I don’t notice how quickly the time flies by. We are so busy making sure everything is in order for the delegates that I didn’t pay attention. The next thing I know, the sun is setting, and Jolie’s getting ready to join the gathering pack outside. She inhales deeply, her body covered in goosebumps. “I love this time.”
“What time?”
“You know, when you can feel the full moon’s approach.”
I never liked it. It gives me a weird hollow pit in my stomach. I thought this month would be different because I’m with my own kind, starting to embrace what I am – but it’s not. I still have that awful, sick empty feeling.
“You don’t?”
I shake my head.
“Neither does Edric. He doesn’t like that he can’t control the shift.”
“I know how he feels.”
She gives me a grim smile. “I’ll see you out there?”
“No, I…” I clamp my mouth shut. I don’t yet know how much I can trust Jolie.
“What?”
“I won't be shifting with the pac
Edric's POV: What have I done? Last night, I watched from a distance as Maya met up with the rogues, finding more love and acceptance from them than I’ve given her in days, and if I’m brutally honest with myself, I have to admit it's my fault that she ran to them. I made it pretty clear that I don’t accept her for who and what she is. I wouldn’t let her shift with us. Letting a wolf shift with your pack is the ultimate sign of trust and acceptance, and I denied her that. Why? Why did I do that? Now, my two most trusted advisors are pissed at me, my father made it clear that I’m a failure as an Alpha and mate, and even Jolie took her side. She may not like Maya, but she’s slowly starting to accept her. And I fucked it all up. ~ Where is she? ~ * I don’t know. * ~ She should be back by now. What if she’s hurt? ~ * She’s not hurt. * I don’t know who I’m trying to bluff here. She could very well be hurt
Edric's POV: Throughout the day, I wait for Maya’s inevitable outburst, but it doesn’t happen. She performs her duties as reigning Luna of Mountain Fire pack with poise and diligence, but while her actions won’t give us away, the nasty looks from my Beta and Gamma most certainly will. I can’t risk mind-linking them now to tell them to cut it out, so I just keep hoping and praying they’ll get over it by themselves. King Cameron Townsend Cahill enters last, his Queen by his side. They seem very much in love, but there is a huge age difference between them. She is his second mate, the first having died during childbirth, which is rare but it does happen. He didn’t accept a mate again until he was nearly fifty, Queen Penelope, who is only thirty-five, had already given him four sons and a daughter, and a sixth is on the way, I can hear the baby’s rapid heartbeat. I announce the king’s arrival, and everyone does the obligatory bow. Watching Maya f
I cannot stop laughing. The insanity, the cruelty, of the whole series of events is so bizarre that it’s downright comical. I had made up my mind. I was firm in my decision. I would reject Edric and leave. I know that I can’t escape my destiny, that it will haunt me forever, but yesterday I decided I’d fight this battle by myself, like I’ve fought every battle by myself…but again, it looks like The Fates, or The Goddess, or the fucking Star Child, who even knows anymore, made sure that won’t happen. Edric stares at me, his eyes shattered. I shouldn’t care, but I do. It hurts me to see him in pain. My wolf is far less sympathetic than I am, which is a surprise – she’s the one that wanted to stay, but she’s also the one that was raped, so maybe that’s why she feels so vindictive and I don’t. “Say something.” “What do you want me to say?” he asks, sinking to the bed. “I told you yesterday that I’m leaving as soon as the tribunal is over.” “I…yes,
“Everything I thought I knew has been a lie,” Edric says after several minutes. “Yes, I know.” “No, you don’t. I mean everything, Maya. Werewolves were created for a very specific reason…I can see why the Lycans removed the real story from our texts. If werewolves knew the truth…there’s no telling what they’d do.” I’m so fucking confused again. “Wait. Start at the beginning. I don’t understand anything.” He grimaces and runs his thumb across his lips. I stare at those lips, remembering how they explored my body, sent me to new heights, helped me to discover new pleasures. Just the thought of it turns me on. Dammit. I can feel the blood rush to my cheeks, but always the consummate gentleman, Edric says nothing. “Do you know our creation story? Have you read it yet?” I have. It’s very similar to the Christian one. According to the texts, The Goddess made the first werewolves to be her companions. One male, one female, just like Adam and
