TANIA'S POVMy heart skipped the moment those words came out of Talon's mouth. That was the last thing I expected him to say and even though it was spoken in such a simple way, I couldn't deny the intensity and heaviness of those words.Initially, I was taken aback and a bit confused. I had never really given much thought to the idea of having a mate, let alone being marked by someone I had just met. I felt a mix of emotions - surprise, curiosity, and a hint of fear surge through me. I have heard stories of the intense bond between werewolf mates, and the thought of being tied to someone so deeply and permanently was overwhelming. And yet, this man said it so casually as if it was ordinary.Who told him that marking a woman is a way of getting her to be a member of the pack? The mate bond isn't enough to make that happen. It is either she is married to a member of the Pack or the membership is vested upon her by the leader or sub-leaders of the Pack."Do you know what you are saying?"
Talon's POVMy eyes fell open as soon as I heard those words from her mouth. My head lay still at the top of the chair and I didn't move an inch, not in the slightest. I was still taking it in. That sentence. I know that she meant for me to come and lay beside her but that wasn't how my mind chose to process it. It sounded as if she was trying to tell me to sleep with her.Why did she always have to say things like that? But no, that wasn't it. Why did my body react when she said those words casually?I lifted up my head and stared directly at her as she half laid on the bed. Her face looked innocent, an indication that her request was nothing but a simple plea, but will I really accept it as a simple plea?"What did you say, Tania? You don't have an idea about the words that came out of your mouth, do you?" My eyes narrowed and the chair creaked as I adjusted to it."I didn't say anything wrong. I just..." She paused, her eyes rolling to the side. She seemed to have recalculated what
Talon's POVI lay still beside her with a reasonable gap between us and she lay at the end, her back still facing me. I don't know if she had slept already but I don't intend to wake her or disturb her but I couldn't help but look at her.My eyes traced the curve of her body -- it was like the shape of an hourglass, roundly shaped especially at the swell of her hips. Her waist dips in just the right place, leading to a full, round backside that I found captivating and irresistible. The dress that covers her only serves to tease me, hinting at the supple skin underneath that my hands longed to touch.I take a moment to appreciate the way her long, dark hair spills out over the pillow, framing her delicate features. Her shoulders, smooth and unblemished, are illuminated by the soft light filtering from the candle lights. But I didn't need a candle light to see her, my night vision was enough for me to take notes of the stunning features of her body.I couldn't help but admire the way h
Talon's POVI groaned as I stirred from my sleep. My eyes squinted at the sunlight streaming through the window. I stretch my arms and legs, feeling the warmth of the sheets against my skin. I can't remember covering myself with the sheets but that was the least of my concerns right now.The sun was peeking through the cracks in my wooden shutters, signaling that it was time to start my day, the sound of birds chirping alerting me of a new day. I sat up and stretched, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from a long night's rest. I know that I stayed up late, all thanks but no thanks to the constant thoughts which were entertained by my mind throughout the night. I can't feel the change that I was expecting from thinking and imagining different things throughout the night. But it was not just about that, last night was actually very stressful for me -- the meeting and the whole saga at the forbidden house. That was a lot of stress for a half human like me who needed rest, and although
Talon's POVI ignore Tania's greeting and stare at Dolph who seems to have a smile on his face."Hello, Alpha Talon, hope you slept well?" A friendly smile curved out of his lips and I responded to the greeting."Yes I did. What about you?""Same." Dolph replied. I could tell from their reactions that they were just having a simple conversation but why did I seem to care? Talon, what in the name of the Moon Goddess is wrong with you right now?Dolph turns to Tania and says, "Alright, Tania, I'll leave you two to catch up. It was nice chatting with you and I hope you think about what I said," m he turned towards me and tapped him on the shoulder. "See you later, Talon," and then he left.Judging from what he said, they must have had a serious conversation and I was curious to know what it was all about."Seems you both were having a discussion. What was it about?" I asked, making sure that I wasn't sounding so serious or dominating."Oh... It was nothing serious. I was just about to l
Tania's POVI was taken aback the moment Talon pulled me to his chest. The laughter that almost escaped my lips had now been choked by reticence. Never did I imagine that what Talon would use to shut me up was an embrace. What was worse? He embraced me in public and now I am the one shadowed in embarrassment. I just hoped that there was no one that was watching from behind.Talon was muttering some words which I couldn't interpret but I figured he was trying to keep me calm and as funny as it looks, I couldn't ignore the tiny bits of sensations flowing through my body. Can I really call it tiny bits? What I was feeling right now is way more than that. It is way more than I expected.I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as Talon holds me close to him. My body tenses up for a moment, unsure of what to do or how to react. But as he wraps his arms around me, I can feel myself start to relax. His arms. I can't explain it but his arms were comfortable for me -- strong, resilient and pow
