I looked down at my daughter's bruised, swollen eyes and face. The red, fresh brand on her cheek was still bloody and I couldn't understand why our council would do something so barbaric. I laid Amelia on the bed and Violet came rushing to my side."Why did they brand her?" She questioned in a choked voice. Amelia's eyes opened to slits and she looked up at us both as she smiled slightly."Mother and Father…you are both like me," she mumbled softly and my heartstrings pulled."Yes, we are your parents and exactly like you, dearheart. You were taken by the head of the council, to be trained for a seat upon it," I explained to her. "My legs were broken when they held me down to brand me…I got hungry and bit one of the council members called Astrid. She and Emlyn beat me, and the others held me down as they branded my face," she coughed and some blood spittle fell down her chin. I felt my anger bubbling within my gut and Auberon was cursing within my mind. "They attempted to remove her
I held my daughter's hand following Grayson down the hall to his office. Amelia squeezed my hand and glanced over at me."Your nervousness is passing. I can feel your confidence growing," she mumbled softly and I grinned slightly at her. Grayson stopped by the door and asked if we were ready and we both nodded. I peeked inside as he opened the door and both mine and Amelia's eyes widened at the huge man sitting on the chair. His black hair was long and wavy with small braids weaved within it. He looked like a barbarian from ages ago. When he turned to look our way Amelia made a squeak. I eyed her oddly and noticed that her eyes were glowing once again. I looked back at the mountain of a man to see his amber eyes shining as well. Grayson sighed and raised his hand."King Davorin, this is Luna Violet and our daughter Amelia," Grayson growled firmly. His large hand clasped his as he shook it."Two female Lycan hybrids, you are a fortunate man, Grayson," the king replied sternly. Grayson
I followed after both kings. I was relieved Davorin would live but a bit shocked that he and the vampire king were now conversing together, considering Davorin's hatred of vampires. Violet set the medical bag on the coffee table and informed me that she was going to change quickly since the pair were being cordial. Odd, I thought of the pair speaking as I went back to where my daughter was in the kitchen and went to stand before her. Mabel was helping her put the cloak back on."Amelia, you must apologize for attacking the Dire Wolf king," I said sternly. Her defiant yellow eyes met mine in a battle of wills."That man can bleed out for all I care, he called me a whore," she replied and I grabbed her arm, dragging her into the living room."It was wrong of him to call you that but you do not understand an Alpha's thought process, daughter nor do you realize who the man is you tried to gut," I told her pointedly. As we entered the room. Violet looked over at us and I was glad she had c
I held onto Grayson's shirt, surprised to see two new Lycans and shocked that one was a God in the living flesh on our porch."I am Sköll and this is Dagon, the Lycan king of all the wolf provinces in the Lycan Realm. We all bowed our heads except for the vampires who weren't impressed."What brings you both to this realm and my door?" Grayson questioned after shaking both their hands."I knew your father, Slade. He was a good man and a just Alpha and you are his son that holds his same values," Sköll said and Grayson frowned."I murdered him and my mother in cold blood over my first mate... I was a ruthless bastard and have only changed recently due to my second chance mate that I was generously given," he mumbled softly and I grinned slightly knowing that I was responsible for him rediscovering his heart. "Oh yes, the tiny Violet McDonald. Dynamite certainly does come in small packages. I've heard much about your life, little lady. Your mother was a sweet woman treated unfairly and
Grayson carried me up to his bedroom and laid me on his bed and I opened my eyes a little from the lack of movement."The moon Goddess told me that some of us will die," I mumbled sadly. Grayson sighed and nodded."Yes, my love, it is what happens when one goes to war, unfortunately," he mumbled softly."She didn't mention who it would be, did she?" He asked curiously. I shook my head and wiped my eyes not wanting anyone to perish. Grayson sat down beside me and clasped his hands together."I would love you to have my last name before we go into battle. Would you wed me before we go?" He asked softly as he gazed down at me."I don't have a ring to give you, but yes, Forest, I would be honored. Perhaps I could get another boost from Damon, though because I truly am beat," I groaned and he patted my leg."We can take care of it tomorrow. Let's both cuddle and get some much-needed sleep," he said softly and leaned over and kissed my forehead."Have good dreams, Violet," he mumbled sincere
I opened my eyes to see Mabel standing over me with a creepy smile on her face holding a gauzy white fabric in her arms."What? Why are you here looking at me like that?" I asked as I rubbed my eyes."A big owly wolf told me you were getting married today so I brought you a traditional gown to get you ready," she replied excitedly. I sat up holding the covers over my nakedness. "Put on a robe and come with me to Amelia's room so you can shower and we can pretty you up," she growled matter-of-factly. "Alright," I yawned and quickly slipped on one of Grayson's long satin robes. My bare feet pitter-pattered after Mabel as I followed her down the hall. I was pulling the ring from my finger to hand to her and Mabel waved her hand at me."There won't be a ring exchange, dear," she said softly and I raised my brow."Sköll gave his ring to Grayson and it cannot be removed," she said earnestly. I asked if they tried butter. Mabel chuckled and shook her head as she tapped on the door we had a
