Marcus’s POVI immediately stumbled out of the mansion and arrived outside of mistwood creek. What the hell was wrong with her? Was she okay? Why did she not listen to me and get back on time?I got to the dark forest where I left her and thankfully, she was still there. It was hard to move around in the dark forest, especially as the moon was not yet out. However, I was able to use my fifth sense to navigate my way.“What were you still doing here?” I asked her when I got to her.“What do you think?” She responded fiercely.I wished I could read her expression as she spoke, but the night was long and dark. I stood silent for a while before her response came in low but audible enough. “I fell asleep on my parent‘s grave.”“You what?!” I exclaimed.She really was useless and care less for her life.“I thought I had told you not to be late?” I asked her, my tone was cold and icy.“How did you know I was still here?” She asked back.That is right. How did I know? I heard her cry for help.
Marcus’s POV Seeing Shadowvale hold her in his arms stirred up a series of emotions in me. I eyed him.Was it jealousy? “Quite a beauty huh?” Shadowvale said, staring at her face.I ignored his remark. “What do you want? Or is looking at her face enough to let us go?” I asked coldly.Shadowvale turned slowly and looked at me. After a while, he began to laugh. “Easy there wolf. I am not going to eat her up.”“So?” I asked. I just wanted him to name his price so I could leave his presence. I did not like the sight of him holding her and I could neither ask for her from him. I could not allow her to seem valued, or else she would become his price. “Who is this pretty lady here?” He asked after catching his breath.“Does it matter?” I asked back, slightly irritated by his question.He laughed again. “Yes, Marcus. She does matter and seeing from your expression, I can feel there is something about her you do not want to let go.”“Stop sprouting what you do not know and name your goddamn
Lily's POVI found myself lost in the middle of nowhere and I wondered where I was. I was surrounded by a space filled with nothing except space.“Hello,” I called out. “Anyone there?”I heard my voice respond to me in ripple effects. I took a slow spin around myself but I saw nothing and no one.Suddenly the ground began to shake and I heard a series of hungry howls. Then materializing from nowhere looking wolves ran towards me in full force.I began sweating profusely but I was too shocked to make a move. I knew I should run, but my feet were unmoving.It felt like I was experiencing Smithson's attack again.Just as the wolves were about to devour me, I screamed and the black wolf that visited my dreams appeared and howled once, a long beautiful sound. The brown wolves disappeared in seconds but I was crouched below, head in between knees and crying slowly.The black wolf licked away my tears and left me towards a bright light.My dark brown eyes flickered open and I tried to adjust
Marcus’s POVWhat the hell did she think she was doing?I struggled to calm my ecstatic breathing as I left Lily’s room. I had to make sure she was comfortable enough, especially after what she had been through.I had no idea I was to decide where she would stay. I had always hated having slaves around me, so I never bothered learning the rules binding them to their masters.I walked into my chambers in no time. I had no other choice than to lodge her in my wing.Of course, there were a host of choices. I just wanted her closer to me.I sat on my table and undid a few buttons on my shirt. I sighed inaudibly as my mind went back to the kiss from earlier on.“What in heaven's name was happening to me?” I murmured to myself. I was supposed to be staying away from her and not getting closer to her. But the more I tried to stay away, the closer I became to her.The door creaked open and Winston came in. “Master Marcus.” He called. “You are already back.” He bowed slightly.I nodded. “What
Marcus's POVI walked into the room already annoyed at the proposition made by Lord Darkwood, I hoped Winston was not here to deliver another annoying report.“What the hell does he want?” I asked, wearing no expression.“Well, he made a few stops here and there. Just snooping around as usual.” Winston replied.“Did you get him off my property?” I asked in a low but angry voice.“He was about to, but said he needed to visit an old friend around here,” Winston replied.Whatever he wanted to do had no business with me, as long as he was not looking for trouble and was not trying to covet what was already mine.“You will get the horses ready,” I instructed. “Get our hunt pack ready too. We have a town to secure and mark our ownership.”“Okay, Master Marcus,” Winston replied and made to leave, but I called him back. “Winston.”“Yes, Master.” He replied and stopped at the doorway.I paused for a while, not sure whether to give the last instruction that tugged at my mind. Was it really nece
Lily’s POVOn Amelia's leaving in a vexed mood, I smiled and walked closer to the window to take in the beautiful view of Marcus's garden.I did not think someone as cold and unfeeling as Marcus would own a garden, but there it stood, filled with lavenders, corianders, sunflowers, pines, and lots of beautiful flowers.My mother grew the most beautiful garden I had ever set my eyes on. Her garden had herbs, flowers, and spices. She was an excellent florist and usually made alluring scents out of them.Her ointments were precious and sweet smelling. I could never have had enough of them.Letting my desires get the best of me, I put on a pair of comfortable shoes and walked out of the room.I looked across the banquet hall to where Marcus's room stood. I sighed and made my way down the curvy steps.I arrived at the garden and began playing with the flowers. I walked from flower to flower perceiving its beautiful fragrances.For a moment, I felt closer to my mother than I had been since t
