Jayce leaned against the doorframe to Myra's room. His little pup was still asleep by the time they all returned to his estate. Lily sat beside her daughter, her fingers gently caressed the sleeping child's face. Everything was happening too quickly and left him little to no time to process anything. Lily's awake now, but has awoken her Wolf spirit. The thought still wasn't easy to digest. All these years and he didn't have a clue. She wasn't to blame, though. She was just as much in the dark as he was. His eyes trailed over her. Golden locks shimmered in the late morning light. Her eyes sparkled like emeralds. Lily was still his Lily. Her scent had changed drastically. Others were bound to take notice, just as Aiden did. He felt his cousin's gaze on him now as he approached him, but he refused to take his eyes off of Lily and Myra. "The others are in your office." Aiden said as he stopped beside him and turned his gaze into the room. "She took the change better than I expected, ho
Why does it have to be me? Rayleigh sat across from Lily in her office. It seemed to be the only place she had some decent privacy from her children. As expected, the newfound power within Lily had caused a disturbance amongst the Pack. Jayce reassured her he would handle it for her while she occupied herself with the others. No one was blind to his distaste for the turn of events. More so aware of his seething rage for her new set of responsibilities. No longer just his Queen and wife, but the savior for all. Supernatural and Mortals alike. However, Rayleigh had little to no hope for Lily's progress considering how late in the game she unleashed her Wolf spirit. Yet, everyone else can see the light at the end of this damned tunnel aside from herself. "I know." Lily spoke up suddenly, taking Rayleigh by surprise. The blonde woman had her gaze on the floor. "I don't feel confident about this either." Rayleigh hadn't spoken out about her true feelings on the matter, but perhaps Lily
Zalakai leaned against the doorframe as he watched in silence. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop on their conversation, but he couldn't ignore Rayleigh's words, either. Weak? Hardly. Vulnerable? Yes. Every Human is vulnerable. It didn't mean he looked at her any differently. In fact, if something changed, it would have been his growth of admiration for the woman. To have endured the pain and suffering and survived. If that wasn't a feat, then what is? His eyes scanned the dark scar on Lily's back. A whip, from what she proclaimed. Delivered by the same monster that Jayce murdered. A deep growl emanated from behind him. Speak of the Devil. "What are you doing, Demon?" Jayce growled menacingly from behind him. Lily peered over her shoulder to find both men at the door. Rayleigh sat up quickly, equally surprised to find him standing there. "Relax, Wolf." Zalakai said without a single glance over his shoulder. He didn't have to see the dark and angry gaze the Werwolf King displayed on hi
He had only been gone for a couple of hours, but she missed his presence. Which bothered her greatly. She had spent time and time again figuring out a way to rid of him and their pact. Bound in such a lustful act. At first, she was dead set on breaking their bond, but now... Rayleigh stood out back, her gaze fixated on the forest behind the estate. She had her hand placed on her chest. There was a heat that radiated from the Mark he placed on her. It simmered with a dull warmth before it gradually faded away. She had never felt such a thing before after he placed it. Then again, aside from the power to command him, she did not know what this bond was capable of. "Hey." Lily spoke up behind her. Rayleigh glanced over her shoulder to find the Werewolf Queen and King approach her. "How are you feeling?" "Fine." she stated bluntly. "I don't need you to act as my therapist now." "That's not what I came out here to do." Lily told her as she stopped at her side. "I just wanted to make s
She could sense the unease in her people. Questions rose, but none were answered. What would she say to them? How could she even explain? Or where to explain? Their Human Queen is an actual Werewolf in the entirety of her life and this information wasn't shared? They would feel robbed. Deceived. Manipulated, even. Avoiding them caused more harm than good, but she was lost. Lily gazed out the back door to the garden as night fell. Everyone went their separate ways after dinner. Amira and Aiden retreated to their room to get in contact with his Beta. Willow went into her meditative state with Dante on standby. Rayleigh and Zalakai retreated to their room so she could focus on translating the Celestial text from Lily's body. Lily's eyes darkened slightly. The bloodied heart Zalakai gave to Rayleigh. The look of relief that shined in her eyes. Did she feel something similar when Jasper died in front of her eyes? Relief to the hunt ending, but for his death? Did some dark emotion cloud h
Jayce brushed his fingers along her muzzle and rubbed her ear. Lily leaned into his touch. No wonder he enjoyed it when she combed her fingers through his fur. It left behind goosebumps under her fur. "Can you stand?" He asked her. Lily peered down at her paws as she pushed herself to her feet. She felt much heavier than before. Was it because of the shift in her muscles and bone structure? How did she keep her footing the first time she shifted? It all happened so fast that pure instinct had taken over. Was it the same case this time around? She kept her eyes on her paws as she lifted the left and then the right. Being on all fours didn't feel any different from being on her two feet. In fact, she felt more balanced this way. Walking shouldn't be any different, either. Lily moved one paw forward, then paused. How should she move with her hind legs now? How did she do it before? "Don't think about it." Jayce said as he crouched down beside her. She felt fairly large alongside of