"After all this you and I are taking a much-deserved honeymoon, all by ourselves," Grayson growled deeply into my ear. I grinned slightly as a shiver traveled down my back and nodded as I laid my head against his chest. I was smiling yet moisture was blurring my vision. Wiping away my tears of happiness I noticed the shimmer of the ring on Grayson's finger. My eyes widened as I lifted his hand to get a closer look."How and why are you wearing an actual God's ring, husband?" I questioned Grayson. He looked sheepishly down at me then over at Sköll."She called me husband, it's so adorable," Grayson snickered softly. The Lycan God chuckled and pointed at the Alpha's hand."My ring chose him to replace me, dear. You are married to the new Lycan God," Sköll grinned as my mouth fell open very unattractively. A felt Grayson's fingers under my chin to close my mouth as Davorin grunted, apparently overhearing what Sköll had said."Never thought you'd get a break or find a worthy replacement,
I watched my daughter and wife enter the temple and was about to rush after them when Sköll yanked me back by the shoulder."The door has been bolted from the inside…I heard the counterweights fall into place."Fly me over Damon," I demanded from the vampire king. He gave me a stoic look."I used up all my juice saving your heavy uncle. You know the sun tires us," he mumbled softly and laid back once again against the tree in exhaustion. I looked at Devin and he shook his head."Trust me Alpha, I'm concerned about Amelia but my father and I are limited during daylight hours," he said disheartened. I jerked myself from Sköll's grip and began pounding on the thick wooden door that blocked my way. I scanned the height of the wall and grinned at my uncle."Hoist me over the wall, uncle," I mumbled and he looked at me, the wall, and shrugged. Michael bent over and I climbed up on his shoulders as he shoved me up with a grunt. I grabbed the top of the wall while he pushed my feet up. Losing
Watching little Maksim or Max, wobble toward my smiling mate I leaned back against the couch cushions, feeling complete contentment. Violet has been in seventh heaven and is ecstatic about helping to raise our grandson for our daughter Amelie. All of the vampires with their mates decided to visit their homelands and our daughter asked us if we'd watch Maksim while they were away. Violet jumped at the opportunity and said absolutely yes. We were enjoying the slowly maturing child when Selene finally made an appearance. She was carrying three wriggling pups with her hands clenched around clothing. She gazed at both of us with a look of exhaustion."These are your grandchildren. They are all hybrids and blood drinkers. I'm not certain if they inherited the Lycan gene yet and won't until they have reached maturity. Anyway, I was told by Noah that Xavier is off with Ashton and to bring them to you as he doesn't have knowledge of raising children," she growled softly, releasing the obnoxious
Grayson and I appeared in an area that was very primitive. The buildings were basically shacks constructed from planks of aged wood. Livestock was in crudely made pens."Where is our son?" Grayson growled roughly. He had shifted to his Lycan and I followed suit by doing the same. I heard a crowd and waved Grayson toward a large gathering around a dirt pit dug into the ground. Inside an ugly creature was fighting with our boy who was shining as his Lycan. I felt proud of him for finding his internal sun. "PARSONS!" Grayson growled sternly, making me jump. I followed after his eyes and saw a huge burly man sitting on a throne of sorts, eyeing Grayson with hatred."Isn't that the last name of your first mate, Reilly?" I questioned sourly and he grunted a harsh yeah."So that's her father?" I asked with a nervous shudder. "Our son is mates with your first mate's little brother? What a strange coincidence," I growled bitterly and Grayson nodded and pushed through the crowd to get to the
I was sleeping soundly. My mind was at ease for once in my long life and I felt deliciously warm. Frowning I felt the panicked shove against my shoulder and opened my eyes slowly to see Damon looking down at me. I opened my eyes wider to see he was grinning at me from ear to ear. I glanced over at Violet still fast asleep with her mouth slightly open and smiled."Where did you find my son's first love, Kari?" Damon asked excitedly."By the Urals on my uncle's pack lands," I answered and his eyes narrowed."You know Russian?" He asked curiously and chuckled out a da. Danon laughed."I'm originally from Chechnya," he said staunchly. "Small human world," I mumbled softly and he nodded, still standing there awkwardly. I looked at him and his eyes widened."Oh right, I came in here to let you know Amelia is in labor and she wants her mother," he said solemnly and I grunted as I shook Violet awake. She looked at me with a scowl and mumbled a growly what? "Amelia is having the pup and want
