Zehra Point of View"Princess Jasmine, how do you fare this fine morning?"The six-year-old Lisa giggled, the sound light and musical."I'm doing amazing!" she exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of her feet as her brown hair swayed wildly as she walked into my house with my brothers in tow.“Prince Zack and Prince Zenki at your service, Princess." I saluted the twins, both of them smiling with their cerulean blue eyes."How would you like to treat you, my Princess?!" Zack snickered.Zenki’s eyes widened as he hit his brother's shoulder. "Man, stop! Don't treat my wife like that!""Wife? In your dreams." He scoffed, sending me a friendly wink before plopping down beside Lisa on the couch.I shut the door behind them, walking over to the kitchen as Zack made his way over to Lisa’s other side while turning on the TV."So how have you boys been?" I called out from the kitchen, lifting up the box of pizza I had gotten Mikhail to buy before he left for some urgent pride business."Good-""Oo
I stand near the edge of the pride borderline. Looking beyond the invisible line, marked off only by the scents of pride members and landmarks to help remember when the edges end. The terrain visible to my eye has been used repeatedly over time. Only adult males and training females were allowed past the border. That's only with the permission of the Alpha of the Lycans who owned almost the whole Perućica forest. It's a law to make sure that no one in the pride gets hurt.Lions do not normally live in the middle of the forest. We live in savannas, grassland and open spaces where prey is abundant. Normal pride of lions would be safe there but us? No. We’re shifters. We need to hide our secrets otherwise humans full of curiosity will set their eyes on us. And we cannot afford that. I see a deer a few yards up ahead across the borderline. I blink and wonder why it would be this close to civilization and not deeper in the woods. It's quiet but nowhere close to calm. The wind is blowing my
I wake up to the sounds of a conversation going on in the living room. A smell hits my nostrils and wraps around my mind. It was too much for me to ignore. I blink, roll to my side and look at the time. It's only two in the morning. I roll out of bed. My mouth is dry anyways, so it's an excuse to see who's here. I don't have the ability to just know that kind of stuff yet. I don't have super powers. The smell only seems to get stronger as I get closer to the two speaking. I know Dad’s voice from anywhere. I rub my eyes, and finally get to the living room to see who the other person was. I've never seen this man in my life. He has jet black hair, and a beautiful shade of sunset eyes with specs of gold. It's not an amber but a reddish orange. His eyes are on me, and they break from my eyes and take me in fully. I'm quiet and take in a deep breath. I can finally make out what that smell really smelt like. Musk, oranges and peppermint. His eyes break away from mine, and he turns bac
I say goodbye to my parents and pride. It's a heartfelt goodbye, but none of us get truly upset for leaving and bargaining me for the land. Dad had explained to me that if he refused what Xerxes wanted, he would have already killed us a long time ago. I was destined to leave at the age of eighteen so it was fine for me and besides, I like Xerxes’s scent. Every bird has got to leave the nest sometime and explore, but that doesn't mean they won't come back and visit. Plus, Xerxes promised that I could come back and see them in two weeks. He had to come back anyway. The car boards the turnpike. I lean my head against the window and try to think about where we're going. Suddenly I feel Xerxes’ two arms wrap around my torso and pull me against his chest. I breathe out as a sensation of the intoxicating scent that brutally attacked my nose making me lose my mind. It's an alluring and irresistible scent. I rest my head against his shoulder and close my eyes. "How old are you?" Xerxe
“What are you trying to say, Divina? My daughter is the first born female. She is and will ever be the Leader Queen and destined to raise her own pride! Get it inside your thick skull!” Dad furiously defended me against his hungry power brother. “It is in our law. The first female cub born within our bloodline always has the right to build her own pride. And those who were born after she was born will choose to follow her command or stay in the old pride.” “Damn you, Eleazar! Your daughter is weak! She can never lead a pride let alone find a suitable King. She’s-” “Enough!” The old king roared. “Eric, Eleazar is right. His daughter has the right to be the Leader Queen. Weak or not, that’s Zehra’s birthright. We need to rest. Tomorrow we will discuss Zehra's rights.” The smell of thick smoke fills my lungs. Ashes burn the back of my throat as I try to get a decent breath of oxygen. I can't breathe. My eyes fling open to a room full of flames. A room all too familiar to me. "Mom!" I
When is the next full moon?" I asked, my fingers brushed over the counter top. Xerces was slicing up some carrots for some kind of soup he's making. He pursed his lips while he concentrated on not chopping his fingers up. "In a few weeks. Why?" He scraped the carrot into the pot and turned to look at me. I poke my bottom lip out and shrug my shoulders. "I just uhm not wanting to have a heat again. And especially when you’re that strong. You know, wolf thing," I tried to explain without embarrassing myself. Xerxes raised an eyebrow at my shyness. "It only really hurts when you're still unmated,” he said. I felt his eyes on my body before they ripped away from me completely. "But you won't have to worry about that,” Xerces added, stirring the pot. "Why?" I asked. I've already confused myself. I took a seat at the nearest barstool and spun around to ease the awkwardness. "Trust me when I say I have a strong self-restraint. Yeah?" His back is to me but I could almost feel that he