Tania's POVAs I leaned in for the kiss with Talon, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction in the fact that it would annoy Riya, but as our lips touched, a jolt of excitement ran through my body. An excitement that I wasn't expecting.I found myself enjoying the sensation of Talon's lips on mine and feeling a rush of pleasure that made my heart race. It was as if I was experiencing a moment of pure bliss that I didn't want to end.Despite my initial intention, I couldn't deny the fact that the kiss had stirred something inside me that I hadn't felt before. It was a mixture of happiness, excitement, and a hint of nervousness that I couldn't explain.But I wanted to remain there. In his arms. I wanted to savor his lips like I was eating a meal and luxuriate in the warmth of his embrace. The combination is something that I have never experienced. It was more thrilling than I wanted it to be. The kiss. It was something that I thought of doing so that Riya would be pained but the
Tania's POV"What did you say?" I asked, confusion, surprise and everything in between glaring brightly in my face."I said I liked it. Do it again," Talon repeated.Now I know that he was serious about what he said. The first thing I did was to look around me and yeah, we were still outside. I flexed my hands around our surroundings, reminding him that we didn't magically appear inside the house and he gave me that and-so look which in turn reminded me of his personality. I have just known him for a few days but I can't forget that he has this bold and daring attitude that makes him look untouchable and unfiltered and also attractive at the same time.Focus, Tania. Now is not the time to think about how attractive this man is."We are outside, Talon," I told him, my eyes widened in consternation."But you did it before and we did it outside. So why can't we do it again?" He folds his arms on his chest, his face lifted slightly upwards as he stares down at me.Right now I was thinking
Tania's POVAs the golden sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, ethereal glow upon the magnificent palace grounds, the day of our enchanting wedding had finally arrived. The air was charged with an electric anticipation, and the moon hung high in the night sky, ready to bear witness to the union of our hearts.The palace, adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with delicate moonlit tapestries, stood as a symbol of our ancient heritage. Towering columns lined the grand hall, their surfaces adorned with vibrant flora and intertwined silver vines. The scent of wildflowers and pine wafted through the air, adding an intoxicating touch to the mystical atmosphere.I stood at the entrance of the grand hall, my bridal gown flowing around me in shades of moonlight. The fabric shimmered with silver thread, mimicking the celestial radiance of the night sky. Delicate moonstones adorned my hair, cascading down like cascades of stardust. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant how
Tania's POVOh, Talon," I whispered, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. His words resonate deeply within me, unraveling the layers of pain and sacrifice he had endured. The weight of his past struggles became palpable, and I realized how profoundly he had suffered for the sake of a kingdom that was not his own. Talon's selflessness and unwavering determination painted him as a true embodiment of love.Without hesitation, I enveloped him in a tender embrace, seeking to provide solace and comfort. Tears welled in my eyes as I realized the magnitude of his sacrifice and the pain he had carried silently. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret for my initial overreaction, for not taking the time to hear his side of the story. If only I had known that it was my own kingdom he had fought to protect, I would never have fled from his side.With a heavy heart, I uttered an apology, the words pouring forth with sincerity. I expressed remorse for not giving him the chance to share his
Tania's POVFor the first time in seven years I felt like I belonged. Crescida, a land which was my worst nightmare before, had become a place similar to home. All these were made possible because of our determination to get things right and I am grateful for it.Talon and I strolled through the kingdom of Crescida, the cobblestone streets beneath our feet echoing with each step. The bustling marketplaces and lively taverns slowly faded into the background as we ventured beyond the familiar paths. Tall stone buildings and intricately carved archways lined our way, whispering tales of the kingdom's storied past.As we wandered, the ambiance shifted. The air grew cooler, carrying with it the scent of moss and damp earth. We followed a meandering path that led us away from the town, guided by the whispers of rustling leaves and the distant sound of flowing water.Soon, we found ourselves ascending a rugged mountain, its slopes adorned with ancient trees and lush vegetation. The hike was
