Alex POVThey make quite the pair at the moment. Elaine, immaculately poised, from her demeanor to her appearance...and Lennox, with his tattered clothes and emotions barely under control. Looking at them, it should be easy to guess who was royal, but you wouldn’t guess it to be Lennox in his current state.“Yes, I do. But I don’t think now is the time to discuss that. It looks like you have all the preparations well in hand. I’m afraid a few rogue Hunters escaped my men and fled south. Meaning our timeline for preparation needs to be brought up,” Lennox admits, making Elaine grimace.“By how much?”“I would be surprised if our enemy isn't on our doorstep in ten days’ time. Fourteen if we are lucky,” Nox states with a growl, his body shaking as if his Demon is begging for release.“That soon?! Lennox, I’m not sure we can convince the others that this is the right path for us that quickly. I need more time! And I want every one of my Hunters out of the holding cells; they are not pr
Maxwell POVI Wake up toasty warm and snuggled into my blankets on my bed, the sense of peace and tranquility keeping me locked in a blissful state. Sighing in contentment, I roll to my back and stretch. My back is sore for some reason, making me wince as I crack an eye open, gasp, and immediately slam it shut when pain erupts behind my eyes.Frowning, I pull myself from the fog of sleep and whimper a little when I realize that the warmth and comfort I was feeling were false, since I feel like I have been hit by a damn truck.“A familiar voice whispers before warm hands cup my cheek, lightly turning me to face them. I groan when the movement sparks more pain in my head, and the warm hand strokes my cheek, soothing me as I try to remember what the hell is going on.The memories are slow to return; the bliss of my dreams, which I can't even remember now, are heavy on my mind, making me more confused than ever. But eventually, I feel almost awake and try to open my eyelids again. The
Maxwell POV We excel in all kinds of magic, especially the ones that deal with the body and mind.”“So, does that mean I will be able to do that? I’m a Dream Walker, right?” I ask.Valen purses his lips, his eyes staying on my hand as his thumb runs over the white bandage.“You are,” he finally says. “But I’m unsure how strong of a Dream Walker you will be. It’s impossible to tell without a blood and magic test.”“I’ve already had my blood tested. I’m in the Regalis bloodline,” I remind him, making him chuckle as he lets my hand go and stands, taking the small first aid box back to the cabinets.“Yes, I recall you saying that, but have you ever wondered why you are different from the other Regalis bloodline members?” Vallen asks, tossing me an amused look over his shoulder and making me frown in response.“Because I’m from”“No!” Valen snaps, his raised voice startling me enough that I jump as he pivots on his heel. He glares at me as he leans a hip against the counter, crossing hi
Maxwell POVI purse my lips as I watch the tall man in front of me. His shoulders are deadly still, and he has a dangerous aura coming off him that makes me want to run from him. But the sick little voice in my head wonders what it would be like if he caught us. If I threw myself into that darkness instead of running like my senses tell me to.“Hmm,” is all Valen says, his nostrils flaring as he studies me with cold precision. His eyes move from my eyes to my neck, where they linger for longer than I would think normal, then trail down my body and land on my fists, which are balled at my sides. I swallow the lump that suddenly appears in my throat when Valen doesn't immediately answer.I really hope he doesn't take the second option and leave me high and dry up here. Even though I like to talk about big games, I’m honestly drowning in a world I know nothing about. I'm scared, and without Valen, I’m worried I won't make it out of this alive. Pain suddenly pricks at my heart and the
Maxwell POVI open my eyes and gape in wonder as I stare down at the massive castle below. Valen has somehow transported us to a ledge that overlooks the Umbra Hunter Castle. The scene is a picturesque view as large, fluffy snowflakes drift lazily through the morning air. The Castle is built into the side of the mountain, its main gates facing out toward the small clearing that slopes down the mountain. I can see the Hunters moving about the courtyard, several going into the castle while others head to the horse barn, and I can't help but notice this is the most lively the Castle has ever been since I’ve been here.My thoughts move to the Regalis brothers; my heart and head are at war with each other as I try to figure out how I feel. Now that I'm not being chased and having my world upended for the second time in only a matter of weeks, I can see how I should have gathered more information. However, there is no explaining away the fact that Lennox and Razar are most definitely De
Maxwell POV“Okay, so Dream Walkers,” I start as we carefully make our way down the slippery slope of the mountain, ignoring the pains and aches in my muscles as I walk. Thankfully, it's a nice morning, and the sun is actually out for the first time in almost a week. “What can we do? Because I don't seem to have any extra magic besides the ability to call you into my dreams.”“Full blooded Dream Walkers are some of the strongest magic users in our world. Like Hunters, different families and bloodlines hold different strengths and abilities. For example, my strength is in mental grifting and collection of lifeforce. Which is how I took energy from the tree at the church,” he answers, his footsteps so light behind mine, I almost don't hear them.I frown as I roll his answer over in my mind, a few things stand out that don't make sense. But when I turn to ask him, Valen shakes his head and smiles.“My turn,” he reminds me, and I pout, turning back towards the trail while carefully sid