Zehra didn't want to come there and live with people she had never met. And she didn't want to live with Cade either at all. The horse halted, and she sucked in a breath for a second; there was no noise until trumpets blew, and everyone gathered to welcome their King and his new mate. The entire palace was busy with the preparations for welcoming their King back. A grand feast was being prepared to mark the new victory, one of the many the King had achieved. "What if he marries the Nortlander she-wolf?" Riff asked as Queen Nethaira turned to face her sister. "Cade is not a fool," Nethaira answered as she opened her small casket to take out her kiseru (expensive smoking pipe fit for royals). She then opened a gold box, picked some scented tobacco, and filled the bowl of the pipe before lighting it up with a lighter flame. Soon enough, a fragrant orange and some lavender arose from the smoke she puffed. "A man will not go to war for a whore, Nethaira," Riff said sternly as she step
Zehra heard a loud voice chanting-like praising their King as her carriage was carried inside the gates to someplace she didn't have any idea. Even if she was with Ember, Zehra's heart was still beating wildly. She knew she was far away from home and now doesn't know the way back home. She heard footsteps outside as the guards probably returned the horses to the stable. It went quiet for a bit, but suddenly, someone opened the curtains, and Zehra gasped as Ember jumped in front to protect her. "Looks like the king brought a two whore from another kingdom," a man spoke as he grabbed Zehra's hand and pulled her off the carriage, pushing Ember away. "Leave her alone!" Ember said before jumping to the man and shifting mid-air before landing on top of him and biting his hand while holding Zehra. The man let go of Zehra, who ran to the corner, followed by Ember in her wolf form, and snarled at those men who wanted to get near her. One of the men shifted into his wolf and attacked Ember
"What are you doing out of bed?" The voice asked, concerned as Zehra peeked up at the man. She felt his hand pull back from her lips as she looked down, trying to calm her racing heartbeat. For a moment, she had been scared to death he was those same men who tried to rape her. Zehra shuddered at the memory. The man was Argus. "I wanted to get some water," she spoke, hugging herself. Argus looked down at her. She looked so vulnerable and fragile right now; he felt like hugging her close, kissing her- doing anything to make her feel alright. "I'll get it for you then. You shouldn't be out here alone; how's your fever?" Argus asked as he walked over to the kitchen and poured her a glass of water. Zehra watched him."I don't know, but I feel alright now," Zehra replied, taking the glass from him as she drank it one big gulp. She didn't realize just how thirsty she was. Argus smiled as he took the glass from her. "More?" he asked, and she shook her head. "No, and thank you."Argu
"I'll stay here," Cade huffed, and Eadric nodded, leading him to the big sofa set on the side. The doctor immediately set to work, cleaning his now-opened wound and stitching it up again. The master entered shortly after with his kit. He was old, but he was among the best masters in the entire kingdom, equipped with a keen sense of smell and sight. Cade didn't believe in any herbal medicine alone. But he believes in poison, just like the deadly Wolfsbane. Cade can ingest large portions of Wolfsbane, which wouldn't affect it. His people would wonder why those deadly substances weren't affecting him. And Cade would only shut his mouth, keeping his secret alone. The maestro sat next to Zehra and mixed a few herbs in his drink. "What was the last thing she ate or drank?" he asked, his voice calm and soothing. "I brought her milk…like I-I do every night with honey," Ember spoke, her voice trembling as she fearfully glanced at Cade once. Cade gritted his teeth. "The drug given to her
"Yes. And roses, please," Cade said, running a hand through his hair. "Aah, the future Queen doesn't like roses. It's a beautiful flower, but she hates them. She likes these wild peonies," Edward answered, picking them out. Cade frowned. She did? She definitely surprised him. "Have you met her?" he asked, and Edward nodded. "She's a kind she-wolf, your majesty. She's like a rose but with the humility of peonies," Edward said, handing him a bunch. Cade smiled, thanking him as he hurried to walk to her room. He hoped Zehra's gentle peony soul could try forgiving him. Cade frowned when he saw no guards that should be guarding outside. Why were there no guards? Where are they?Opening the door, the sight in front of him enraged him. A man on top of Zehra and other men surrounding like a freakish pervert and watching his Zehra! Cade's grip on the peonies became tight until his knuckles were white, and the fragile peonies bent down, giving in to his brutal grip. He shifted into his