Edric’s POV: The kitchen is well stocked. Maya did a great job, considering this is her first big gathering. I pull chicken and salad from the fridge. “Are you hungry, your majesty?” “I can eat.” Maya’s sitting on her usual chair by the counter, the king next to her. I turn my back on them, pretending to fix the plates, but I really want to mind-link Luca and Jasper without the king knowing. “Are you awake?” “Yes,” they both answer at once. “What’s wrong?” Luca asks. “Nothing. I fixed things with Maya. I need to do the same with you.” “You don’t have to,” Jasper says. “We know you’ve been under a lot of stress. Just don’t do that to our Luna again. Next time, there may not be a king that convinces her to stay.” “She’s not staying because of him. Tomorrow, during the hunt, we’ll have to sneak off so the three of us can talk. Things are about to change.” My heart aches at the thought. Leaving my home. My
Edric's POV: Maya’s pacing around the room, going so fast that sweat is running down her body. “You okay?” I ask, even though it’s clear she’s not. “I can’t believe I did that.” Her eyes are big, and the fear she should have felt half an hour ago when she snapped at our king only just hit her. “In how much trouble am I?” I close the door and motion her towards the bed. “Calm down. You’re not in trouble.” Without slowing down, she gives me a sideways glance. “I challenged a Lycan. A king. I don’t know much about our world yet, Edric, but even I know that’s a stupid move.” “Yes, it is, we need to work on your impulse control--” I pat the bed --“come sit down. The king isn’t angry at you.” “He’s not?” “No. He was testing you.” “Why?” “He wanted to make sure you’re the one--” I widen my eyes --“The Undoing.” “I hate that name. I have a name.” “Yes okay, I agree, but the ones who wrot
Edric is pale. He didn’t even look this shocked when I screamed at the king. He storms into the study and goes straight for a bottle of liquor. I close the door behind us, and gesture at Adrian to take a seat, sitting next to him while we watch as Edric pours some of the whisky in a glass and swill it around his mouth, grimacing as he swallows it. Another sip, and then he puts the glass to the side. Standing next to his desk, he pushes his fingers into the top, staring at Adrian, the brother he didn’t know he has. “Who’s your Alpha?” Edric asks, his tone calm like always, but I can see the turmoil churning in his eyes. “Kenneth of Blood Moon.” “Ah fuck, kid, I’m sorry.” I look at Edric, my eyes asking him the question. “He’s an ally of ours, but by far one of the most abusive wolves in the kingdom. He can give the Lycans a run for their money.” I wonder what it is that these wolves do that are so terrible. I’ve met several other Alphas now, bu
“What time is it,” I ask, struggling to open my eyes. “Just after six.” “Hmm--” I moan into the pillow --“I don’t wanna get up.” “I know. I’m tired too.” I finally manage to drag my lids apart, staring at the spot where Edric usually lies. His side of the bed looks undisturbed. “Did you get any sleep at all?” “A few hours. I slept on the couch.” “Why?” “You told me to. Besides, I was afraid your wolf would have her way with me while you slept. I’m into a bit of kink, but nothing that crazy.” I don’t know if he’s serious or not, but I don’t ask. Finally, I get myself into an upright position and look at my mate. Big dark circles have formed under his eyes overnight, and he still looks way too pale for my liking. “Are you getting sick?” “Unlikely. Werewolves don’t get sick that often. I’m just tired. I haven’t slept properly in more than a week--” he pats my rump --“come on, get up. I want to talk to you before yo
Abbadon's POV For ten years, I managed to stay away from Maya, and then I couldn’t stand it anymore. I left my home in Greece and went back. I watched her from afar, my heart screaming out to her, but knowing I couldn’t interfere. She needed her peace, and she found it. She was happy, living a life of domestic bliss with her mate and their mini-pack of eight pups. Deimos grew into an admirable young Alpha, and I felt her sadness on the day he left to take his place as Silver Springs’ leader. He was loved and respected. He visited his parents every chance he got until he stepped down as Alpha and was never seen again. Warwick took the throne on his twenty-fifth birthday. Edric was happy to retire. He was a good king and dragged his tribe into the twenty-first century whether they liked it or not, but he never wanted the job. He was at his happiest when his children and grandchildren surrounded him. Their third child, a boy named Joshua, returned to Mountain Fire when he was twenty.
