Seraphina One tattoo, a tree on the left side of his torso, had names written on each branch. I guessed that Lilith and James were likely his parents’ names, and there was also Margo—a name I hadn’t heard before. Could she be connected to the other boy in the picture?“So, who’s this Giuliano guy?” he asked casually, a small smile on his face as he looked away, lost in thought.I hadn’t meant to surprise him with “my brother,” but I’d never heard him mention that name before. “Giuliano went back to Greece after the pack chose me to step in for my old man,” I explained, a hint of nostalgia in my voice. “He ended up working for my grandfather after he passed away, so I guess he got what he wanted. I haven’t spoken to him in about fifteen years.”"You seem to be missing him," I said finally, noticing the shift in Alexander’s mood. He looked a bit down as he talked about his brother, his expression a mix of regret and a hint of hope for reconciliation."At one point, he reached out with
Seraphina As he moved his head below my chin, his gentle kisses traced from my jawline to the sensitive spot on my neck. It felt surprisingly nice, and I sank into the pillow as much as I could, trying to savor the moment. He pulled back slightly, his warm breath brushing against my skin and sending shivers down my spine.At first, an intense pressure made my eyes roll back. I took a sharp breath and held it, my focus consumed by the searing pain and a strange tingling sensation. I gripped his hand, my fingers trembling in his grasp. The intense ache gradually faded as Alexander’s fangs lingered a bit longer before retracting. I started to feel better as my limbs regained strength and my body became less sensitive. The fever also began to subside.When I finally managed to open my eyes, I found Alexander’s gaze locked onto mine, his eyes sparkling like gemstones. His expression, once filled with desire, now showed a hint of worry. I could flex my fingers and breathe freely again, rel
Seraphina I tilted my head back onto the pillow, closing my eyes once more, letting the sensations wash over me. Alexander gently slid his arm under my back, his hand resting at the nape of my neck, a comforting weight against my skin. My other arm wrapped around him, holding us close, grounding me in the intimacy we were sharing.As the initial excitement of our night together faded, Alexander’s pace grew more intense but remained deliberate, each movement slow and measured. He took his time, savoring every sensation without rushing, his focus entirely on our shared pleasure. I hadn’t expected such tenderness; it was both exhilarating and deeply comforting. A bead of sweat formed on his forehead, adding a warm sheen to the space between us under the sheet.This is how love is meant to be.I groggily opened my eyes to the soft morning light spilling over the bear-skin rug on the floor. The fire in the hearth had died down, leaving only a bed of glowing coals. Alexander lay beside me,
Seraphina “Hey, Percival, get out of here!” Alexander’s deep, commanding voice echoed with an edge that made me wonder if I’d done something wrong. His immediate concern for my modesty was endearing, even though I was already covered.“Oops, my bad, boss. I didn’t know,” Percival mumbled, hastily retreating from the room. Alexander quickly slipped into his boxers and tugged on the same jeans he’d worn last night, his movements a mix of irritation and urgency.“I really don’t care what you know! Just knock next time!” Alexander muttered under his breath as he grabbed a shirt from the chair and headed for the door to check on Percival. He paused, turning back to me with a brighter expression. “No rush, darling. Take all the time you need to get ready. Want to grab breakfast downstairs? Looks like we’ve got a long day ahead.”His genuine happiness was palpable, and it was clear that despite the interruption, he couldn’t stay mad at Percival for long. ...It seemed like no one in the ho
SeraphinaI’d tried to adapt to what any man might want, but now that I was in a committed relationship, I chose to be with Alexander for who he was, not for what he might prefer.“Margo, I don’t think you quite get it.” Maybe she didn’t realize how serious Alexander and I were. I didn’t need anyone else once I’d found what I was looking for. Alexander and I had an undeniable connection in a world that was often harsh and unkind. Perhaps the Moon Goddess was right in her management of the universe—it seemed like it was overflowing with challenges. I shifted in my chair, a fond smile tugging at my lips as I recalled the amazing time I’d shared with Alexander last night. Given his solitary lifestyle, he probably knew what he was doing in bed. I should’ve known he wasn’t inexperienced. It was always wise to approach things with a grain of salt and learn through trial and error.“Ah, I see now.” I had my fill of that last night. It was almost as if time had frozen during those intimate mo
SeraphinaThe air was filled with a refreshing scent, like rain or the flow of fresh water beneath the cabin. It was quite a setup for what I’d expected to be just a boathouse. I felt a deep sense of relaxation, as though everything in my life was aligning perfectly. I was ready to embrace life’s fullest potential.I tried the first door, only to find it locked tight. I gave the knob a good shake, but it was no use. As I wandered around the room, my steps barely made a sound on the plush rug that covered the polished mahogany floor. Just as I was about to try the next door, I felt a sudden presence behind me. Before I could react, I was spun around and met with a delightful kiss. The surprise of the kiss quickly melted into pure joy, and I found myself savoring the simple, yet electrifying touch of his lips.“Hey, Alexander, what’s up?” I asked, my voice a mix of surprise and affection. I wrapped my arms around his neck, playfully twirling his dark hair between my fingers. He looked a