Maxwell POVI could see you, but not clearly. I was observing, but couldn't do anything more. It wasn't until the third time that I was actually tugged into your mind and ultimately added as a physical presence to your dreams,” Valen explains, looking down at me with earnest eyes. “You were scared and didn't know how to use your magic. You also made the Beastia as physical as I was, meaning they were hunting you and could have killed you, Mi Sol. Try never to make a creature physical in your dreams again.”“I don't know how I did that,” I admit, trying to remember anything about those dreams besides the feelings of terror and, eventually, safety when Valen had come.“I know. I’ll work on it with you once we collect your friend and cat. I need to ensure you are safe and can't be pulled into dreams while we are here with so many enemies around us.”“Have I tried to pull you back into a dream?” I ask, curious.“Yes. Last night, you called me while we slept. I answered long enough to en
Maxwell POV“Do you have a session with Gemma today?” I ask.Laura remains silent, completely on-responsive to my voice. I frown.My throat clears. “Laura?”“Huh?”She snaps her attention to me, her eyes wide like she’s been caught red handed doing something bad.“Do you have a session with Gemma today?”“Uhh.” She pauses and runs a hand down her face. “Yeah. In thirty minutes. I moved it forward.”“Everything okay?” I ask without trying to sound too weary.Laura nods once and flashes me a smile that is the epitome of force. “Yeah. I just spaced out. Sorry.”“Thinking about anything in particular?”She runs a finger over her lip as I plate up our lunch. “Just about that night with Julia. What can I piece together anyway?”I hum softly. “Do you think of anything new?”“No,” she exhales.Her body language is odd, and her face is struck with emptiness. I know she’s beating herself up about what happened, and I don’t know why. “Do you remember me telling you that when we arrived, there w
Laura POV We lay back down in bed, and I rest my head on his chest. “I can’t believe I forgot. I’ve been a werewolf and shifted, and I still didn’t know.”“You lost a lot of blood and were in a coma for a few days, Laura. Don’t beat yourself up for not remembering. I think in a way, your memories come back to you when you’re ready to face them,” he admits, and I think about that for a second.He might be right. He’s always right.I stay silent as he wraps me up in his strong arms. “Sleep, baby. It’s still early. We can talk about this in the morning.”My eyes flutter shut, and I inhale the scent wafting from his neck. I smile at the way it invades my bloodstream. My senses have heightened in ways I couldn’t even imagine.Later that day, I find myself in the library with Evan and Sam close behind him, looking as bored as ever. I reach up to find books on werewolf ancestry because I feel like I’m missing a piece of my history. My parents abandoned me when I was a baby, and now I don’
Laura POVMy ankles are submerged in mild water. The bottom of the lake is clear, and fish swim around my feet. I release a soft chuckle as they tickle my skin. My head tilts towards the sunset as it sits perfectly along the horizon.I open my lungs and take down the fresh air. A presence behind me makes me tingle, but I’m not afraid. My head looks over my shoulder to be met with luminous eyes and long white hair. I relax.“Laura.” She reaches out to touch my cheek.My eyes close at the sensation that washes over my skin.I remember her from my dream before. She came back.“You’re here.”When I open my eyes, she nods, and I study the pretty markings on her face. A triangle with circles glimmer across her forehead, and her eyelashes are a metallic blue. She takes my face between her warm hands, and I exhale a breath of relief.“Do not forget your power.”I frown. “What power?”“Do not forget the strength inside your soul.”“What do you mean?”She offers me a sweet smile. “I would neve
Maxwell POVAfter running Laura a luke-warm bath, I perch on the edge of the tub and study her drained face. Her skin is still on fire, despite the fact she’s shuddering as if we’re in the Antarctic. Guilt rides my chest like a wave. I’m not sure if her body is rejecting my mark because her human body isn’t strong enough to accept it. I don’t want to think about that fate.“Laura,” I whisper and caress her face.Her hand splashes into the water, and she retracts as if it’s toxic. I calm her by stroking back her hair and sending as much comfort through our bond as possible. Although, I can sense a barricade.“How are you feeling?”Laura’s eyes open, and they’re lazy, her lids almost shutting again.I examine her lips and move closer. The corners of her mouth are starting to fade into a light blue. Something is definitely wrong. Her body continues to shake, rippling the water aggressively. She wraps her arms around her legs in an attempt to keep warm.My hands reach into the bath, and