With Warwick resting on my hip, and my other hand in Deimos’s I look around our apartment one last time. It was our home for more than a year, and I’ve grown oddly attached to it. “Where going, mama?” Deimos asks.I look down at my one-year-old who isn’t behaving like other one-year-olds and smile at him. “We’re going home.”“This home.”“No kid,” Edric says from the doorway. “This isn’t our home anymore. I build us a better home.”“Hellooo,” Cedric calls from the living room, his voice echoing in the empty apartment. “One last time for good luck.”I start laughing and let Edric take Deimos before we leave our bedroom for the last time.Cedric and Stephen waits for us in the living room surrounded by their three pups. They took to parenthood like ducks take to water, and soon after the pups arrived, Cedric resigned as Edric’s Gamma. “Are you sure?” Edric asked.“Yes,” Cedric replied, beaming at Edric. “It’s all I want now.”“You don’t just want paternity leave?” Edric joked. “Reconsid
Edric's POV Our date night turned into a bit of a flop. We had to take it in turns to stop each other. When Maya lost control, I’d remind her to stop, and when it was my turn to lose control, she’d remind me to stop, but somehow we made it work. Together, we found new and interesting ways to satisfy each other, rediscovering each other’s bodies. I yawn and flop backward on the bed. The moment we were home, Maya rushed off to find the boys, and I take the time to enjoy the silence. Goddess knows, I love my sons, but I do enjoy these quiet moments. It gives me a chance to think. The one good thing that came out of last night was that Maya finally opened up to me and shared her fears. Now that we’re talking openly and frankly again, I’m hoping that she’ll slow down and spend more time with me. I miss her. My phone starts vibrating and I pull it out of my pocket. With a frown I stare at the caller ID. “Adrian?” I answer. “Hello,” he says. It’s strange to hear his voice. We haven’t sp
Edric's POV Maya’s heat comes on as suddenly as it did the last time, only this time I’m here to experience it, and she’s not locked behind several layers of wood and steel. One moment, everything’s fine, the next I almost drive off the road as her scent fills the car and attacks my senses. I wipe my wet palms on my jeans and try to pay attention to the road so I don’t kill us. “What’s wrong?” she asks. “You don’t know?” I ask in return, hearing my voice rise several octaves. “You’re in heat.” “Is that what it is? I just thought I’m horny for…well, no good reason at all.” She laughs uncomfortably and shifts around in her seat. “Shouldn’t I get some kind of warning or something?” “Normally, yes…but we forget sometimes that you’re not normal.” We are almost to the hotel and the road is clear with no other cars in sight, but I’m not sure I’m going to make it. Blood rushes through me so fast that I can barely hear, let alone see. Just like last time her heat overwhelms me and I can’t
I crash through the misty woods, my wolf pushing our body harder than I thought was possible, oblivious to our surroundings as we keep trying to get away from whatever it is that’s chasing us. I never saw what it was. I just felt it. Danger. It’s right on top of us. ~ Go faster! ~ I scream at my wolf. She increases her pace, but we won’t be able to do this for much longer. We’ve been running for hours, and our legs are about to give out. At first, I’m relieved to see him. Abbadon lands in front of me, and I dash past him, placing myself between him and the thing chasing us. Finally, we can stop. I collapse to the ground, and my exhausted wolf lets go, forcing me to shift back to human. I curl up in a little ball on the cold, wet, forest floor and try to catch my breath, trusting that Abbadon will take care of the dangerous thing I’m trying to escape. I look up at Abbadon. My mate. No matter what he is or what he does, he’ll never harm me. “Is that what you think?” he asks in his
