I WOKE up when I felt something hot and thick between my thighs. When I opened my eyes, I found myself lying on the bed… with the devil on top of me. He was in his naked glory and so was I.Still dazed, I stared at his majestic body. He was holding my legs up until his shoulders and he was thrusting himself between my thighs. It didn’t hurt, but it gave an electrifying pleasure which shot into my core and spread up until my breasts until I felt them tingle.When the devil’s dark, smoldering eyes landed onto me, a seductive smile formed in his lips. “You have starved me long enough, little wolf. I could not wait for breakfast anymore and so I started eating.”“Yeah, I can see that very well,” I replied, surprised by the instant heat that surged in my body. The touch of his shaft was stimulating all of my senses. “And good morning to you too, your grace.”The sun was yet to rise. It was still too early for breakfast.But then again, when it came to this man’s hunger, there didn’t seem t
I CLOSED the envelope. I had seen enough photos. Khal had also provided me with copies of Nicole’s videos. And there were a lot of them.After reading the reports, I gathered all the papers when my forehead suddenly creased. I felt restless and it was bugging me. It was as if there was something from the details here that I missed. And the devil just sat still, observing me with a smile on his lips as if he was testing me.I compiled the pictures of the council members on the wooden table, my fingers were patting the table while looking at the photos while I quickly scanned the information I read earlier in my mind. Not many people knew about that.I was born with a photographic memory.Just one look and I had already memorized everything I needed to know about my targets. I stopped at Titus’ picture. That was when I remembered that every person who had messed with him in the past died from the same thing. It was either from a pill or from a tonic. That was stated in Onyx’s report, bu
Three months later…“NO!” Alpha King Titus’ voice echoed all over the streets as he watched his precious laboratory burn, unable to save anything. He was about to rush inside along with his men when the laboratory exploded for the second time. Tears glazed his eyes, probably at the thought of losing kuntar, his money tree.“Damn you, Fredrick! I will make you pay for this! Wherever you are hiding, I swear I will find you and I will kill you!”I watched all that happen from the rooftop of the building my family once owned. Most of the Council members divided our properties among themselves. The building was just right in front of the laboratory.“Your majesty, I have an urgent thing to report,” one of his subordinates said. His face was pale.“What the fuck is it this time?!” Titus snarled; his eyes were still fixated in his lab.The man looked uneasy and when he didn’t respond right away, Titus finally looked at his direction and in an anxious voice, he added, “You dumbass! Just fucki
FELIPE and I circled each other. Both of our clothes were drenched from our sweat. I was already panting, but so was he. This duel had been going on for almost an hour now and none of us wanted to surrender. The knights who were watching said that this was the longest duel they had ever watched.Felipe was my mentor. He was also the knight I needed to go through before I could propose a match against Onyx. He was the third strongest hybrid among the devil’s knights. Onyx was the second. If I could win against him, that would be enough for me. I would not even dream of having a duel with the devil.I had already won against Khal a few weeks ago. And just yesterday, I finally won against Drake.The sparring was based on the knight’s ranks.It had been three years since Dad and Archer died. Removing the poison in my system took almost half a year. I spent another six months recovering, relearning about myself, and training my body and my wolf.During that time, so many things had taken p
“I HEARD the news.”I held my breath when I felt Blade’s hands on my shoulders down to the tips of my breasts. I opened my eyes and caught him staring at me as he sat beside the bathtub. These days, Blade would constantly disappear during daytime that we only get to see each other when the sun comes down.I wanted to ask what he was doing and where he was going, but I didn’t know if I had the right. I did try asking the knights, though. And all of them had the same response.‘We lived with his grace for a century, but up until this very day, it’s still difficult for us to ascertain what he truly thinks.’Blade would often leave on his own and none of the knights knew what he was up to. But they seemed used to it. They were just waiting for their king to give a command and so far, they hadn’t heard a word from him yet.As years went by, I realized what a rumor could do to a person. It could either make or break a life. The rumors surrounding Blade were the ones that truly chained him.
