The fire crackled between us, its warmth doing little to chase away the chill in the air—or the tension building between us. I folded my arms and faced Lira, my mother, this stranger who carried so many of the answers I’d craved my entire life. “We need to talk,” I said again, more insistent this time. She sighed softly and nodded. “I owe you that much.” Her voice was soft, but her words carried the weight of years. “Why did you leave me?” The question burst out of me, sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care. “Why did you disappear and let them banish me? Do you know what I’ve been through? What I’ve lost?” Her eyes filled with sorrow, but she didn’t flinch. Instead, she stepped closer, her expression calm yet pained. “I have watched over you all your life Astrid. I left because I had no choice, Astrid. To stay would have put you in greater danger than you can imagine. If I hadn’t left…” She hesitated, her voice faltering. “You wouldn’t be standing here now.” I shook my h
Lira’s words echoed in my mind long after the conversation ended, reverberating through the walls of the small cabin that had become our temporary refuge. I sat by the window, staring out into the dark forest, the weight of everything she had told me pressing heavily on my chest. *The last original witch.* It was impossible to wrap my mind around it. The anger I had held onto for so long wavered, replaced by confusion and a deep sense of responsibility I wasn’t sure I was ready for. My wolf, El, was unusually quiet, a reflection of the storm in my own mind. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Maya standing there, her arms crossed and a knowing look in her eyes. “You’ve been quiet all night,” she said softly, sitting beside me. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t even know where to begin.” Maya tilted her head, her sharp gaze piercing. “She told you about your magic.” It wasn’t a question. I nodded, surprised but not entirely shocked that she knew.
The peace of the moment shattered like glass. A thunderous crash erupted outside, followed by shouts and the unmistakable clang of steel. Maya’s hand was on her dagger in an instant, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the room. “They found us,” Elias growled, his voice taut with urgency. He moved to the doorway, his stance tense and ready. “How?” I whispered, my heart racing as dread coiled in my chest. Lira’s expression hardened, her calm demeanor replaced with the fierce resolve of someone who had been hunted before. “It doesn’t matter how. What matters is getting you out of here alive.” Another crash echoed through the air, and the sound of splintering wood followed. Lucian’s men were close. Maya stepped forward, her dagger glinting in the faint light. “We hold them off here. Astrid, you need to go.” “I’m not leaving you!” I protested, but Elias shot me a sharp look. “This isn’t a debate,” he said firmly. “You’re the one they want. If you stay, you’ll only make it easi
Lucian grinned, his expression twisting with cruel satisfaction. “Brave words,” he said, his golden eyes narrowing. “Let’s see if you can back them up.” The earth beneath him cracked as his men surged forward, weapons drawn and snarls ripping through the night. I felt the hum of magic deep in my core, powerful and untamed, begging to be unleashed. “Astrid, no!” Lira’s voice rang out, desperate. “You’re not ready!” But I couldn’t run anymore. Not now. Not while my friends were fighting for me, risking everything. I clenched my fists, the energy within me coiling tighter, hotter, until it burst free. The air around me shimmered, and the ground shook violently as I thrust my hands forward. Roots and vines exploded from the earth, twisting and curling like living serpents. They lashed out at Lucian’s men, ensnaring them before they could close the gap. Some screamed as the vines tightened, pinning them to the ground or flinging them away like ragdolls. Lucian barely flinched,
“I want you” I whispered rubbing myself on him, El squealed in excitement with the contact. The moonlight danced across the lake, the ripples casting soft silver patterns on the water. I saw him standing there, waiting—Kael. His back was to me, his broad shoulders tense, as if the weight of the world rested on him alone. For a moment, I hesitated, watching him, unsure if I had the strength for what was to come. But my wolf stirred, pulling me forward. *Go to him.* The bond between us hummed, undeniable and raw. “Kael,” I called softly, my voice carried on the breeze. He turned, and the sight of his face under the moonlight made my breath hitch. His eyes, intense and piercing, found mine, and I saw everything there—his pain, his longing, his love. The tension in his jaw relaxed as he closed the distance between us in just a few strides. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could say a word, his hands cupped my face, and he kissed me. It wasn’t gentle or tentative. It wa
In one swift movement, Kael plunged into my mouth, his cock hitting the back of my throat. I need air, I need to breath. My eyes Ayang with unshed tears, his hand gripped my hair tightly, helping in movement. “You are só fucking good, little mouse..” kael moaned, thrusting into my mouth with no care in the word. There was pure hunger and greed in his movement. My hands gripped his thighs to steady me from falling over. I hummed against his cock, wetting pooled between my legs, I knew he could smell it cuz I could too. “Oh! Fucckk!” His head flew back, eyes closed while his waist moved in a fluid manner. I could taste him in my mouth, little drops of pre-cum that coated the tip of his cock. It was heavenly, or maybe I was sick in my head. Kael, sipped his dick out of my mouth, he ducked down and grabbed my chin, pressing it. “You will be a good little mouse, and ducking swallow every bit of my seed that I spill.” He growled. Beads of sweat laid on his forehead, glimmeri