Lily's POV“Stay away from me!” I yelled at him.“No bitch. I give the orders and you follow.” He replied and with that, he lurched at me, gripping my arms and throwing me on the bed.“Let me go, you pig.” I struggled and screamed with all I had, which earned me a slap from him. I recoiled in pain.“Now that is how to treat a useless slave.” He sneered and set himself on top of me. His eyes gleamed with lust and desire.Just as he flipped over my skirt, he stopped and listened. We heard grunts and low voices from outside my door.At that moment, when his guard was down, I drew a dagger hidden in his boot, and using all the strength I had, I flipped him over and pressed the blade to his throat.“You move, I'll let my hands slip,” I said firmly.And that's when the door was flung open and there stood Marcus. “What is going on here?” He asked with a frown.Realizing my position was incriminating, I let the dagger fall out of my hand and I took a few steps backward.“You little bitch!” Smi
Lily’s POVI walked a while with Clara before we arrived at the garden again. Clara’s excitement over showing me her father was admirable. Shawn and I were like this a lot of times too.“We should see him soon.” She smiled. I smiled back. “Have you been out here in the garden before now?” She asked.“Yes, I have. I recently walked the grounds.” I replied holding my basket in hand.“Then you must have seen my father.” She squealed excitedly.“I guess I have,” I responded. She laughed and walked a bit faster. I could see my younger self in her, but I had to make a promise to myself.I had to stay strong so I could leave this place in one piece and make a comeback. I had to avenge my parent's death, I also had to avenge the death of every member of the Silver Shade pack.“We are here,” Clara announced as she hurried off towards a lone path. Her black curly ponytail bounced to her movements.I embarked on another stroll around the now somewhat familiar garden. We passed that nice spot with
Shawn's POVThe grand hall of the beautiful mansion was bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows.I sat in a chair close to where Sean and Clara sat. Marcus was about to be crowned King of the Wolves.“If you need anything tell me okay,” Clara said as she checked where I was wounded."Hmm, thank you, Clara,” I replied.Thanks to Lucas, I got more preferential treatment from Clara.The hall was filled with members from the four packs. The Twilight Ridge werewolves, led by Marcus, and Luna Crest led by a little girl who I barely knew. The Silvershade pack is led by me and the Bloodmoon pack is led by Shadowvale.Finally, all the pain, struggles, and fighting have been put behind us. As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on Marcus, standing tall in front of the hall.Beside him stood Lily, his marked bride, her eyes bright with happiness. Their children stood with them, looking around with wide-eyed wonder.The ceremony began with the eldest seat, s
Marcus’s POVTime passed in a blur and we have been having a happy season and time together. Every morning was beautiful to behold and every night was as peaceful and pleasurable as I had imagined it.Finding Lily was like I finally found my missing rib.My official coronation was the next day and I had lots of preparations to make, as well as make a courtesy visit to the villages and each pack.“What are you thinking so much about, my love?"I rolled my eyes. “Don't ever say that again Winston else I'll cut off your tongue,"“What? I was only trying to bridge the gap since she's out with Clara," He replied.“You should do that as your chubby self, rather than mimic your queen," I replied, faking anger.“Fine, I'll shut the door after me and send word to have her come back,” He replied, also feigning vexation.“Silly man," I said and we both laughed.By noon, we were all complete for lunch. It was beautiful to have the mansion this lively.“Mother, Aunt Clara taught me how to create w
Lily's POVDamn! I have been such a fool.I ran without considering where I was going. The pain was just too much to bear. I had pushed Marcus away despite my growing attraction to him because I also blamed him for everyone's death.But he was the one only trying to clean up his father's mess. “Arrggh!" I yelled into the sky.I don't know how or why, but it started to rain. The rain started as a drizzle, but it quickly turned into a downpour. I stayed in the rain and cried.Each step I took splashed through the forming puddles, and the cold rain soaked me to the bone. I barely noticed.“Lily, wait!” Marcus’s voice called out behind me. I didn’t stop. I couldn’t face him, not after everything I’d done.The memories of our past and the hurt I must have caused him played in my mind. I kept walking, but Marcus caught up to me, grabbing my arm and spinning me around to face him.“Lily, please, talk to me,” he said, his voice filled with concern and desperation.I yanked my arm free, the a