Tania's POVI could hardly believe my eyes as we breached the gates of Crescida. The sight that awaited us in the city square was heart-wrenching and ignited an inferno of rage within me. There, in the center, stood Talon, my lover, the leader of Ascot and beacon of hope for my people's freedom, bound to a stake, his body marked by cruel lashes. The crowds jeered and mocked, reveling in his humiliation. How could they do that to their own?Fury surged through my veins, and I sprinted towards Talon, my heart pounding in my chest. "Tania," he called out but I ignored, my sole focus was only to free him. The ropes that constricted him strained against his struggles, a twisted symbol of his captivity. I drew my blade with a determined hand, slashing through the ropes that held him captive. Each cut felt like a strike against the tyranny that had oppressed our people for far too long.As the ropes fell away, I cradled Talon in my trembling arms, my hands a mixture of anger and tenderness
Tania's POVAs I emerged from the dark confines of the dungeon, Matilda's frail form leaned heavily against me. Her face was pale, etched with exhaustion and the torment she had endured during her captivity. With each step, I supported her, guiding her towards the haven of safety that awaited us—the Pack's house.The journey seemed endless, the weight of responsibility resting upon my shoulders. Matilda's breathing was labored, a testament to her weakened state. Yet, determination fueled my every stride. The Pack's house was our destination, a sanctuary where Matilda could receive the care and support she desperately needed.As we approached the house, the chaos that unfolded within its walls became apparent. Shouts reverberated through the air, punctuated by the occasional crash. Fear coursed through my veins, gripping me with uncertainty. What had transpired in my absence? I hope nothing has happened to Talon nor any member of the Pack? Just as my worry reached its peak, I caught a
Tania's POVI have never experienced true satisfaction upon accomplishing a feat. Although I anticipated that defeating Dolph would drain every ounce of my energy, I was proven wrong. The intervention of the Moon Goddess made the task surprisingly effortless, and now it was time to rescue Matilda from that dreadful room. However, before I could proceed, I needed to neutralize any potential dangers lurking within the house, whether they were servants or guards. There was one particular guard who had caught me snooping around the enigmatic door during my previous visit. He presented a potential threat, and it was imperative that I eliminate him swiftly and decisively. Additionally, I was determined to leave no stone unturned in my quest to ensure Matilda's safety and bring an end to the chaos that Dolph had caused.I swiftly snatched the keys from Dolph's side, urgency pulsating through my veins. With no time to spare, my sole mission was to rescue Matilda and reach the Pack house with
Tania's POVI spent an entire day desperately searching for any means of escape from the confines of the room where Matilda and I were being held captive. Matilda had repeatedly warned me that there was no way out, and her words echoed in my mind. After all, she had endured this grim existence for months, devoid of even a glimpse of sunlight. The absence of any windows in this room intensified our suffering, making it a tangible and agonizing experience.This was the pivotal moment, the crossroads where I confronted the choice that would define me. I could either succumb to my doubts and accept the role of a feeble Luna, forever relying on others to rescue me from trouble, burdened by the weight of my kingdom and the fragility of my love. Or I could embrace my inner strength, beseeching the Moon Goddess to unleash the power within me and illuminate a path through this dire predicament.With unwavering resolve, I chose the latter. I made the conscious decision to embody strength and re
Tania's POVI stood alone in a desolate place, the air heavy with an eerie silence. A haunting groan, filled with agony and despair, pierced through the stillness, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel its reverberations deep within my soul, a mournful cry that seemed to echo from the very depths of darkness.As the anguished sound resonated around me, I strained my senses, focusing intently to determine its source. The groan seemed to seep from the very fabric of the environment, as if it were a whispered secret carried by the wind. Was I truly alone in this forsaken place? Could there be a dangerous entity lurking nearby, much like the dreaded Loon, its presence suffusing the air with malevolence?Fear crept up my spine, its icy fingers tightening their grip on my heart. My instincts urged me to find something, anything, that could serve as a weapon against this unseen threat, be it a Loon or any other ominous presence. I sought solace in the tangible, grasping for a means to
Tania's POVAs my mind grappled with the surreal nature of it all, a nagging thought crept in: could this be nothing more than a figment of my imagination? Were my ears truly attuned to reality? Alpha Dolph's words echoed in my mind, stirring a whirlwind of doubt and confusion. Could his shocking revelations possibly be true? Did he truly orchestrate such a nefarious scheme? The sheer audacity and implausibility of it all made it difficult to accept, and yet, the evidence seemed to point in that direction.The Scouts, who had been dispatched to oversee the border, lingered in my thoughts. Their deaths now took on a chilling significance, an ominous clue that had eluded my grasp until now. The cryptic letter, with its enigmatic message, served as an eerie prelude to the events that followed. The brutal attack on the Pack house, a once-secure sanctuary, shattered any remaining doubts and left me reeling with the magnitude of Dolph's deceit.As the puzzle pieces began to fit together, a