Unlike the rest of the pack, Pawashil’s cabin was the furthest from everyone and in the middle of the woods. Bones dangled outside the wooden dock, and a fire crackled outside, with rocks surrounding it and a pot simmering over the top. It was like Alicia had been transported into another time and place.Small heads also dangled on the opposite side of the bones, and above the door were symbols she did not recognise. Alicia was gently pushed away from the heads by Rowan when she got a little too close to them, wondering if they were real or if they might jump out at her. If there were witches and creatures like werewolves in the world, then she gathered there were more than likely a few things yet to be discovered.Rowan raised his fist to the door, but it opened before he knocked, revealing an elderly man with dark brown skin, his face droopy with wrinkles; his eyes looked shut. However, they were slightly ajar, revealing pale blue, more white-looking eyes. His greying hair was in tw
The pack was too large to host a welcome dinner within the packhouse, so they arranged two celebrations. One was more personal, with the leaders in the pack and close family friends, and the other was a celebration that everyone was invited to. Although Alicia had met a few of them already, she still felt somewhat nervous.“You’ll be fine,” Rowan murmured into her ear before opening the double doors to the dining room.Alicia was wearing one of the new dresses Rowan had brought her, which was left with all the others in the walk-in closet. It was a simple light pink and silver dress fitted to her body to her waist, then flowed out to the top of her knees. Rowan wore his usual fitted designer suit, but he matched his tie to Alicia’s dress.Upon entering the dining room, Alicia’s gaze fell straight to the long rectangular black marble table with floral arrangements and candlabras spread out along it with sparkling silverware.“Alicia!” Rachel was the first to hug her. Rowan's mum was in
Ruby’s nose wrinkled at Alicia’s use of the term sister. Alicia said it purposefully; they were going to be family, after all. She may have been putting up with Ruby’s impolite behaviour, but she wouldn’t let it slide once she proved herself to the pack. This was just a warning, a reminder of Ruby’s place.“D*mn straight.’ Alpine growled in agreement.Alicia had never been in this position before and looked forward to proving herself. One position she’d been in more than once now was dealing with women pining after what was hers. One of them got away with it, and Alicia was free of the sc*m.Rowan was her mate, though, and she knew he didn’t see anyone but her. It was an odd feeling to be so comfortable in a new relationship, it felt right and honest, and Rowan had just been acting possessive of her, not wishing her to spend too long with his Gamma, someone he was close to.“Alicia,” Rowan whispered as the two girls had been holding each other’s gazes.“You need to prove your strength
In Blue Crescent, the following morning, Darci was led from her cell by one of the guards. She clutched at her shoulders where she’d spent the last two nights in a damp, cold cell. She wasn’t allowed to change from her engagement dress, which was now ruffled.Walking outside into the bright sunlight, Darci squinted, her make-up streaked down her features, her hair dishevelled. She held her arms tighter when a few people passing by looked at her strangely. She looked like the morning after a one-night stand, and this was a walk of shame.Everyone knew who Darci was, though, and why she looked that way. The reason they were scowling was because she was released from her punishment so much earlier. The royal family stated her release was deemed worthy because of her good behaviour. It was more like Tom’s parents managed to convince the King and Queen to release her.Darci tsked. She shouldn't have been in there in the first place! Her plan had been solid! Stupid Alicia!The guard beside
Her act hadn’t worked on the Madame. She saw straight through her, and although Tom was a customer and their privacy and standards were high, he was close to being banned for his behaviour. It was a shame that someone with his looks and at such an age was actually a monster.The Madame learnt long ago that even those with angelic features could be just as monstrous.Darci marched up the stairs, her steps loud as she burst open the door and glared at what she was seeing. Tom stood with a shirt on but his trousers missing, a blonde woman bobbing up and down on his c*ck with her mouth, accepting his punishing thrusts, while another blonde was held by the throat to his side.“I’ll be out in a sec, jeez, Henley!” Tom tossed his phone on the bed behind him.“Keep going, Alicia.” Tom groaned, his hand twisting in the woman’s hair between his legs before aggressively kissing the blonde woman who he was choking. Tears streamed from her cheeks, but he persisted.Darci stood there frozen. Did h
The wind was gentle and caressed Alicia’s face, the stray strands of her hair fluttering across her forehead and cheek while the rest was tugged back in a braid. She stood in a field facing Ruby, who paced back and forth as though she couldn’t wait to get her hands on the future Luna of Bloody Claw. A large crowd, the entire pack that could be there, were gathered. Stalls had even been arranged.Apparently, it was one of the most exciting fights in a while. Alicia thought that was strange because Bloody Claw was known for its thirst for blood and fighting other packs. She’d seen their training, yet she’d pushed past those prejudices when most of the scary-looking wolves had welcomed her so warmly into the pack.This was inevitable, though. If it wasn’t Ruby it would be another she-wolf or werewolf that didn’t agree with her becoming Rowan’s mate. She had been wolfless and raised as an Omega. At least now she could put any rumours or bad talk to rest.Alicia hoped anyway. She wasn’t su
