Devon's POV We bolted down the mountain as fast as we could with alpha Hawthorne and Lucien following behind us. They were faster than us but they were there as guardians. I hated the fact that Lucien got to be something I wasn't but I knew this was the time for petty malice. If we didn't work together, many people would probably die.As we ran down the mountain, it suddenly began trembling. My pupils constricted, it couldn't be! Fuck!! We needed to get off the mountain as fast as possible. I wasn't sure what was coming but if it was what I thought it was, then we were done for if we got caught up in it.“Move faster!!” I yelled at Ignace and Osric and we ran as fast as our legs could carry us. Even though we were already at an advantage since we were going downhill, I still felt like we couldn't run fast enough.That was when I heard it, we all heard it. A deep howl that reverberated through the frozen terrain. It was the true call of an alpha and even without actively listening to
Avery's povI sat with my father as I listened to his report on what happened. I was surprised, to say the least, I hadn't expected so much to have gone wrong. But I was also happy with this development, it brought out the true and Innermost behaviour of the participants and now we know those who are meant to lead and those who aren't.I had decided that I was going to allocate extra points to some people for their actions. All through the dangerous time, the drones were still watching them all but most had forgotten due to the situation at hand and that was perfect. Now I could see through them clearly, though I will have to apologize to them all during the meeting.As my father finished his report, I smiled at him. I was really glad he was okay, that avalanche would have killed someone as powerful as him if he had got caught in it. That mountain was infamous for its extreme cold and the bizarre nature of the cold after all.“Thank you, Dad, I'm glad you were there and I'm most of al
Avery's pov“I will now begin to announce the results,” I said as I looked at her audience.“Really?!” I heard someone say.I looked at the person that just spoke with a raised brow, and he got up.“Is anything wrong? Mr….”“My name's Jadon and if you weren't being such a self-centred bitch you would have known. After all that happened you are just going to announce the results?”“You will do well to pay Lady Avery her respect.” I suddenly heard Isabella say. She got up from her seat and began to head towards the guy named Jadon who had just spoken.“And what if I don't?” He asked when Isabella arrived in front of him,“Apologize,” Isabella said and the guy laughed,“Now I get why the elders had been so against you becoming an alpha. It was due to this! Because of you, stupid bitches now think their words are worth somethi—”Plop!My eyes widened as the guy's right arm fell to the ground. I could see the shock on everyone's faces. No one would've expected Isabella to have such skill b
Lucien's POVI got up from my seat and I dashed outside the hall in chase of the guardian. I knew immediately what Avery had meant if I caught him now, it meant I won.I moved as fast as I could, passing by the chairs in a blur and arriving outside the hall in an instant. I glanced about for a bit before choosing a direction, I couldn't see him but I could tell he was moving in that direction.Aasimar, I had heard his name from my father a few times and I didn't need any confirmation from anyone to know that he was the one the moment he walked into the hall. He was just like my father had described, strange and mysterious.His aura was thick but not flamboyant. It stuck to his body in a way that seemed to make him stand out but yet seem in tune with the environment at the same time. His gait and the subconscious pressure he released only affect those strong enough to sense it.My father had told me that he wasn't strong due to his physicality but due to his skills. He was a master of
Devon's POVI dashed out of the hall after Lucien as I chased after him. I was falling behind, Lucien was fast and the guardian man was even faster. They both vanished and I found myself having trouble keeping up with them.I caught a shadow out of the corner of my eye, it was Stella. She approached me with startling speed and she arrived in the blink of an eye.“What's happening?” She asked,I knew she was asking about the current situation, but Donovan was still keeping his eyes out after all. I didn't want their help though, after what happened at the mountain, I decided I was going to win this competition fair and square.“I've got it under control,” I replied and I ran off. I chased after Lucien, following after his aura. I didn't know how he was still able to keep track of the guardian because I couldn't even sense him at all.I moved using the shortest route, I had to get to them before they got too far. I sensed Lucien's aura and predicted where they were headed. The goal was
Isabella's povI bid Avery farewell and I headed to my quarters. I got into the room and I sat in the bed, placing the sword beside me. I took deep breaths to calm myself down.My hands were trembling a bit and I felt out of place. I had just cut off a man's hand. I had done a lot of things before including torturing people for my selfish gain but I have never directly done something as severe as cutting off a body part.I looked at the sword beside me, its sheath was red and black and right now it reeked of blood. I reached out and picked up the sword and I brought it towards me, I unsheathed it and looked at the clear blade. It was clean, without a single drop of blood, almost like I hadn't just almost used it to take another man's life.My mind kept repeating the scene of the man's arm falling to the floor and I had to drop the sword. I felt so dirty and it was like my skin was crawling.I took off my dress and headed for the bathroom, I had to wash myself. I soaked in the shower f