I CAME out of the house expecting to see only Chelsea and Enrique. That’s why I was surprised when I saw that the lawn was filled with twenty-four knights wearing their black and red military uniform.“What’s the meaning of this?” I asked, still stunned.“Princess, did you think we would let you go there alone?” Felipe shot back. “Of course, we are coming with you. But you know, when I told you to go somewhere and unwind, this was not what I had in mind.”“Sir, I thought you disliked the idea of me returning there? And it’s not your battle. I don’t want to drag you with me. All of you had already helped me and my family so much.”Every Dad and Archer’s death anniversary, no matter the weather, whether it was raining or not, the knights along with their king would quietly stand behind me in front of their tomb wearing their military uniforms like it was their way of honoring the dead.It was something I never asked, but they still do it nevertheless. They would stand behind me for hour
(Katniss)I CAN’T remember how long I’d been standing here, in front of the main hall, and just blankly staring at the golden throne. In my head, I could see Dad sitting there, calling me with a tender smile on his lips. When I was a little girl, when I was still innocent from the ways of the world, I remember opening the door and breaking in while he was in the middle of a meeting with his subordinates.The servants tried to stop me from getting in, but Dad didn’t.He excused himself as he met me halfway because my little legs and my weak body couldn’t run so far. He carried me and had me sit on his throne to everyone’s disgust.‘One day, the kingdom will rise higher than it is now and you will take my throne. That was the prophecy the moon goddess had shown me in my dream. When that day comes, I will be there, I will be the proudest father of all, princess, because that meant you have overcome all the hurdles in your life.’I remember just smiling back at him like a fool because I d
I WATCHED as the devil took a step closer to me, as his predatory and hungry eyes raked over my body. The air between us suddenly felt hot and thick. And when he was finally in front of me, he didn’t waste any more time to hold me. Blade’s big hands cupped my hips and pressed me into the hard length of his body. Just like that and a rush of fire flared throughout my core. Then and now, only this man could make my body melt with just his eyes, with just his hands. And Blade was very much aware of that. This kingdom had never allowed me to feel any sense of belonging but strangely, each time I’m in Blade’s arms like this, I felt like I’d found a place to belong. How about him? Was there even a tiny chance that he felt the same way? I wish there was a way to know the devil’s heart. But I couldn’t ask. I could wage my own war now. I could handle hundreds of wolves and maybe deal with vampires, but I could never have the courage to ask something outside the deal Blade and I had made.
Six years later… (Blade) ISABELLA quickly hid the box of chocolates she was munching on when she saw me. She put it behind her. She looked like a little ball of sunshine with her yellow school uniform, yellow sandals, and yellow ribbons. “Were you eating chocolates again?” I asked. She averted her eyes and denied, “No, daddy.” I grinned. She had traces of chocolates on her plump cheeks. Even her tiny fingers had them. Anyone from a meter away could smell them in her. “Really?” She pouted. “Fine. I lied. Sorry, daddy.” She took out her chocolates and with a proud expression, she added, “But I worked hard for these! You can’t take these away from me.” “You worked hard?” I asked, amused. “Alright. Tell me, princess. What did you sell this time?” Last time, this tiny negotiator sold her stick drawings to the council behind our backs. We only found out when Katniss and I came home and saw countless cakes and cookies in the kitchen. The ministers were so fond of Isabella that she c
(Katniss) EARLY in the morning, I woke up, ran to the bathroom, and threw up. I was already on my second trimester but there were still mornings like this although the doctor had already assured me and Blade that there were some cases when this happens. It was not easy carrying the baby of the most powerful man in all the kingdoms but I was told that our mate bond was helping my body recover from fatigue and the difficulties. And I think it was true. Whenever I see Blade, the stress seems to fade away all at once. I sat on the tiled floor, leaned against the toilet bowl, and took a deep breath. Not long after, Blade showed up beside me. He wiped the sweat off my face. He often sees me like this but his expression was still the same. He looked like he was the one in pain. “I know what you’re going to say next, love. And no, you don’t have to call a doctor for this. This is perfectly normal,” I told him in a hoarse voice. “I wish I could carry her for you,” Blade said instead in a
‘DON’T be like me, son. Do not let them down: your woman and your child. I saw it when I held her hand.’ Those were Pierre’s last words. When I heard it, I felt like cold water had been splashed onto my face. That was when memories of me and Katniss started flooding back in my head. And now after all this time, here we are. When I opened the door, I saw her there. The woman who told me to hurry back home was now peacefully sleeping. It was only two in the afternoon. A soft smile curved my lips when I saw her nesting, it was what female shifters do when they are in heat or pregnant. They would wrap themselves with the clothes of their mate to calm down. She was covered by so much clothes that I could only see her face. “Blade…” she whispered in her sleep. “Yes, love. I’m here now,” I replied and gave her a kiss on the forehead. I quietly took the pile of clothes off her to make sure she would sleep more comfortably. My throat went dry when I saw that underneath all my clothes whic