"I don't want to marry you. Never. So, what if I say no? How will the wedding and mating ceremony take place then?" Zehra replied, dropping her food on the plate."You won't say no," Cade said; his voice was slow but laced with such ferocity, and his eyes switched colors. His wolf was trying to take over, and Zehra couldn't help but shudder. "Why can't I? You have taken everything from me: my peace, life, and happiness. You took away the chance of me meeting my mate, and yet you have not taken my voice about marriage and everything! I will never marry you. Never!" she yelled, standing up. Cade stood up, too, his eyes dark and his elongated canines showing. He walked towards her, grabbed her hand, and pinned her to the balcony railing.Zehra screamed from fear as she looked down, her entire body bent just over so that if he wanted, he could throw her down. "I try to be nice to you, and this is what I get? Why are you being such a bitch? Listen to me carefully, little rabbit; no matt
Zehra could hate him as much as she could; she's still his. She's the only moon who shone brightly in his darkened life. And he's not going to let go. Putting on some clothes, he combed his wild and long hair back neatly, his hands rubbing the side of the beard that grew on his face. Turning, he left for the terrace. The terrace was his favorite place to dine. Reserved for the royals alone and special meetings, he is often here alone or with Letisha. This place was the place that his father built for him. He ordered a servant to fetch Zehra for lunch with him since yesterday he still had some hangover from the moon's pull, and seeing her with Argus added to the anger he suppressed. And Cade decided he would start playing 'nice' for her. Walking to the spacious terrace, he saw Zehra sitting on his chair, looking out at the beautiful view of his kingdom and the river that crosses it. Zehra's innocent yet fierce beauty had long captured him, and the beast of him approved. Both agree
To forget that Zehra was destined to marry a man who scared her beyond words, to forget how cruel and manipulating him and how utterly miserable her future looked at him, she heaved a sigh. She knew she would never escape from this nightmare. "I shouldn't keep you from your meal," Argus said. "Come, I'll escort you back." Argus interrupted her thoughts as she nodded with a small forced smile, trying to forget the million grey things that flooded her mind. "Can we go this way? I haven't had a tour of the place," Zehra admitted, her heart yearning for her own home. Argus nodded with grins as he led her there, explaining everything to her. "What is that?" Zerha asked, pointing to a flowing fountain, mocking him a little. "And that is a fountain," Argus answered, his tone quite serious. "How utterly magic! Of course, my poor eyes have never seen a fountain before," she said, and his cheek flushed as she laughed."Ohhh.""I'm not retarted as you take me for," she added playfully."F
"There's nothing you can do about the curse, my King," Cade's trusted right hand and best friend Eadric said when they visited his underground prison. "Unless…""Unless?" Cade was eager. He wanted to know if he had a chance to end his curse. His secret would be exposed soon if nothing would be done. "You will make the girl love you, your majesty.""She hates me," Cade said. "That's because you were too possessive. If you change your approach, maybe she will like you," Eadric replied "When will that happen? The bastard brother of mine was at home already. And his interest in her Zehran is obvious," Cade growled."Then perhaps how about you change your approach, my king? Maybe Zehra will like you," Eadric replied as he shackled Cade's wrists with silver shackles connected to the wall. Cade hissed with a sudden jolt of pain as soon as the silver touched his skin, but Eadric proceeded to what he was doing. He then wrapped his whole torso with heavy chains, and each end was also conne
Zehra sat down at the table for lunch next to Letisha, who passed her a soft smile. She had fallen asleep only at dawn the next morning when Letisha left. At exactly noon, she had been woken up in time for lunch by the King's order. Zehra had not eaten anything since yesterday, so she didn't mind being woken up. She was dressed in a plain blue abaya and tied her long hair in a tight bun. She didn't mind wrapping her head again because she had already broken the Moon Goddess dress code. Her white-as-cloud hair was now free for everyone to see. Cade looked at her, his eyes fixed on hers as he saw her sit. He hated how Zehra didn't look at him with her beautiful brown eyes. He hated how her silky long, silky hair tied and hidden away from him. Everyone uttered a prayer for Fenrir, but Cade didn't feel kike closing his eyes. His entire body seemed to be restless. The wolf in him, the conqueror, and the lover in him seemed to want Zehra in more ways than she gave him. Cade wanted all
"Stop! Stop, please stop!" Zehra groaned as soft moans left her lips. Cade's lips felt soft, sending shivers down her spine whenever he touched them. Cade didn't stop. It seemed like he couldn't, and he knew it was true. "You are my future Queen and mate! I have the right to kiss you. You are mine!" Cade growled in her ears. Zehra shivered as his hot breath fanned her neck, and everything he had done to her went through her mind. "I don't want to be your Queen! I don't want to be mated with you! You are a monster! I'm not yours!" she spat on his face. Not liking what she said, Cade bit her on the skin below her ear roughly, causing her to whimper. "Nobody will dare to take you away from me, Zehra," he warned. "Even if you meet your mate, he will end up dying before you."Zehra tried pushing Cade away, but he caught her hands and roughly pinned them to the bed's headboard, making Zehra scream in pain. Her eyes watered as she writhed in pain. Cade's strength was no joke, and Zehra