SeraphinaI quickly fixed the button for him, my fingers brushing against his with a tenderness that spoke of our closeness. He helped me up, his touch gentle and comforting as he pulled me close. He stroked the skin beneath my chin with a care that seemed to express his deep affection and concern.His expression was a mix of worry and vulnerability, as if he was afraid of disappointing me or making a mistake. But I wasn’t concerned—I knew, deep down, that Alexander would never intentionally hurt me. His genuine care and protective nature were constants in our relationship.“Hey, Alexander,” I said softly, trying to offer him the reassurance he seemed to need.“I get a bit anxious around you,” he admitted, his cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment as he tried to hide his blush. “But you always manage to calm me with just a look or a touch. I promise, Seraphina, I’ll never be like that guy.” His words were a promise, a vow to always be the person who cherishes and protects me ra
Seraphina He had this natural grace and happiness about him that made it clear he was fair, kind, loyal, and honest—qualities you don’t often see in a leader. Back where I come from, leaders tend to make people uneasy, but seeing Alexander like this, surrounded by his friends and clearly appreciated, made me feel proud. “You all have really made an impact on him,” Alaya continued. “He’s always cared about his people, but now he can truly see and value the amazing things he’s accomplished.” …Seraphina "So, how long have you known him?" I asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. I was curious about what others thought of him, even though it seemed like everyone adored him. I could feel a knot tightening in my stomach—nervous about other women because I couldn't compete with a determined she-wolf aiming for the Alpha's bed.She started talking about how she used to secretly meet up with Jeremiah, and her unique accent made her words almost funny. Back then, doing somethin
As Frederick closed in on Zion, his eyes burned with a fierce desire for revenge. The effects of the sickness still lingered, fueling his rage. “I’ll get you, you traitor!” Frederick roared, his voice echoing with anger.Zion, though fully aware of the gravity of the situation, fought not just for his own survival but for the peace they all desperately sought. “Anastasia only needs you, Frederick!” he pleaded. “Don’t let your anger destroy everything we’ve worked for!”Just as Frederick was about to strike, a voice cut through the chaos. “Hey, hold up!”Anastasia stepped between them, her eyes a mixture of sadness and resolve. “Frederick, come on!” she called out, her voice trembling with a blend of fear and determination. “We need to find another way.”But Frederick, driven by rage, didn’t even glance her way. His focus remained fixed on Zion, and he ignored her plea.Desperate to reach Frederick, Anastasia called out again. “Frederick, it’s me! It’s Anastasia!” Her voice was laced w
“She’s with Zion,” I said casually, watching his face change as fear and anger flashed across his features.“Who is Zion?” His confusion was clear, and I could see that talking about my sister was only making things worse. My hesitation to be completely honest had led us here, but I had to face the consequences.“Xandriel’s kid,” I explained. The fear in Frederick’s eyes was unmistakable. The gravity of the situation was sinking in.Frederick’s frustration flared again. “Are you serious?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Where are they?”“Hey, Frederick, let’s just hang tight,” I said, trying to calm him. “We’ve got a plan, and I’m confident it’s going to work. You’ve got to trust me on this one.” To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I believed myself, but Victor was our last hope. If this plan failed, it would be the end of the line.“I’m here to lend a hand and sort this out,” Frederick pleaded as I removed the final sensors from him, triggering the beeping monitors once more. Despite his
“You’re not feeling well,” I said nonchalantly, not even bothering to look at him. It was like fate had led us to this moment. It was wild to think we’d end up here, but it felt like it was meant to be.Frederick let out an exasperated sigh, clearly uncomfortable. “I’ve never been sick,” he said, sounding both frustrated and bewildered. The bed creaked as he shifted, and the sheets rustled around him.“Hey, there’s a first time for everything. Just chill,” I advised, watching as he struggled to sit up. To my surprise, he actually listened, though it was clear the pain was taking its toll. “You’re not the strongest, but that’s totally fine.”“I can’t be weak,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as he noticed the IV tubes snaking into his arms. The sight of him, once a formidable Warrior, now so vulnerable, was unsettling.I was still angry as he said, “You would either be this way or dead.” The room fell into a heavy silence as he stared at me, his expression one of confusi