As the warmth of Kael's body began to fade, I felt his fingers trailing along my arm, his touch gentle but purposeful. His chest rose and fell against my back as we lay tangled together under the canopy of stars. The lake shimmered in the distance, but Kael’s attention was wholly on me."You're different," he murmured, his voice low, almost as if he were speaking to himself. I stiffened slightly, turning my head to glance at him. "Different how?" He propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes scanning me with an intensity that made my heart race. "Your scent," he said. "It's changed. It’s sweeter, stronger... like honey and wildflowers after the rain." His fingers grazed my collarbone, his gray eyes narrowing. "And your arousal—it’s not just wolf. There’s something else in it. Something... primal." I swallowed hard, my throat tightening under his scrutiny. El stirred uneasily within me, caught between curiosity and fear. "I don't know what you're talking about," I said softly, t
The realization hit me like a cold wind. Kael's hands still rested on my stomach, reverent and protective, but the warmth of his touch couldn’t quiet the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. He cared for me, yes. His instincts demanded it—he was my mate, after all. But care wasn’t love. Protection wasn’t love. Kael was bound to me because the universe had decreed it. He was drawn to my scent, to my body, to the bond that linked us like two halves of a whole. But what if that bond wasn’t enough? What if it was obligation that tethered him to me and not something deeper? I swallowed hard, trying to keep the tears from spilling over. *Don’t cry, Astrid. Not now. Not here.* Even as my heart ached, I couldn’t stop myself from staring at him. His face was set in determination, his eyes still blazing with that fierce promise of protection. But love? That soft, vulnerable thing I longed for? I couldn’t see it there. He hadn’t chosen me. Not really. And yet, I had fallen for him
The cabin was silent except for the crackling of the fire, a weak and inconsistent sound that seemed to mirror the shattered state of everyone gathered. The room felt suffocating, weighed down by grief so thick it was almost tangible. Megan stood by the window, her back to the group as silent tears ran down her cheeks. Maya knelt on the floor, cradling Ruby’s lifeless body in her arms. Her usually sharp eyes were dulled by sorrow, and her hands trembled as she gently smoothed Ruby’s hair, whispering words of comfort that no longer mattered. Ezra sat in the far corner of the room, his face buried in his hands. His broad shoulders shook, his anguish raw and unrestrained. The sound of his muffled sobs tore through the silence, each one a painful reminder of what had been lost. Alice sat at the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, as though she were trying to ground herself. But even she, the ever-resilient mage, couldn’t mask the
Kael shifted back into his human form, panting, his face streaked with dirt and blood. “We can’t keep this up,” he said urgently. “Astrid, you need to unleash it all. But not here. We have to get you higher—away from the cabin, where you can focus without destroying everything around us.”Alice nodded in agreement, her face pale but determined. “There’s a ridge just above the clearing,” she said quickly. “It’ll give her the vantage point she needs. But we have to hurry—Lavinia’s army is still pressing in.”Kael scooped me into his arms without hesitation, his strength steadying me despite the fire still flickering at my fingertips. “Hold on, little mouse,” he murmured, his tone equal parts fierce and tender. “I’ll get you there.”Ezra and Alice formed a protective barrier around us as Kael sprinted toward the ridge, his steps sure and unrelenting. The sounds of the battle below faded into the background, replaced by the roaring in my ears and the heat coursing through my veins. I coul
Lavinia stepped into the cabin, her presence radiating a cold, suffocating power that seemed to sap the warmth from the room. Her dark gown flowed like liquid shadow, and her smile was as cruel as the blade she carried at her side. Ezra growled, stepping in front of me with his claws extended, blood dripping from his wounds. “You’ll die before you lay a finger on her,” he snarled. Lavinia chuckled, the sound sending chills down my spine. “Oh, Ezra. Still playing the dutiful protector, are we? How quaint.” Her gaze swept over the room, landing briefly on Alice, who was struggling to steady herself, and Maya, who stood ready with her blade drawn. Finally, Lavinia’s eyes found me, cradling my children. Her smile widened. “And there she is. The mother of the hour. How are the little ones? I hope they’re not too fragile—babies rarely survive the chaos I bring.” My grip on my children tightened, a surge of anger cutting through my fear. “You won’t touch them,” I said, my voice tremb