I lifted my sweet mate into my embrace surprised by the things she had told Xavier's surrogate. Xavier and Ashton were still chuckling over her asking the kind woman if she planned on having a threesome with both the men to create the child she would carry for the couple. When Noah offered to explain the process she stuck her hand directly in his face telling him to shut his trap. A while afterward she passed out. She was going to be upset that she missed the union of our son and his mate. Xavier promised me that they would have a proper ceremony once they returned. I wished everyone well as I transported myself and Violet to our suite within the council home. Violet was mumbling incoherently in her sleep. I smiled and kissed her cheek and she smiled in her state."Go to sleep, my heart," I told her softly and she nestled against her pillow and continued resting.My uncle came to my door and asked me if I was ready."Do you think we can visit my uncle Jazz before Violet wakes?" I aske
"Xavier, we need to have a heart-to-heart," I called out. I could see his blonde head and yellow eyes looking my way."Why? I tried to kill you…," he mumbled."But you knew I wouldn't die… didn't you," I replied standing at the bars."You are a Goddess mother, it would take more than a stab wound to kill you," Xavier smiled and I nodded."May I join you so we can talk?" I asked curiously and he shrugged his shoulders. I asked my wolf to inform Auberon if our meeting turns sour and she whined in my subconscious as I transported myself into his cell. My son sat on the bench with his hands clasped on his lap while I stood there."Do you genuinely love Ashton?" I questioned him. Xavier rubbed his eyes and sighed deeply."Yes, I believe that I do but after the crap I pulled he has become distant." I nodded and waved toward the bench asking if he could share the space."I was told that you are an evil twin," I said softly gazing into my son's eyes. He looked disheartened and I grinned sligh
We appeared in the council's residence in the living room. Grayson I realized was still in only a towel around his waist and one on his head. Selene and Maacah were sitting together with smiles on their faces."Told you it would work, Goddess. He is still loyal to his children and the vampires they are mated with," Sköll announced and the moon Goddess nodded, thanking him for his excellent idea."I am going to assume that this ruse was used to get me to return…you could have just asked," Grayson growled, pulling the towel from his damp long hair. I watched his long curling locks fall down his back and grinned when Sköll said, damn Grayson."How long were you on the other side," he inquired, lifting the curls with his clawed fingers."Decades…is there any bourbon here? I've discovered over time that I enjoy a glass in the evenings," he growled roughly and Sköll laughed."It is only nine in the morning, pretty boy. You'll have to wait but I will share my stash with you tonight," Sköll g
I threw down the extra silver chains I had within my gloved hand and cursed. I had become what I despised. All over my son's stupid mate. I was angry at my son for trying to get me to submit to him."How dare he try to bring me to my knees, I am a Lycan God," I growled bitterly. Auberon remained silent within my mind. The scent of my tiny mate was still fresh inside the cave walls. I had taken the young male to my safe rooms in the mountains of my original house. The humans had the secret door sealed from inside my old home but I could access it easily through the outside hidden door."It would have made the ideal resting place for my son's supposed mate, "I choked out in bitterness. My plan would've been perfect had they not arrived in time. I grunted angrily and stormed through the bunker to find supplies. Rummaging through the cupboards I found canned goods, a box of stale crackers, and lastly a bottle of bourbon. I didn't drink but the possibility of starting weighed heavily on my
The crowd started celebrations once again after Noah told everyone all was fine and to carry on. I stood with Xavier as he introduced me to Jaxon who I'd met before and his mate Noah who was a demon. The couple had taken in Ashton when his father disowned him for liking other boys. It was heartbreaking to me that a parent could do that to their child but after what Grayson had done, I groaned internally. Xavier asked if he could stay with them for a while and I pulled him off alone to ask him if Ashton was his mate."Maybe…I don't know for certain but I really like him and he is super nice," he said."You've met with him before tonight?" I asked curiously and he nodded. "Yeah, we ran into each other at the lake. I'd taken some documents to Dagon and Noah, Jaxon and Ashton were swimming," he informed me. I nodded and overheard the moon Goddess announcing that the wedding of Damon Shaw and Zuri Grayson would be held shortly and I ground my teeth at my husband who wasn't present. I excus
I couldn't understand what Grayson's deal was and attributed it to his male pride. What difference did it make if our son liked other men? All I cared about was that he was happy and had love. It wasn't like same-sex couples were taboo at least they weren't in the packs I was raised in. I rubbed my eyes as I sat there listening to Selene and my daughter speak about their mates' stamina."It must run in the family," Mabel added with a chuckle and elbowed me. Glancing at her I faked a laugh and she frowned."Spill it, Luna. What's going on," she inquired quietly. I sighed and told her I'd talk with her away from the others. Always one to be in the know, she told the others that she needed to help me with something and grabbed my hand as she stood and prepared to take me somewhere."We can help too," Selene offered and Mabel shook her head."No need to, Goddess. It involves the past when we worked together," she lied expertly and I eyed her oddly."Come along Violet, I will help you," she