Stella's povI stood behind my father as we both waited for Devon to arrive. I have been following him ever since we left Lucien's place and I have listened to every one of his commands.I knew that my father was a bad man but I didn't care, he was the last family I had and I would do anything for him. The man I had loved had rejected me and now I only have love for my family.We had been with Devon for a while now and although I don't know what my father was planning, I knew it was grand. My father was cumming and sneaky but he loved a grand entrance, especially in situations like this.He was planning to ruin the competition or at least make sure that Devon won. He had attempted quite a few times and one such instance was the fool that got killed by Lucien. I couldn't even remember his name. He was supposed to disrupt the meeting yet the folk acted as he pleased and now he was dead.Though if I was being honest no one would have expected Lucien to react the way he did. He had been s
Isabella's POVI opened my eyes and looked beside me, roan was gone, probably to go do his duties. He usually woke me up when he was leaving but he must have thought I was too tired. I stretched and yawned, I didn't want to get out of bed but I had to.I stood up and walked into the bathroom, I washed my face and brushed my teeth before changing into my training suit. I wore a pair of black tights and a pair of grey shorts. I decided to wear an off-shoulder shirt; it was free and it didn't hinder my movements.I picked up my sword and I walked out of the room towards the training ground. When I arrived, Avery was already there doing stretches. She was wearing a pair of tight shorts and a black singlet.“Good morning, You look like a mess.” She greeted and I smiled,“How can you be so energetic after yesterday? I'm so drained.”“I don't know… I guess I'm used to waking up early from past times. A light warm-up session should get you up to speed.” She said,Yesterday, we visited a lot o
Lucien's Pov Walking down the aisle was one thing I never imagined I would do. The thought of walking down a path lined with roses and a red carpet, and holding someone in my arms beside me that I promised to love and care for, seeming like a foreign concept. It felt weird to think that I had finally been humbled. And that I had finally been brought to my knees to consider love as anything more than erotic pleasure. It still felt strange to me that I had actually gotten here. To this point? And a part of me really felt proud.I never thought I would get here and I never thought I would actually get married… I had feared I would end up living and dying as hedonistic. But I guess miracles happen, and this just happened to be mine. I was happy even though I was a bit confused and tepid. I looked courageous and smug but I was still scared internally. I feared my old habits would come back to haunt me. And I worried I wouldn't be the best husband for Avery… She was a beautiful soul and ho
Avery's PovTwo months later The crowd had gathered for the festivities and the courtyard was full of life. The entirety of Silverwood had been called for this occasion and everyone with ears had heeded the call. The streets were lined with people, stalls and activity. Musicians filled the streets with instruments and sounds. Some of the stalls filled with ale and the people were aloof and afloat. Food was bountiful. As steaks rolled over fires and men sold rottiserie chicken and smoked seasoned salmon over counters. The energy all around contagious. No single soul lost or sad or broken. Everyone, irrespective of class or status had come and were happy. All needs were met and all wants provided. It had been two months now and the town of Silverwood had gone from chaos and fighting to peace and tranquility. The people had reached a calm and began rebuilding. The torn ties, the distrust and the loss. The grieving families had been supported and helped to move on. Everyone was slowly an
Luciens's PovI held her in my hands and I just couldn't contain the feeling. The rush of energy I felt inside and the lightness in my head. Her body was soft and her motion was gentle. I held her close and she sighed quietly; her soft moans driving me crazy as we held each other. I didn't know I could feel this way. And I didn't know I could feel so in love. The state I was in wasn't one of lust or to have her in bed. I held her in my arms now and the only thing I wanted was to have her there. The only thing I wanted was to hold her close and hold her forever…Avery was everything and Avery was beautiful. Her hands around me as she tried to sink into my skin. I could feel her getting closer and edging closer. I could feel her wanting to close the gap and want to be near me. I could feel her energy matched mine and that she wanted me as much as much as I wanted her. The sparks lighting up and almost written in the skies. I really didn't want to let go but I had to. I didn't really wan
