Isabella's pov I opened my eyes, I had tears in them and I was feeling sad. I don't know why but I had just been thinking of Avery. Why was I thinking about her? Why now??I sighed and I looked around, I was in the familiar cave I had been in for the last six months. I looked beside me, roan lay on the floor with bandages wrapped around him. He was sleeping peacefully and I was happy.I didn't have a happy smile on my face. I was sad, roan had been protecting me for the past months. He looked for food and fought against a variety of wild animals just to keep us safe.A lot of times, he came back injured and bleeding. I hadn't been able to give him any proper treatment and I could tell that his condition was slowly getting worse.I was worried but I was afraid. We had nowhere to go and it was all my fault. I had pushed away all those who love me and I had even been using roan just to satisfy myself before. Now I was all alone.I looked at Roan again, a helpless smile on my face. I wou
Avery's povI watched as Isabella sat in front of an injured man. He looked young and I could see that he was bleeding a bit. She seemed lost in her thoughts and she didn't notice me.I was surprised she was in this cave. I knew she wasn't at Devon's castle anymore, I had noticed when I went there and when I saw the state Devon was in, I knew Isabella had to be somehow related to it.But I never thought that it would be like this, I never thought I would find her in a place like this. What had happened between them that made her resort to living like this? And who was this man that she was with?She got up and headed towards the corner of the cave but she spotted me. Her eyes widened and she jumped a bit in freight and hurriedly stood in front of the man.I raised a brow at her actions. This was strange, the Isabella I knew was a selfish witch who cared about no one else but herself and now she was protecting someone?I wanted to believe that I was seeing something wrong, maybe she ju
Avery's povI stood outside the cave as I took deep breaths to calm myself. I was angry but at the same time, I was ashamed and scared. I had almost killed someone.It happened so quickly, that I couldn't even believe I had wanted to do it. I thought I had full control over my emotions but it seems I didn't. I sighed and walked forward.I was ashamed that I let myself be controlled by my anger, what if I had killed her? Wait, what would I do? What will I say to old man Lazarus? She was his only child and I could've killed her.I stopped by a tree and leaned against it, I had to talk to my parents, I needed more training. I couldn't let myself be out of control, what use was power if you couldn't control it?I stayed outside for a while before I began to head back into the cave. I took deep breaths, I had to control myself and I had to end this as soon as possible.I might not be able to forgive her but I could at least have mercy on her. I had promised that to old man Lazarus and I ha
Isabella's pov“Well? What are you waiting for? Follow me unless you'd rather live in this cave.”I was confused at first but then my eyes widened at her words. I found it a bit hard to believe that Avery, who had just tried to kill me, would also be extending a helping hand.“What?! Thank you so much.” I frantically got up and began to assist Roan as we followed behind her. I could see his questioning gaze but I shook my head at him. Right now we had to follow her first, she had made it clear that she wasn't going to kill us and pissing her off might let her change her mind.“Don't thank me, thank your father when you meet him.”My father?! I felt my body twitch a bit and I looked down. No wonder, it all makes sense now. The cave and the person that had asked her to have mercy on me.I almost wanted to stay back at the thought that my father was also at Avery's pack but I didn't. I needed to get help for Roan and it was already past time to meet my father.I had not only been a terr
Avery's povI smiled as I saw old man Lazarus hug his daughter and I felt some of the resentment I had in me get relieved. I was surprised, I never thought that an act of good would help me but thinking about it, I guess the fact that I helped her at all meant I was ready to forgive her. If not for her sake then at least for old man Lazarus's.Both of them began to cry and I couldn't just keep staring at them so I decided to leave to spare them the awkwardness. Moreover, they needed the privacy to sort out whatever it was they were feeling.When I walked out of the room, I saw my parents waiting for me. I smiled at them and then I made sure to close the door behind me to give old man Lazarus and Isabella some privacy.I walked towards my parents. They smiled at me as I approached them and I blushed a little. I couldn't help but feel a little ashamed of myself.“You did good, Avery.” My mother said but I didn't feel like I did good, at least not absolutely. I hadn't been able to contro
Lucien's POVI sat in the dining hall with Esme, I was lost in thought. Avery has just said that she was getting a mate, I couldn't allow that to happen, I couldn't lose her.I had to make a strong move and her coronation would be the perfect place to do that but I had to prepare for it. I had to be ready and most importantly, I had to be strong enough to be worthy of her.I've made up my mind, I had to awaken. I was scared though, I didn't think I would be able to awaken in time for the coronation and I knew that an alpha's awakening was supposed to be exponentially harder than normal.“You shouldn't do it.” I heard Esme say. I looked at her and I knew she could see my resolve. I couldn't lose Avery and I would do anything for her and this was the first step to proving that.“I'll begin tonight.”“You can't, you don't have a tether. You'll lose yourself, Lucien.”My eyes widened a bit as Esmes called me by my name. I knew immediately that she was dead serious and if possible, she'd m
Avery's pov“Lucien” I said and the wolf looked at me. His blue ice was luminous, like electricity trapped in ice. His black fur was thick and wavy and he was large. He exuded an aura of authority, one that I had only sensed in my parents.I subconsciously took a step back, I was wary of him and we weren't exactly on the best terms. Although I knew he was sorry and trying to amend our relationship, I didn't trust him yet.Suddenly I heard a low growl, multiple growls and I looked around. That was when I noticed that we were both surrounded by a large amount of wolves. I was surprised and also a bit scared, after all, all of them were larger than Lucien.They were at least five feet tall and six feet long. They were massive and they all had crimson-red eyes. Their aura was oppressive and it was certain that they were out to get us.Lucien protectively moved to my front and I wanted to get behind him but then I remembered that I wasn't a weak girl anymore. I walked forward with a pierci
Lucien's povI was surprised to see Avery here. I looked into her crimson-red eyes as she looked back at me, she seemed to be even more beautiful than the last time I saw her. This was bad, I never thought she would appear here, what had happened?A tether was supposed to be a link that gave you a reason to live and to survive. That will be converted into hidden potential that would in turn grant the wolf extra strength to overcome.The stronger the tether was the better the connection and the more extra strength you could receive. But I had heard of a tether appearing during one's awakening process.Thinking about it, this situation seems a bit familiar. Oh, that's right, a similar thing had happened with Avery's awakening also. I guess the link between us was that strong.I heard multiple low growls and I looked to see that we were surrounded by multiple wolves. They were all large and ferocious with red eyes and black fur. I knew immediately who they were, these were all the previo
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