Edric's POV The weeks slip by without anyone taking much notice. New Year’s day comes and goes without much fanfare, but a week into the new year, Maya insists on speaking to Alpha Neil about Deimos, and after days of pestering me about it, I give in. The Alpha doesn’t tell us anything I haven’t already told her. “I don’t know what else I can say, Queen,” Neil says. “We grow up fast, and we shift young--” he shrugs --“but that’s just how it is with our kind. We are big, we’re strong, and we’re violent.” Maya shudders lightly and looks over at Deimos who is trying to pull himself upright against a couch. “He’s not even five months old yet,” she whispers. “Yes,” Neil replied. “And by the time he’s twelve, he’ll look like a fully grown man. But you have to remember, he’s still just a child.” The Alpha bites into his nails, his face pensive, then he sighs and goes on. “This is important. The first shift is the worst. It lasts for hours, and it is brutal. Make sure you lock him up.” “W
I haven’t seen Edric in such a good mood since the day he introduced me to the pack back at Mountain Fire. At first, the higher-ranking wolves wouldn’t join us, refusing to eat with the ‘lower filth’ as one of the warriors called the True Omega that walked past him. Just when I thought my grand plan would come apart at the seams, Stephen and Cedric jumped in and arranged everyone according to their rank, which placated some of the grumpier wolves. Less than an hour later, everyone is happily chatting and enjoying the day. Even Maxwell and Alexander’s widow, Esther, came out of their hiding place to join us, but they are sitting by themselves, away from the rest of the tribe. “He looks much better,” I say while staring at Edric’s uncle. Edric looks up and follows my gaze. “Yes, now that he’s not getting poisoned every day. He’s actually improving, but he’s still not speaking. Winston says the damage to his brain is catastrophic. He’ll heal some, but he’ll never be quite…right.” I’ve
Edric's POV I lie on my side, watching Maya sleep, trying to get rid of the unnecessary guilt that’s trying to eat me alive. She kept trying to reassure me that it’s okay, but I’ve been so conditioned by my time with Mountain Fire, that I can’t let go and believe it. I lost control. "Alphas don't lose control," I can practically hear my father's voice. It's as if he's standing right next to me. "It's a thin line between losing control and going feral." Sighing, I pull on a pair of loose boxers and go back to the balcony for a glass of wine. I won't be able to sleep while I feel like this anyway. “Evening,” Stephen says from their balcony. “Hey,” I answer and pour some wine into my glass before I walk over to the low wall separating the two balconies. “Where’s Cedric?” “Inside, feeding Warwick. How’s your date going?” “Well, it’s not…I think it’s over. Maya’s asleep.” Stephen laughs softly. “Yeah, I’m sure she’s tuckered out. You two were a bit…loud.” I blush, grateful for the d
It’s like I’m standing outside myself. Watching, hearing, feeling and seeing everything my wolf does. I have no control over myself and my body anymore. It was already too late when Edric brought me inside -- by then she had taken control because she sensed my hesitation. Edric tries to pull away from me, but she growls a low warning and grips his hair, roughly pulling him back to her, folding her lips around his mouth. The kiss steals the breath from my body and drives me insane with dark, needy lust. I want to stop fighting it, want to stop overthinking every little thing, I want to stop fighting my wolf and just let it happen. I want to find my mate again and be with him like we used to be when we found each other. Edric picks me up, and I wrap my legs around him. He carries me across the room, slamming me against the wall so hard that my head connects to it with a jarring thud. It doesn’t even slow my wolf down. Her claws surface and she rips his shirt to ribbons. I’m terrified