He leaned his back against a trunk of an oak tree. The night sky was clear and sparkled in starlight. He peered down at his Mate that lay against his chest. Her golden, sun-kissed locks were like silk between his calloused fingers. The Mark she had placed on him years ago burned when they had finished. Now it was lukewarm to the touch. Not only did this connect them in their Human forms, but he felt Nox and Azura connect at last. Even now, he felt his beast at ease. "Jayce?" She spoke his name in a mere whisper. "We should tell the others." She turned her head to gaze up at him. "The other Wolves, I mean." As she sat up, her hair cascaded over her shoulder like a waterfall of liquid gold. "You're right." He agreed as he tucked her hair behind her ear. "They need to be addressed sooner rather than later. There's only so much avoidance that can be done before they can't be anymore." "What if they become angry with me?" She asked worriedly. "I didn't know this was even possible. They
Dante stood with his back against the doorframe. His arms crossed against his chest as he observed her from a distance. She always felt his eyes on her from every angle. No matter where she was, his gaze would pursue. Each time that their gazes would ever meet, the smoldering gold of his eyes would twist ever so slightly with the crimson blood that would mingle with it. It wasn't always desire that drove that reaction. She knew how much he cared for her. Loved her. He even died for her when Roy attacked them. Dante was possessive, but not controlling. He praised her and encouraged her as her powers grew while she learned her new abilities. If that wasn't love, then what is? "Are you alright, my dear?" He asked her. Willow glanced over at him from the couch. He rolled the sleeves of his black button up on his forearms. His short, dark brown hair neatly combed back with just a few strands that hung in the front. It had grown a bit since their arrival here, but she didn't mind it. "I'
When was it that he last touched me like this?Jayce's lips glided along the arc of her throat. His tongue flickered out to feel her pulse that raced beneath her skin. His hand roamed over the curve of her hip, his fingers hooking on the leggings she wore and tugged them down earnestly. Lily felt his Mark ignite, throbbing with an ache that had been deprived for months. Her nails dug into his back, raising a soft growl from his throat. The sound raised goosebumps along her exposed legs and a shiver to run down her spine. He sat up. His fingers shifted into claws and tore her shirt open. Ten years ago, this would have surprised her, even made her call out in shock, but her fingers caressed his cheeks and brought him back down in a welcoming kiss. She felt him sigh against her lips as he melted against her. His claws woven into her hair as he wedged himself between her thighs. "Lily..." His voice a deep rumble in his chest. "I have a darkness within me." He murmured against her lips.
His head ached when he stirred. There was a slight weight on his chest when his eyes fluttered open. As his blurred vision began to clear, he recognized the room he and Lily were guests in at Aiden's home. The warm glow of the setting sun spread across the ceiling through the blinds. He inhaled deeply. The sweet scent of Lilies filled his senses and his eyes dropped to his Mate and her head that rested on his chest. Lily... The flash of memory from his Wolf nearly taking her life flooded his mind. He squeezed his eyes shut, his hand clamped over his face when he felt her shift and sit up. Her sleepy gaze swept over him before they brightened with alertness. "Jayce!" She smiled with relief. "You scared me. You've been out for a couple of days." She informed him as she brushed his hair from his face. "Lily..." He grumbled weakly. "The kids will be so relieved." She went on. "Myra has been worried sick, and the boys are confused." "Lily." His sharp tone ended in a growl. She fell
Nox curled up in a puff of black fur amidst the depths of Jayce's subconscious. The memory of his beloved Mate pinned beneath him while trapped in his frenzy. The fear in her eyes would forever be engraved in his mind. "Is this where you plan to hide from me?" Azura's sweet voice caused his tail to stir faintly. Even in his distress and misery, her presence still brought him a sense of joy. "You should not be here." He told her, weakly. "I do not wish to bring you more harm." "You never harmed me or Lily." She reassured him. He felt the weight of her along his side as she rested on him. "We thought we lost you for a moment, though." She admitted as she brushed her muzzle against his ear. "That terrified us." "I am not safe to be around, Azura." He growled softly as he pushed himself to his feet. "What if the next time I truly hurt you and Lily? What if I hurt the pups? Or kill..." "Nox." Azura spoke sternly, but with a layer of softness as she sat up. "I know you. Even in these
