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
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
Lily’s POV Sitting in our small cabin, I watched the flickering fire of our furnace burn brightly, the warmth of its glow casting dancing shadows across the walls of our humble home. Then I was reminded of the story I used to hear a lot growing up. The story of how I came to be. I sometimes do not want to believe how unfortunate I was.In the heart of Crimson Valley, Mother had ventured into the woods in search of healing herbs to create a potion for the travelers who sojourned in our valley. I could still picture the image those words painted; The verdant canopy overhead, the soft rustle of leaves beneath her feet, and the gentle hum of nature's song all around her.While Mother was happily humming to a song and picking what she needed for her potion, fate had other plans for her. You can say, fate had other plans for ME anyway. A sudden slip, a jagged branch hidden under the soil, and mother found herself lying injured on the forest floor. She was seven months due with me in
Lily’s POVWalking through the dimly lit corridors of our home, I heard faint sound of voices down the hallway and they grew louder as I approached the meeting room.“We are only a small pack and cannot afford such heavy levies for King Adonis!” I heard a voice say.Wondering whose voices they were, I tiptoed towards the meeting room. I peered through the slightly ajar door, I couldn't help but notice the tense atmosphere that hung heavy in the air. Father was sitting on his chair, head bowed in frustration, while other members had on them, agitated faces.“I will relay your message to my brother. But be warned of the consequences of your choices.” I heard another say. He looked different from the members of our pack. He had a black rune on his hands and his hair was long and black.He was from the Twilight Ridge pack. The most powerful wolves in the region.I stood there, hands unmoving, feet stuck to where I stood and my breath became a bit raspy. As the realization of what was to o
Lily’s POVOur pack was not so blessed with extraordinary strength and powers, so Father explained how over time, many members of our pack had chosen to crossbreed with other wolves in order to gain more mystical abilities and strength, leaving only our family as the last surviving true bloodline of the Silver shade pack. “But despite our size.” My father said, his voice warm with affection, “We are united by our bond as a family and by our unwavering commitment to each other.”I smiled and Father returned my smile.“Why were you up earlier?” Father asked, causing my smile to temporarily fade away.I hesitated, a bit unsure of whether to share the strange vision that had plagued my dreams. But his reassuring smile made me comfortable, so I began to recount what happened in my dream with the black wolf.As I spoke, my father listened intently, his brow furrowing in thought. “It sounds like a powerful vision, Lily, most alphas begin their hunt for their mates by seeping into their drea
Lily’s POVIt was a rare occurrence for my father to transform. His fur was a lustrous silver-gray and bristled with fury as he bared his teeth in a menacing snarl, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. In this form, he radiated so much power and authority.Beside him, Shawn also transformed, his own wolf form emerging with a grace and beauty that spoke of his youth. In his wolf form, Shawn's silver fur had an ethereal glow, radiating so much of the mystical force that coursed through his veins. His eyes retained their piercing blue hue, glowing with an inner light that speaks of his connection to the mystical energies that surround him.Smithson also transformed into a menace looking black-grey wolf. Father attacked. Claws clashed and teeth gnashed as my father and Smithson engaged in a ferocious battle. I watched in horror as my father and Shawn battled with Smithson. On a good day, I would have been pleased to see Smithson beaten up. But this
Lily’s POVI placed Shawn safely behind the hidden passage in my room, and then I closed it with a heavy heart. Sure that he was safe, I composed myself then I inhaled and exhaled deeply, preparing myself for the unavoidable face-out with Smithson. “I'll come back for you, Shawn,” I whispered to him. My voice was barely above a hoarse murmur.Releasing a heavy breath, I closed my eyes and exhaled for the last time. Then I attempted to call forth the wolf that dwelled deep within my soul. But despite my efforts, the transformation was not forthcoming.Before I could try again, the door to my room creaked open, and Smithson's huge figure stood tall in the doorway. His eyes gleamed maliciously as he came toward me.Fear shot through me as I backed away, my mind began racing with different thoughts on how I could escape. “Stay back!” I warned, my voice trembling with fear.But ignoring my threats, Smithson continued to advance. plastered across his face, was a malicious grin. "You can'
Marcus's POV Leaving my room, my wolf growled as I found my way to Winston's Chambers. I could still feel the haze of alcohol still clouding my mind, but even stronger was the excitement that my wolf felt at having that silver-haired slave.I flew open his door and staggered in. Winston squinted his deep brown eyes as he took in my disheveled state."What in blazes are you doing here, Master Marcus?" Winston exclaimed, his surprise was evident in his voice.I rolled my eyes slowly and settled into a seat close to the fireplace. “I just need some time,” I muttered. Winston frowned, his gaze flickering to the door as if expecting someone to burst in at any moment. “Some time from what?” He asked. I raised my face to look at him. He looked at me with a curious gaze. Fine.“Get me warm water to drink.” I finally said.“That's it?” Winston asked in disbelief. He was a bit chubby with soft lips and cheeks and was most times comical in his acts and other times willing to give his life for
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