Marcus’s POVI stared around the room and noticed Lord Darkwood's absence and instantly knew that Leila was a distraction from where the real harm was occurring.I turned to Shawn, our eyes meeting for a moment. “We have to find a way through,” I said, my voice low and urgent.He nodded, his expression determined. “I will use my powers, while you support me.”We turned back to the barrier, our combined strength hammering against it. The air crackled with energy, the barrier shimmering under our powers. But it held firm, refusing to yield.Leila watched us, her smile never faltering. “You can’t win, Marcus. This is my game now.”But I refused to accept that. I dug deep, summoning every ounce of strength and determination I had. I thought of Lily, of Raymond and Fiona. I couldn’t fail them.With a final, desperate effort, we pushed against the barrier. There was a blinding flash of light, and suddenly, the barrier shattered, sending us tumbling forward.I scrambled to my feet, my eyes l
Marcus’s POVMy journey back to Mistwood Creek felt longer than I expected it. As I arrived at the villages, the clamor of battle was deafening.I noticed the full moon's glow on my skin and despite it being dark, I could spot all my runes. My fangs were out and so were my claws.I felt energy surge through me and my senses heightened. The tangy smell of blood and dust filled the air and I could make out the faint smell of cedarwood and flowers.I took out the vial and gulped everything down in one go, before proceeding in the direction of the mansion.I was going to find Lily and my kids no matter what.Arriving at the first gate to the mansion, I noticed Shadowvale and his men transformed back to their human form and whatever was left of my knights hurried behind me.“I told you Marcus, I would be back," Shadowvale said with a cold sneer."And I think you should be on your way out right about now,” I replied coldly.Shadowvale laughed and his men joined him. "Do I look like Shawn to
Shawn's POVMartin and I finally made our way out of the village just as the sun was about to set. The sky was colored with hues of orange and purple, and I could see the moon beginning to emerge, just as I was feeling my wolf gradually taking over me.As we passed through some parts of the village, I noticed some doors hung off their hinges, and debris littered the ground. Villagers with fearful expressions hurried past us, whispering frantically among themselves.“What happened here?” Martin asked, his voice hushed as we took in the scene.“Shadowvale,” I muttered, my jaw clenched. “He must have been here.”Martin's eyes widened. “We need to move quickly, Shawn. He was not supposed to attack the villagers.”“It's the full moon’s effect," I replied blankly. “Let's hurry up to him nonetheless,"The further we went, the more signs of destruction we saw. It was clear that Shadowvale had left his mark, and the villagers had suffered for it.“Damn him,” I cursed under my breath, fury boil
Leila’s POVWalking out of the throne room, I made my way back to the townhouse with haste. Lucas had proven to be so much of a headache.He was supposed to be an easy nut to crack, but he proved himself to be smarter than I made him to be.I had gotten Lily back and left instructions with the dark sorcerers of Luna Crest to make sure that Lucas didn't see the light of day.As I approached the townhouse, I saw Maureen waiting for me at the entrance, her face was pale and lacked any form of the usual excitement."Sister," she called out, in a flat and emotionless voice. “We need to hurry,” She said with a tone of indifference.I knew that who would still be feeling offended about Smithson's death, but there was nothing I was going to do about it.“Why is that?" I asked as we made our way inside the house.“There have been some little disruptions in the lower parts of the village and it was only a matter of time before the full attack began,” She replied coldly.I knew what that implied
Lucas's POV Looking at Leila's retreating back left me writhing in anger at her audacity in turning back on her words. I should have known better anyway, once an evil witch, always a wicked witch. I looked away from Leila and her flowing black veil and rested my eyes on the helpless Lily being carried away by the men who were with Leila. "Make sure she is not conscious," Leila instructed them. "The kids?" One asked. "Leave them as they are. Lucas already did that," She replied and turned to face me. Her dark men who surrounded me seemed to be there to restrict me from doing anything reckless, rather than execute me from the plan. "What happened to your integrity, Leila Darkwood," I asked her angrily. "I don't have one, Lucas Hawthorne," She replied with a sinister smile. "I actually don't have all day to spend here chit-chatting with you, so I will go ahead with my question," She knows who the hell I am. I searched her as she spoke and gauged the strength of the men
Marcus’s POVI was still doubtful of her innocence in all this, but for Lily's sake and Grayson's sake, I would give her the benefit of the doubt."Start speaking," I demanded, my voice echoing off the walls.She looked up at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "How is my father?"Really?"Stop playing games with me," I snapped, taking a step closer. "You’ll meet your father if you tell me what I need to hear."Clara seemed to hesitate, her gaze dropping to the floor. After a long moment, she sighed and looked back up at me. "Shadowvale is planning an attack on Mistwood Creek."I felt a surge of anger and concern. "Fair enough," I said. “But that's not all I want to hear and you know it,"“I'm sorry King Marcus, but I don't know who that whirlwind belonged to," She shook her head and I could feel her genuine flow of emotions.“Is there anyone you suspect might be after them?" I asked.“Apart from you, that would be Lucas. He wants the kids, Raymond and Fiona, dead and…” She paused.The