Seeing his tears and hearing his apologies broke Lily. For a moment, as everything finally fell quiet, all she could do was stare down at the unconscious body of her Mate laying atop her. What happened to him? To Nox? "Jayce?" She brushed his hair from his face. "Lily!" Aiden had sprinted over to her and slid to her side. "You're not hurt anywhere, are you?" He asked urgently. She shook her head before she turned her gaze back to Jayce. "Can you..?" "Here." Zalakai knelt down and took Jayce by the arm and hoisted him up. His Demonic form had also receded. Aiden took Jayce's other arm and together they pulled his unconscious body off of Lily. "His clothes." Lily remarked when a leather jacket fell onto her chest. "Don't worry about his lack of attire." Rayleigh told her. Lily peered down, having forgotten that her clothes had torn away when she shifted. She rose to her feet, holding Rayleigh's leather jacket to her body. "We have to get him back to the house. He'll be out for a
"Dammit!" Jayce growled. "Calm down, Nox." He spoke through gritted teeth. The moment the damn Demon antognized him, Nox practically went berserk. He didn't blame his Wolf for just wanting to protect his Mate, but he would've settled by now. There was something wrong. Something very wrong. "You idiot!" The familiar feisty tone of Rayleigh sent a shiver through him. The women were back. Lily was back... "Nox, stop!" He grabbed onto Nox's leg, attempting to drag him back, but the large Wolf kicked him aside. Jayce grunted as he falls back onto his ass. "Lily..." Nox growled deeply. Jayce pushed himself to his feet when he noticed in the persception that Zalakai seemed to hesitate. Why? After coaxing him for so long. The Demon's eyes seemed to shift away for a moment. There. A soft crunch of boot against the dry grass. Was it Rayleigh? Zalakai would only hesitate if it came to her, right? Nox's fur bristled as he bared his teeth. A dark mist filtered through his sharp teeth. His pier
The ground quaked beneath her as her eyes snapped open. Snarls thundered through the clearing. The first she noticed was Dante crouched in front of Willow protectively, his gaze fixed on something across from them. Next, she realized arms had embraced her and Amira, who had been sitting beside her. Aiden had been holding them for how long she wasn't sure, but his grip was of iron though. She couldn't fully sense it, but his Wolf was on high alert. Nox!Lily's head swiveled around until she found what was going on. Zalakai, in his pure Demonic form, was in a pin against her Mate, also in his true form. The ground had torn up with dirt and grass scattered about. Zalakai and Jayce were in a grappled stalemate, each with their own fair share of exchanging wounds. "Jayce!" Lily pulled herself from Aiden. "Don't!" Aiden grabbed her arm to restrain her. "This is his mess to deal with." "What the Hell happened?" Amira asked him. "Zalakai antagonized Jayce," Dante informed them. Willow g
"Explain to us what you have learned so far of Karmina." Hecate requested as she linked her hands in front of herself. "She's tucked herself away in an abandoned mansion a previous Werewolf King had lived in." Amira stated. She reached into her back pocket and pulled out a folded up map she had put there earlier. She laid it out over the table. "Based on Willow's previous visions, the location is marshlands surrounded by plains or dead trees." "Would you know the locations of where Nox was at one point?" Lily asked Leto. Leto inclined her head with a slight frown. "I am afraid once I gave life to the Werewolf King, his whereabouts were none of my concern." "And that is where you failed." Hecate clipped. Willow gave the Goddess a stern look, and the deity turned her chin away. "You're not exactly guilt-free here either, Hecate." Willow added in. The Goddess scoffed softly, but her posture eased slightly. "Even when we questioned Xander, he has a minimum recollection of how they
What a way to stand out. Rayleigh silently observed the other women that accompanied their Goddesses. She was unaware of Lily's devotion to Leto or if there was devotion at all, but the Goddess seemed rather doting on her. Like a mother to their child. Then there was Amira alongside Artemis, but instead of a parental figure that Leto aired for Lily, Artemis and Amira were as colleagues. A mentor and student, perhaps. Artemis had taken off her bow and was going over step by step of its creation while Amira listened intently. Rayleigh was mildly aware of Amira dabbling with bows over the past year now before crossing the waters to retrieve the Werewolf Queen. She just wasn't aware of how seriously Amira was taking the Hunter role now. Rayleigh glanced back as Hecate, a towering presence, glided in alongside Willow. Willow, a soft and innocent woman, looked out of place beside the night Goddess. Hecate, who not only radiated with otherworldly beauty but also had a confidence about he
The presence of the Goddesses was overwhelming. It surprised her that her knees hadn't buckled yet. Leto's kind and welcoming smile. Hecate's cool yet stern gaze. Artemis's curious incline of her head. It was an unexpected trio to come across. But perhaps, not so much unexpected. Lily was the first to follow Leto up into the ruined temple. The Wolves that acted as a barrier had curved around Lily as well in the same protective manner. Though, she believed it was more so for the sake of the Wolf that resided in Lily now than the Human counterpart. Amira took her place alongside Artemis without question. The Huntress placed a hand on Amira's shoulder and gave her a squeeze of reassurance. There was a silence between them, but words didn't need to be spoken. There was an understanding between them that a shared look was the only thing necessary. Rayleigh trailed along after Amira quietly. She seemed out of place here. Was she questioning her own beliefs? Willow was aware that Rayleig