When Darius mentioned dinner plans, Zion grabbed my arm and pulled me away, his urgency almost making me forget we were pretending. As we walked down the hallway, Darius called out, “This party is going to be one for the books!” I clung to Zion, gripping his wrists for support. My mind raced, trying to take in my surroundings in case things went wrong. Zion guided me into a bedroom and closed the door behind us, marking the end of what felt like an interminable journey.“Hugo,” I breathed, my anxiety spiking as I turned to face Zion. Hugo seemed like a real threat to our plans. “Nah, Zion, I just can’t—I really can’t.”Darius’s voice was reassuring as he said, “I won’t let him lay a finger on you, Anastasia. You just have to trust me.” He mentioned a dinner with friends to celebrate Victor, just as Zion had said. “Just gotta get through dinner, and our armies will be here.”I shook my head slightly, grabbing Zion by the shirt. “Can’t stop him. He’s a force to be reckoned with.” Hugo
“Oh, it’s for Frederick,” I said casually. His name stumbled awkwardly off my tongue. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I wished we could just be together as we should be—he was the only one I truly loved. We started this journey together. When Frederick wakes up, I’ll be gone, and I have no clue how he’ll handle that.Zion’s curiosity piqued, “How do you do this? Despite everything that’s happened, you still think it’ll get better?” He seemed to have his own scars, a hint of betrayal in his voice.“One day, there’s gotta be a light in the dark,” I replied, trying to stay hopeful. “I didn’t come all this way just to stop now.”Zion placed his hand over mine on the middle console, a casual gesture but one that held a lot of weight. “You good to go? Can you trust me?”“Yeah, I don’t,” I admitted. Looking back, trusting him seemed like my only option. Tomorrow could be a game-changer for Frederick. It’s funny—never thought I’d be the one to take down Winona. Many had tried before me an
“I’ve got a couple of things to mention,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “My aunt Margo gets away with it. Frederick keeps his distance. I don’t want him anywhere near them.” I gave a nod to indicate that was settled.“Yeah, I agree,” Zion said, casually crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. “He won’t be waking up for a few days. Diego has enough power to keep him out for a while. Can we wrap this up?” His casual demeanor masked the gravity of the situation as I paced back and forth in front of Nereus, discussing our sneaky plan.“I can work as quickly as you need me to, sweetheart,” Zion assured, though the term of endearment stung. I felt a pang of guilt for going behind Frederick’s back while he lay unconscious, the weight of my actions heavy on my conscience. “This is our only chance. If we mess this up, we’re all going to end up six feet under on that Winona farm. This is our one shot, so we’d better not blow it.”“So, what’s the game plan?” I asked, trying to f
Curiosity nudged me as I trailed behind Diego and the others. “Do you think he’ll remember anything he did while the wolf was in control?” I asked casually, my voice barely above a whisper.“No way,” Jamie replied. That was the answer I’d hoped for. The thought that he wouldn’t remember my lies or the sting of the needle brought a small, bitter relief. Still, the guilt gnawed at me for causing him pain. Cassius stayed close, a quiet presence as we watched Frederick being carried down the hallway.“You did the right thing,” Cassius said softly, as if sensing my turmoil. But something felt off. The pain of betrayal cut deep, a raw ache I had never experienced before. The treachery felt like a knife twisting inside me.“I wish it didn’t hurt so much,” I whispered, trying to shove the painful memory aside. Suddenly, Nereus burst back up the stairs, blocking our path.“Hey, Anastasia, you might want to come downstairs,” Nereus said, his voice tinged with unease. I shot a look at Cassius, w
Eventually, footsteps roused me from my restless sleep, guiding me to the other side of the bedroom door. When Frederick walked in, I let out a sigh of relief. The deep concern I felt for him was overwhelming, and I could barely stand it."I swung by Diego's office first, but you weren’t there," Frederick said casually, loosening his tie. I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the nagging thought of that ring sitting untouched in the desk drawer."I'm feeling much better," I said, forcing a smile. If he’d been paying attention, he’d have seen through the lie."I noticed that," he remarked, unbuttoning his shirt with a relaxed air. I shifted restlessly on the bed, trying to play it cool and hoping he wouldn’t catch on."Where have you been?" Frederick chuckled as if it was the most ridiculous question. "I got a bit concerned when you weren’t around when I woke up.""I left Rollo to take care of you," I said, watching as he turned away. He placed his rings on the desk and reached for two ne
I tread carefully, trying to avoid rushing and risk encountering more trouble at the cellar stairs. The silence around me was eerie, and I kept my eyes sharp, scanning for any sign of danger. My mind flitted to the idea of calling my dad, but I hesitated. I didn’t want him dragged into this mess, fearing he might try to drag me back home. Maybe it was pride, or maybe it was the fear of his interference.Then there was Estelle. I thought about her growing up, reaching her prime, and hoped she’d never have to rely on her body like I had. It was comforting, though, to see her following in her father’s footsteps in her own way, even if it wasn’t ideal."Anastasia?" I heard Nereus’s faint voice. I picked up the pace, jogging towards the sound. As I rounded the corner, I saw the boys restrained in separate corners, but Nereus was the only one awake."Nereus?" I knelt beside him and quickly worked on untying the ropes burning his wrists. They smelled strongly of wolfsbane. "What did those pe