Calm down; let us get all the details first," Bryan said as he rushed to Alexandre's side, trying to calm him. I watched in horror at what was occurring before me. When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned to find out it was Aella. "Everything is alright. D'Artagnan is just a bit cococaho," Aella said with a slight smile. I smiled back at her and turned my attention back to Alexandre, who was now staring at me. My father's betrayal was painful to him, as I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Forgive me, Arina, I didn't mean to frighten you," he said. I smiled and nodded at him as everyone retook their seats. "We can stop if you like?" Alexandre said. "No, it's OK, I can finish," I replied with a sigh as I began ag
From Alexandre’s POV Listening to her talk about her past was the hardest thing for me. Besides living through it, this was probably the most challenging thing she ever did. All I wanted to do was hold and comfort her, but how? What could I say to her that she hadn't already heard? She told us what she had endured at the hands of the people who were meant to love and protect her. I thought I was lucky to have parents who showed me love and affection, parents who would kill anyone who hurt me. The biggest shock of all was that she turned eighteen today. As soon as she mentioned that, I decided we should take a break from the discussion and showed everyone where they would sleep. Aella was elated to have Arina here. Growing up, she was always in the house alone, and now she would have someone to keep her company. I didn't want to push the whole mate bond on her because of all her traumatic experiences, but I was willing to accept her rejection if she refused. "Let us take it day by
From Arina’s POV After I told them today was my eighteenth birthday, everything changed. Despite not understanding the sudden change, I was glad not to have to talk about my past anymore. Walking upstairs, I couldn't help but notice every muscle in Alexandre's back. Every aspect of his build was perfect. I took notice of every feature, from his light five o'clock shadow to the small frown lines on his forehead. He looked so handsome if such a thing could be said of a man. “I recommend giving him a chance, Arina," Zakara said as we stopped in front of Bryan and Maribelle's bedroom. "Don't push him away or close yourself off." Considering her words, I was about to respond when Alexandre's voice snapped me out of my reverie. “Your room is this way,” he said, motioning for us to continue. I followed behind Aella and Alexandre as we walked down the hallway. When we stopped at the door, Alexandre stepped aside and pushed open the door to reveal a beautiful bedroom. The room was painted
From Arina's POV Telepathy - I was fascinated by the fact that Aella could read minds. I didn't know it was possible. I couldn't help but be in awe of her. "Do you hear everyone's thoughts?" I asked. "Uh, yeah. Pretty cool, huh?" Aella replied with big eyes. "It's tricky to control it sometimes, but I use it when I'm in school, especially when there are tests," she winked as we walked into her room. As I walked into her bedroom, I was astonished by its beauty. Her room was just as grand, if not more. The walls were black with gold trim, creating boxes as decor, and the royal purple headboard made the room lively with just the right amount of color instead of white. The plush gray carpet was just as soft as it looked. As I stood in front of the window overlooking her backyard, she came up behind me and handed me a black pair of leggings, a white, black, and teal Victoria's Secret sweatshirt, and matching teal Ugg boots. "Here," she said, handing me the clothes and a shower caddy f
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
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