Laura POVI’m on the brink when he speeds up, and I clamp down on his lip, desperate to fall over the edge. I’m building and building. I groan into the kiss seconds away from absolute pleasure.Then he pulls his fingers from me, and I glare at him in desperation. I hate the smirk that sits on his face. “What” I can hardly get the words out as I watch him suck on his fingers. “Max, please.”He curls a brow in my direction as he sits back on his knees, staring down at me with misty eyes. “You think I didn’t hear your little thoughts earlier today slip through our bond?”“I used my barriers,” I heave.Maxwell releases a wicked laugh that sends shivers to my toes. “Not well enough, baby.”“What did you hear?”“Most of it.”I throw my head back to the bed. I’m pooling with heat. My heart rattles so loud I’m sure he can hear it. He crawls over my body once more and kisses me with rough passion. “You tell me the fucking second I cross any boundaries. Do I make myself clear?”“Yes.”“Good,”
Laura POVWhen I travel home later that afternoon, there’s a huge smile on my face from how fulfilled I am. My old life might be nothing but a distant memory, but Kayleigh shines above all. She’s one person I’ll never be able to forget.As the car drives through our gated community and pulls up outside Maxwell’s private entrance to the house, I hop out. I’m desperate to share everything that happened today with him and because he is my person.I wander through the front door and into the kitchen where the smell of food hypnotizes me. I’m not even hungry as we ate a few hours ago, but it smells divine.When I enter Max is standing there shirtless. My feet halt at the sight of his muscly back. He’s standing over the stove, using one hand to stir whatever he’s cooking in the frying pan. I scan his skin as the muscles contract and relax with each subtle movement. My lips part, and I’m certain I start drooling.I had no idea I had a thing for backs.“Are you going to stand there and ogle
Laura POVWe pause by a fountain and perch on the ledge as the sun beats down on us. “So, you go here with Danny, huh?”She scoffs. “No. I’ve always wanted to come here. Danny just so happened to rock up. We don’t see each other often if that’s what you think. I feel like he followed me here so he could find out information about you from me, which he did. I’m sorry. I never intended to do that.”“I know, I know,” I reassure her. “It’s fine. I don’t mind. How are your parents?”Kayleigh’s eyes drop to the pebbled floor. “They’re not together anymore.”“Oh.” I frown. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t.”“No, they loved you. They treated you like their own. It’s okay to bring them up. They miss you so much.” Her eyes crinkle at the sides.My chest warms. “I’d love to see them soon.”“They’d love that, too.”“Are you dating anyone right now?”She’s quiet for a long moment, and I inspect her face. There is an edge of slight discomfort at the question. “No,” she whispers. “Not anymore.”“Oh, what h
Laura POVI want to enjoy as much alone time as I can with you before we decide to start the next steps. If we agree to have any.” He smooths his thumb across the fabric on my shin.I chew on the inside of my lip. “Yeah,” I agree. “That’s true.”He takes my waist in his hands and tugs me up onto his lap. “Good because I want as much time before we have any little devils running around.”“Did you just call our unborn children ‘little devils’?” I release a soft laugh.“Sure did.” He grins.My forehead presses to his and he leaves a kiss on my lips. “Hey, so I’ve been thinking.”“About what?”I clamp my teeth down on my lip as I admire his dark blue eyes. “The next time we have sex,” I pull my head back slowly, “I want you to mark me. I want us to be mated.”Maxwell doesn’t blink, but he holds me close to him. “Laura.”“I know what you’re going to say. I’m a human, and you don’t know what will happen if you do it. But I want you to. I want to experience it. Let’s see what happens and pra
Laura POVMaxwell had an early meeting this morning. He asked if I wanted to join, and I said I’d leave the business side of his pack to him. He wants me to be more involved and grow into my position as their Luna, but I’m still learning the ropes and need more time.Instead, I’m in the kitchen with Evan, teaching him how to cook. Sam supervises us, and it’s obvious he doesn’t want to be here from his glowering. I ignore him, but Evan’s shoulders are slightly tense.“How are you settling in?” I ask.Evan hums softly. “A lot better now. I’m finding my feet, but I’m ready to learn.”My face stretches into a grin. “Good. I’m pleased, Evan.”His hand takes hold of a large knife and slices through a bell pepper. I nod at his positioning until he slices a little too hard, and the tip of the knife swipes down his fingers.Blood trickles onto the cutting board, and he drops the knife onto the counter with a clang. He jumps back, eyes slightly horrified. “It’s alright, it’s alright,” I say ca
Maxwell POVMy fingers take hers delicately. She shifts her hips slightly and nods. “You’re big,” she exhales as I press my mouth to her palm. “Please, just go slow.”“Of course, baby.”I stay still for a moment and allow her to get used to the feeling before I start to move. I rest down on my elbows and drag my lips across her neck, and when she melts into me, I thrust slowly. She gasps into my ear and clings onto my biceps. I pause and wait until her legs start parting further, and I smile into her neck.My hips move again and again until she brings our lips together in a fiery kiss. She moans against my tongue and sends vibrations straight down my spine until I’m clutching her face and angling it towards me so I can taste every inch of her.“Better?” I rasp as I pull out and sink back in.She nods desperately. “Better.”Then I rest my forehead down on hers. My hips move a tiny bit quicker and deeper, and I watch her face for any slight twitch of discomfort, but instead, her lips a