Alicia evaded Ruby's attack, ignoring the slight pounding in her head, dodging a few more kicks and punches from the enraged she-wolf. Gone was her embarrassment of being naked.This was about survival right now because Alicia was sure Ruby wanted to do more than hit her a few times. This was evident in her features and what looked like a small dagger in her hand, one that she kept concealed from everyone else. Alicia remained on the defence, though her movements were clumsy from her inferior training or lack thereof, and she continued her sessions.Still, it stopped Ruby from getting too close. She growled and screamed many times furiously. “Fight me!” Ruby shouted.Alicia sighed, blocking another swipe from the girl as images swarmed in her mind. Alpine was sending her fighting techniques, ancient old training. She knew it was ancient because of the clothing these she-wolves wore in this mini tutorial that lasted only 0.01 seconds. Once she’d seen it all, Alicia’s movements had quic
Rowan kissed the top of her head, still glaring in Ruby’s direction.‘Don’t ever turn your back on your opponent again,’ Alpine warned Alicia as they watched the redhead she-wolf dragged away by the pack’s Gamma. Alicia nodded to her wolf’s wise words.“I’m sorry I didn’t intervene sooner. I didn’t expect Ruby to use a blade. I shouldn’t have accepted this in the first place.” Alicia watched as Rowan continued to beat himself up about what had already transpired.“Rowan.” Alicia’s arms slid around his neck and she pressed further into his solid body. “Neither of us knew. Don’t worry about me anyway. I got to prove myself and to be honest… compared to my sneaky sister, Ruby isn’t nothing new. I kind of prefer her antagonism its more direct and refreshing.“She’s easy to handle.”Rowan shook his head and sighed, though a smile slipped past his lips. “I believe you’re capable of dealing with anything, especially with such a family. I’m your mate, though.” He leaned closer to Alicia’s fac
Hiding in the bushes, the night had finally come when they were putting their plan in motion. Alicia felt like a thief in the night, especially since she finally got her clothes back. All of them black, a great camouflage for the middle of the peaceful night that was about to turn blood red.Alicia’s hair was hidden beneath the hood as she stared at the palace from a distance. Alpine had finally returned to her, and the first thing her wolf scolded Alicia about was Talon.‘He’s up to no good, child,’ she warned. Alicia needed no warning, however, because she didn’t trust Talon anyway.Alicia only trusted in the plan. They needed the vampires for numbers and power to overthrow the Crown.With Alpine’s return, Alicia’s werewolf healing had improved, along with her strength and speed. The scarring on Alicia’s neck was now minimal and would soon be fully healed. Her strength was replenished.Rowan didn’t intend to use Alicia, but if the royal pack was still too powerful against his packs
The plan to overthrow the throne within a few days was a little too optimistic. Alicia, Rowan and Lamia ended up staying at the vampires lair while they organised it. Although she’d been warned by Talon and her husband, Alicia did roam around the warehouse unguarded.Many vampires sneered and snickered, believing Alicia was acting naïve. But Alicia was protected by Talon as his guest and anyone that lost themselves to their vampiric urges, Alicia took out. Those who sneered ended up nodding respectfully at the future Luna Queen.“What is this?” Alicia asked as Hailey waltzed into the room carrying hangers of clothes.“Lord Talon requests you cover up,” Hailey explained, dipping her head respectfully at Rowan who lowered the phone from his ear, frowning at the clothes being put up in the empty wardrobe.Rowan clicked his tongue. “Did he forget to buy me clothes?”Hailey pursed her lips. “I-I could ask, Mr-”“You’re scaring her,” Alicia scolded her mate, smacking him playfully on the ar
“Now that’s sorted, why don’t we have a drink?” Talon’s eyes glinted as they looked at Alicia, the innuendo clear.Rowan stood. “Like we said before, there isn’t much time.” He reached down to take Alicia’s hand, but Talon’s words stopped them.“We still need to make a plan. Will you accept my hospitality or continue to be rude and dismissive, especially now that you have got what you came here to get?” Talon’s voice was frosty, and goosebumps rose on Alicia’s flesh.Rowan scoffed. He could see Talon eyeing up Alicia from out of the corner of his eye or whenever he didn’t think Rowan was looking. The vampire either lusted after her or wanted her blood.Obviously, he would have neither.“We can swap numbers and go through our plans over the phone. We can return to the pack-”“Once things are resolved here.” Lamia stepped forward, interrupting her son and placing a hand on his arm, giving him a look.Rowan was about to argue, but Lamia spoke again, quietly, only meant for him. “The Quee