The peaceful moment shattered like glass, my heart dropping as Ezra’s words pierced the air. My grip tightened around my babies instinctively, their tiny, delicate bodies cradled protectively against my chest. Kael was on his feet in an instant, his powerful presence taking command of the room. “How far?” he demanded, his voice cold and sharp, the calm before the storm. Ezra swayed slightly, blood dripping from a wound on his side. “Not far. Maybe minutes. They’ve got rogues, warriors, and... mages. Lavinia’s not playing games.” Maya moved swiftly to Ezra’s side, inspecting his injuries. “You’re hurt.” “I’m fine,” Ezra growled, pulling away. “They sent a scouting party ahead. I dealt with them, but they know where we are now. She’ll be here soon.” Alice stepped forward, her face pale but composed. “We don’t have time to move Astrid or the babies. Not like this.” Kael’s gaze flicked to me, his eyes narrowing with determination. “We’re not moving them. We’ll hold the line he
The room instantly grew hotter as a surge of power erupted from deep within me. Fire blazed out of my body, licking at the walls and ceiling of the cabin. The once-cozy room was engulfed in a dangerous glow, casting shadows that danced wildly in the chaos. Kael didn’t flinch, even as flames licked dangerously close to his skin. His arms tightened around me, his voice steady and calm despite the rising inferno. “Astrid, listen to me!” he called out, his eyes locking onto mine. “You need to focus. You’re in control—*you* are. Don’t let it take over!” “I can’t!” I screamed, another contraction ripping through me, stealing my breath and sanity. My body felt like it was tearing apart, the raw power within me surging uncontrollably. The flames grew stronger, the heat intensifying until I thought it would consume us all. Alice’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. “Megan, Maya—circle her now! We need to contain this before it destroys the entire cabin!” The two women
The world spun around me, a whirl of colors and sounds that felt distant, like echoes of a life I couldn’t quite grasp. I drifted between the edge of consciousness and darkness, the pain from my labor pulling me back every time I threatened to slip away completely. The next thing I felt was a jolt, a sensation like being pulled through the fabric of reality itself. It was disorienting but oddly calming, as if I were floating through a dream. Then, just as quickly, the sensation ended, and I felt the solid ground beneath me again. “She’s here!” Megan’s voice broke through the haze, urgent and filled with relief. “Get her inside, now!” I blinked, trying to focus, but my vision was blurred. I felt hands on me—familiar, steady hands—lifting me gently and carrying me somewhere warmer, safer. “She’s burning up,” Maya’s voice came next, panicked but controlled. “Get her on the bed. Quickly!” I was placed onto a soft surface, the familiar scent of herbs and wood filling my senses. My
The urgency of the moment settled over us like a suffocating weight. Ezra was still catching his breath, his body trembling with residual anger, but he nodded. We didn’t have time to waste. Ruby was out there, somewhere, and every second we spent standing still could be the one that tipped the scales against us. “Can you shift again?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt. Ezra nodded once, already forcing himself to his feet. “I’ll manage.” I helped him as much as I could, though the pain in my side reminded me just how human I currently was. He gave me a grateful look, then shifted into his wolf form, his golden coat streaked with dirt and blood. He sniffed the air, ears twitching as he picked up on the faintest trace of something. “Do you have her scent?” I asked, desperate hope creeping into my voice. He growled low, a confirmation that made my heart lurch. Without waiting for me, he bolted into the darkness, his movements quick and purposeful. “Wait!” I shouted, hurr
I pushed through the dense trees, my feet barely touching the ground as I ran, the cold night air slicing against my skin. The forest seemed endless, the shadows playing tricks on my mind. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. The thought of Ruby, alone and terrified, spurred me forward. Ezra’s wolf was ahead of me, a streak of gold and fury weaving through the underbrush. His growls echoed in the night, guiding me toward our quarry. “Ezra!” I shouted, my voice hoarse from running and the lump of panic lodged in my throat. “Do you see them?” A low howl was his only response. It sent a chill through me—not one of despair, but of determination. He was closing in. The trail wasn’t hard to follow. Broken branches and the scent of blood painted a clear path through the forest. But it felt wrong, too easy, as if they wanted us to follow. I slowed for a moment, my senses on high alert. Something was off. The rogues were vicious, but this level of coordination wasn’t their style. They
Ezra and I exchanged a tense glance, the weight of what had just transpired settling heavily on our shoulders. My mind raced, replaying the stranger’s words over and over again. The game has changed. Pieces in place. The board is set. It wasn’t just a cryptic message—it was a warning. “I need to wake Ruby,” I said, stepping toward the bed. Ezra’s hand shot out, gripping my arm gently but firmly. “Astrid, wait. She’s been through enough. Whatever that was, it’s not going to happen tonight. Let her rest while she can.” I hesitated, glancing down at Ruby. Her face was peaceful, completely unaware of the danger that had just loomed so close. Ezra was right—she deserved some respite. But my gut twisted with unease. “If they’re after her…” I began, but Ezra cut me off. “They won’t get her,” he said, his voice steel. “Not while I’m here. Not while any of us are here.” I nodded, forcing myself to trust his words. Ezra wasn’t just saying it—he believed it, and that gave me a sliv