Avery's PovI woke up now in a gasp. My breathing heavy as I glanced in every direction frantically. I shot out of the chair or bed or whatever I was resting on and got up to my feet. I turned every which way, my eyes swinging from one side of the room to another. Then shooting up to the ceiling to see if what I had seen in my dream wasn't a dream. And if it had been real…It felt too real not to be and I deeply hoped it wasn't just hallucinations. As I looked up at the ceiling to find the carved statuettes but instead I saw a blank ceiling made of wood. I looked around for the white dress. With the veil and the mannequin? But I saw nothing. And now I quickly turned to look for Lucien. To see him maybe in the suit I had seen him in. To see his hair, and to see him smiling wide at me the way I had seen him. With the box in his hand. To hear his voice and hear him explain how he wanted to marry me. And how he had made plans for the wedding. And all he needed was a yes…But I turned arou
Avery's PovI woke up confused and I didn't know where I was at first. I struggled to open my eyes and also to keep my vision steady. My eyes opening slowly like curtains and my body feeling weird between my legs. I felt a sharp pain in my hips and I could feel my thighs quake slightly. I looked down at myself to see that I was in robes?... I looked up and I didn't recognise where I was. The room in front of me is different from the one I remembered. The design different from the room I last saw myself in. The windows were wide and open, the curtains were drawn to the sides to let in light. And I found myself on a bigger bed. The sheets very soft and delicate in my hands as I rested on it with my palm, turning my head sideways trying to figure out where I was.“Rise and shine princess…” I suddenly heard a voice call. And I frowned and turned slowly. My head still hurting slightly and my legs strangely weak and tired. I managed to complete the turn and I was surprised to see Lucien stan
Stella's PovIt just didn't feel right… and it just didn't make any sense. Yet it was all my reality… After all these years of hatred. To only come to realise I was hating my own blood?... That I was hating what I was supposed to love, and loving what I was supposed to hate?... The thought of being abused and used without even realising it made me shiver. I had been lied to so long and so well I couldn't even tell the difference. The lines between what was real and what was false blurring together into one vague absolute. I just couldn't believe the wool had been pulled over my eyes for so long. I had been blinded and led like a sheep and I thought I knew what I was doing? I thought I was right? I thought I was fighting for a good cause?... That my intentions were justified, and the allies were the enemies while the real enemies were actually the allies. I had gone against sensible reason and veered off wildly, and now it made me question my own self?... To believe that I was this
Lucien's PovI pulled out as she convulsed and came all over everything. The sheets and her dress was soaking wet and her hands by her side with her mouth open in a gentle sigh. She had quickly reached climax in just a few strokes and I wondered if I was that good or she was just very invested in the moment? Or even worse, she was just faking it?... I climbed off and let her lie there. I buckled my belt back in place and released a sigh myself. The moment short but the feeling mutual. Avery was a beautiful being, and down there she was tight. I was surprised at how I flowed through in and out seamlessly. Each stroke leaving her moaning loudly and gasping in short bursts. Her body jerking at every motion, her fingers gripping my legs, trying to hold on, and trying not to pass out. Trying not to let the rush send her unconscious. Her moans soon turned into cries, her eyes wet as it was seemingly too much for her. I wanted to stop but each time she moaned I only went deeper. Her cries ac
Avery's PovI was glad I had seen this coming. I was happy to have seen this beforehand and prevented it. As the guards came in now just at the exact moment. The guards came in now just at the exact time Lucien would have been deep inside me and too far gone to cover up and rationalise. I was happy I held myself accountable; and held myself accountable for both our reputations…As the two guards now stood at the door with several clothes in hand, all of them folded and all of them in the shape of dresses. With different colours and different designs. I stood there frowning in confusion as they stood with their hands out and their waist slightly bent in a saluted pose. Their chins raised and their heads high.“We have brought the clothes sire…” The leading guard called. “The one you asked for, for the benevolent lady of yours…”And the guards tone surprised me. His aggressive voice had gone down a baritone lower. And he now sounded more like a butler than a guard. And the way he talked
Avery's PovI held his hand and he closed his eyes again. This time relaxing and not trying to pull away. He let my palm touch his and then closed his eyes. The exchange of energy making him ease into calm and his legs suddenly twitch. I saw his feet move slightly and then again. Before he opened his eyes and then let go. Immediately moving himself forward and getting out of bed, standing on his feet and turning around. “Being paralysed is a curse really…” he smiled, staring directly at me. His perfect teeth showing in full view. He looked suddenly refreshed and revitalised. The look on his face far from someone who was just sick.I smiled back at him not knowing what else to do. I watched him spin on his heels and click his feet in a hopscotch. He had suddenly lost his stern austerity and now was as giddy as a horse… “Are you okay Alpha?...” I asked now, frowning with my head down slightly. But he only turned towards me with his smile growing bigger. “Never been better, and thank