(Blade)I DID not think that a day like this would come, a day when I would look him in the eyes and I would feel nothing. Today, I received a call from one of the nurses who was in charge of Hawk saying that he was hysterical and was calling for me.I looked around. This place was where Katniss had sent him. In a mental asylum.“What did you do? You are not supposed to look like that! You don’t look broken at all!” Hawk screamed. “Why? You have to suffer! You owe it to me!”He wanted to get up but his knees wobbled and he fell back onto the bed. After I took away his mana, his old age caught up to him quickly. His hair had turned gray. He may look like he was only in his fifties but his body was rotten and was dying inside.Hawk’s glorious days were gone. Now, he appeared as an old miserable man, a fitting end for someone like him.I dragged a wooden chair and placed it in front of him. I sat there and stared at him. After seeing me this way, he looked like the world had betrayed him
OUR wolves immediately sniffed the air. There were no signs of intruders anywhere. My mind went blank. While Blade rushed to check their bodies, my knees trembled and I fell onto the floor.I stared at their blood on the carpet. All the memories we had made together flashed before my eyes. “No, this isn’t happening. Not them.” My voice trailed off. “This can’t be real!” I held my mentor’s hand. “Get up, please! Don’t do this to us!”“These bunch of morons,” Blade uttered after some time. His jaw clenched.“What are you saying?” I asked, confused.“They are alive.”“I don’t understand. I can’t hear their heartbeats anymore, Blade.”“There is still a faint heartbeat. These idiots are like this because they tried a spell without informing me.”And he was right because after a while, I heard the hybrids cough. And when they opened their eyes, their hair started to change its color. From blonde, I witnessed how their hair had turned… dark.“Please don’t scream. You are ruining our eardrums
HE knows. And he lied to me. He didn’t wait in the bedroom like he told me would. Instead, he stayed where I could easily see him once I was out of the hall.Blade was aware that I only faked the confidence I wore when my brothers and the council were there. He knew when I was wearing the mask and he knew when it was time to unmask me.When Blade saw my expression, he smiled and welcomed me in his arms because as always, he understood me even when no words could come out of my mouth.He understands my heart and my soul better than anyone does. When he embraced me, I breathed deeply.“I’ve taken care of your things. Where do you wish to go?” he asked softly.“I would go anywhere as long as I’m with you, Blade. But first, I’d like to visit Chester to say goodbye.”“Alright.”Together, we walked hand in hand until we reached the gate. The hybrids were already waiting for us outside. Blade opened the car door for me. When I stepped in, I heard howls. Earl had a dejected expression while R
BLOOD was still trickling from my mouth when I released Blade.“Your majesty, that was a sin against the moon goddess!” The council members were still pale when they hurriedly kneeled on the ground and looked up at the sky. And together, they uttered, “Oh, merciful Goddess! Please forgive our Queen!”I stared at Blade’s neck when I saw the bitemark. He usually heals in a few seconds but the mark did not heal this time. It stayed right where I wanted it to be.When my wolf howled, I heard his wolf answer.“You imprinted on me?” he asked, still astounded.Instead of responding, I closed my eyes and leaned on him while caressing his ears. The voices, the ringing, they had all stopped at once.I opened my eyes and our gazes met. I linked up with him.“There. You will no longer hear the voices, love. We are one now. With this, I am sharing my everything with you including the light you always said I possess. Each time the darkness tries to pull you down, our wolves will find each other. So
(Katniss)THIS morning, when I woke up and didn’t find Blade by my side, for the first time, I didn’t panic. My heart was calm. There was warmth in the room. I could smell his scent from the pillow beside me, a sign that last night was not a dream, that he was truly with me.And there were petals falling out of nowhere, filling the room with his presence, which meant that he did not leave. This time, he was… staying. It was just like the first morning I woke up in his tower. I was young, afraid, and unsure about everything.It felt like just yesterday when it happened.Blade knew that I would be worried. Every petal falling on my skin had his warmth.I know that there were many unresolved issues that he and I still need to face. After our encounter with Magnus and his army last night, I still hadn’t discussed anything with the council yet. My brothers and I didn’t have the chance to talk.All of us needed a rest so we had to delay it.But soon, all of us would have to come to a decisi
ALL the wolves were stunned when the moon had blocked the sun completely. An eclipse was happening. The sky had gotten dark.When His Grace looked up at the sky, his dark eyes had reverted back to gold as his tears rolled down. The hybrids, including me, froze when we failed to hear Katniss’ heartbeat. I took a step back; my face had gone pale and my heart was pounding.It was all my fault.Just when the king’s darkness was slowly disappearing, just when he was starting to go back to normal, I did something so outrageous.The King stared at Magnus and his pack. In the middle of the dark, we saw the fire blazing in his eyes. He was about to go on a rampage, I was sure of that, but then we suddenly heard a gasp.It was Katniss.Just like before, each time we thought all hope had lost, she would do the unexpected. She had always been the game-changer.My jaw dropped when we witnessed her shift in her wolf form. It was as if she had never lost her wolf, like it was still inside her and w