Talon stared at Alicia for a beat, the growing silence tense until he burst into a laugh. His head threw back, revealing his sharp fangs in his enjoyment. Those around them relaxed, and the barman, who had paused his actions, returned to drying the glass.Alicia released a quiet breath, unaware she’d been holding it since she’d refused to tell him her name twice. She didn’t know where it came from, but the slight thrill under Talon’s gaze made her feel guilty.Alicia had seen many good-looking and powerful men, but none compared to Rowan. Now, in a matter of seconds, standing before this vampire, she’d felt almost entranced by his presence. Was it a vampire thing?No, otherwise, Alicia would have felt the same way as the others she’d seen so far. This only meant that she found Talon attractive and that she couldn’t accept, especially when her mate was right here.“Very well,” Talon smirked, his dazzling eyes twinkling as he continued to watch Alicia. “I was only asking out of manners,
There was no plan. They just turned up at Talon’s front door.Technically, it was a gate. The Vampire Lord didn’t live in an old manor or some sort of suave penthouse like Alicia was expecting. Instead, the car Rowan managed to rent stopped in front of a closed gate before a warehouse.The entire estate had many warehouses and lorries to the side, and behind it, there were many fields. Vineyards, Alicia realised. This was a winery.“This is definitely the right place?” Alicia questioned, looking to the back seat where Lamia had been resting against the black-tinted window.“I told you we were hiding in plain sight.” Lamia shrugged. “Let me speak to them.”Lamia exited the door and went to the speaker by the gate, pressing on the buzzer and waving at the CCTV.“Lamia?! Is that you?!” A woman’s voice crackled through. “Quick, tell Talon!”Rowan and Alicia glanced at each other.“Are you going to let us in, or will I turn to ash first?” Lamia jested.Silence followed her question before
Although Lamia’s story had been full of pain and betrayal, she still needed time to accept the death of her ex-lover. The vampiress left to take a walk leaving Alicia and Rowan to talk.“Did Tom do anything to you?” Rowan got straight to the point. “I could smell him all over you… You can tell me. I know you were imprisoned and-”Alicia cupped her husband’s face. “He did not r*pe me. I was tortured and humiliated…” She wouldn’t tell Rowan about Tom’s groping. There was no point. “If I stayed any longer he would have… I know he would. Void… the man who’d been torturing me managed to get him away from me before he could do anything.”“That piece of sh*t!” Rowan growled, his voice rumbling with his rage. His fierce eyes returned to Alicia, softening as he tugged her into him so they could cuddle on the bed.“I’m sorry I wasn’t there-”“You don’t need to be. It’s not your fault he is… disgusting.” Alicia shivered, remembering the humiliation of the silver collar, crawling around and weari
Lamia released the dead rabbit to the ground in the forest and wiped her face. She strolled by the river to wash the remnants of the blood from her hands. There was only so many humans she could drink from every other week, ensuring they didn’t remember what happened and the bite mark healed over.So today, Lamia had to drink from animals to keep her cravings at bay. She sighed while splashing her face, her thoughts already turning to the comforts of her luxurious home. She’d already spent a week away from it.While Lamia was preoccupied with her thoughts, cupping the water in the river for a final time, something smacked into her hand. Lamia’s head whipped to the side, her hands withdrawing from the body in the body. The fresh blood and sound of a weak heartbeat forced her to run to where the body floated to, and grabbed the man before he fell down the cascading water of the waterfall.Lamia fell back with the huge man collapsing atop her. She pushed him off her, but the taste of his
Vibrations rumbled along Alicia’s body. At first it felt like a dream. She was flying, with the wind flowing through her hair.Then the fog around her mind gradually faded, and the vibrations grew stronger until she felt herself bouncing and he head jolting every few seconds. It wasn’t comfortable yet she couldn’t open her heavy eyelids.It lasted for a while. It was like she was falling asleep and jolting awake nonstop. A horrid feeling, and one she couldn’t get out of.At long last, the movement stopped but she heard Rowan’s hushed voice with another. Rowan who she thought had been dead. Rowan who had been almost lifeless upon finding him in the hay.Alicia jolted up, wide awake, heart racing as she flailed in a panic, and searched the dark room for him. The bond tugged at her heartstrings as a light pooled into the room where Rowan walked through the door. The moment he saw her sitting up, Rowan rushed forward, the door slamming shut behind him, casting them in darkness once more.
Lamia and Alicia ran from the cells only to bump into Void. Lamia didn’t think twice before smacking the side of her hand into the back of his head. The giant collapsed instantly.“Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want to be the one to hurt him?” Lamia turned back to face Alicia. “I know he tortured you, but time is precious.”Lamia actually looked apologetic for attacking the man before Alicia. She shook her head with a chuckle. “No, no. I never had any problems with Void.”“Void?” Lamia’s voice deepened, a frown tugging between her perfectly shaped eyebrows. “You didn’t have an issue with a man who tortured you?”Alicia shrugged. She already knew how messed up it was, so to avoid her mother-in-law’s questioning and accurately worried gaze, Alicia added, “He was following orders.”Lamia’s lips flattened into a straight line. She didn’t believe Alicia. Still, she answered, “Alright.” Like that she turned, removed the keys from Void’s belt and began putting them in the lock of the silver collar