Jade’s pov His hand felt rough against mine and also very warm. I watched my arm hair standing up and felt Elina pushing herself forward. “Are you certain that you are prepared for your first shift,” he asked me. “Not really but I must in order to face the challenges that I am sure are coming,” I mumbled. I knew the moon council would return to drag me back to Earl because of the fake signature on the wedding certificate. Determined to prove it wasn't mine I found my courage strengthened. Nodding, I toughened my reserves and said, “Let's do this!” Grinning Conri pointed to the door leading to the queen's suite and suggested that I go inside and remove my clothes there. “I won't be able to see you but will be close by in case you need my assistance,” he stated assuredly. Wringing my hands I looked at him with fear-filled eyes and asked him if it was going to hurt. “Not too much but most have their shifts when young so your bones can transform easier,” he explained and I frowne
Jade’s pov We both turned to his door hearing Derek shouting out for the king. “I better see what is going on,” Conri huffed and strode to his door to open it. “What is it, Derek?” Catching his breath Derek lifted his hand to point at me. “Her father was found injured badly by the perimeter guards. He asked for her and is down at the guard shack getting tended to by Monica,” he rushed out and I looked worriedly at Conri. “I have to go to him, he is my father,” I stammered and started to go but didn't know where the guard shack was located. “I will take you, Jade let me put on some shoes,” Conri growled and I thanked him. We hurried to a small house out past the other large buildings and instead of knocking Conri walked straight inside and asked where his mom was. The huge Lycan guards pointed to the side room and he held my hand as he strode inside of the well-lit room. Seeing my father blood-soaked with a huge gash across his bare chest I gasped as I rushed to his side. “I
Jade’s pov “Don't get too excited, Conri, that was my Lycan answering flippantly without my input!” His face fell and he nodded. “I know Jade, you're a skittish little mouse,” he snapped and I gave him a blank stare. Feeling a bit miffed I growled, “I'm not a hussy, Your Highness and I am an innocent female!” Hugging me he said, “I know you are upset about Jax and your mom and not about being with me. You want to know what her deal was with signing your marriage certificate, right?” Shocked by his accuracy I asked him how he knew that. Smiling he said, “Because if I were you I would want to know and because we're mates we think alike.” Laughing at him I nodded. “I'd suggest the council website but you are not even listed on it,” he said with a confused scowl. Giving him a sour face I asked him how that could be. Conri shrugged and said, “It's as if you don't exist, Jade. Your name is not listed on the Waning Moon directory of pack members nor is it under Jax Pinker
Jade’s pov As the three of us headed back to the guard's house Conri filled Monica in on the information on my supposed mother. She would glance at me and shake her head. I could see her eyes judging me and it was unnerving. Having had enough I turned to her. “I don't believe that she is my blood relation and the Council is going to do a DNA test on me tomorrow,” I said sternly, causing her to make a hissing sound. “Then a vampire assigned to the council will be coming and wanting to taste your blood,” she shuddered and I furrowed my brow questionably. “A vampire is going to bite me and tell me who my parents are,” I balked in disbelief and she nodded. “Yes dear, that's what they do,” she huffed. “Don't frighten her, mother! Don't worry Jade I will be there for the entire test and the blood will be taken from your wrist,” Conri growled. Rubbing my wrists I looked at him with worry and said shakenly, “Alright.” Arriving at the small house I followed Conri inside and
Jade’s pov By the time I reached Conri's immaculate living room, my palms were sweaty and my heart was hammering in my chest while butterflies swarmed in my abdomen. Seeing my flushed face Conri brushed my cheek with his fingers while studying my eyes closely. “The brave female has retreated,” he said sullenly and I shook my head. “No she hasn't,” I declared boldly and watched him grin. “I believe that I should only place my mark on your neck crevice. If we mate now I will certainly give you my knot and since you're innocent it will be painful,” he said with a disappointed sigh. Swallowing nervously I ran my hands up his chest, around his neck, and pressed my lips against his in an attempt to convey that I wasn't as unsure as I appeared. Conri embraced me firmly and savagely attacked my mouth in a desperate hunger that I had difficulty meeting. Soon his kisses became more long and passionate. Leaning into his hands and fingers exploring my breasts I glanced down seeing
Jade’s pov After giving me a chaste kiss Conri suggested that I go shower and get ready for the council representatives while he went to question Jax. “Be kind to him I feel that Monica would appreciate that you do,” I suggested and he gave me a confused frown. Instead of asking me for the reason he nodded and told me that he would bring me back some breakfast. Thanking him I entered the side door entrance to the queen's suite thankful that Gabby had moved my entire small wardrobe to the room. After picking out some jeans and a button-up blouse I hurried to the ensuite. Showering I heard Gabby calling out for me and shouted that I would be out in a moment. Turning off the spray I quickly exited the shower in concern. “What is it?” I asked her with a towel wrapped haphazardly around my wet body. “Oh highness, please forgive me,” she sputtered while she awkwardly curtsied, making me laugh. “Stop doing that Gabby, it's fine to address me as you have and none of that
Jade’s pov Conri returned and slid his arms down my front, resting his cheek beside mine making me giggle. “Want to call your real father and invite him to stay for a while,” he asked me with his brows cocked. Side-eyeing him I asked, “Aren't you worried about him getting upset with you for marking me?” Narrowing his eyes he scrunched his mouth and said, “Hell no, your my mate regardless if it pisses him off or not, Jade. Besides, he knows who I am and was friends with my dad but I haven't spoken with him since my father's funeral.” Turning myself completely Conri kissed me and I laughed. “Did you talk with Jax at all?” Shaking his head he said,” I asked him a few questions but he didn't have any answers. My mother told me that he is her second chance mate.” Nodding I told him that I knew that and gave her my blessing causing him to eye me strangely. “You should contact my real father so I can meet him,” I mumbled. He stood and went to the telephone. Pausing with t
Jade’s pov Leaning on the couch on my left side I was wincing at the burning pain weaving itself up my right thigh. Hearing a thud I glanced at the floor to see a bloody bullet and glanced at Conri to see him pressing his removed shirt to staunch the bleeding. “If you can remove your pants, do it so I can remove the bullet,” he snarled. Shimming them off I frowned seeing that I had bled all over the nice couch. “Don't worry about it. We need to get it out of you before your body heals over it,” Conri stressed as he came before me. Helping me to lay down on my stomach Conri warned me that it was going to hurt as he kneeled beside me. “It's alright I am used to pain,” I hissed as his fingers spread open the hole and he dug his finger inside. My nerves twitched as he pried out the silver. The bullet tumbled to the wood floor to rest beside the other one. Wiping the tears from my eyes I sat up slowly and Conri hugged me tightly after moving to sit next to me “I don't wa
Adeline's pov Visiting with my parents, Cian couldn't get enough of my younger siblings. They were chasing each other around my parent's living room and making me giggle. “He looks like a miniature copy of his father,” my mom said and I nodded. “Where is Mister Hawkins now?” My dad asked me. “He's helping the Council deal with some vagrant vampire clan and should be coming here soon,” I answered with a grin. In reality, he was contemplating whether or not he should take his father's throne, but I was supposed to keep it a secret until the Council made the announcement of his decision. Donovan and I both came to understand that nothing would keep us or tear our love apart. I had told Donovan that I would stand beside him no matter his decision. Just like he told me that we were a solid bridge between our two species. I felt nothing but great love and respect for my mate Mister Hawkins. “Are you going to tell him that you are expecting again,” my mom inquired and I gasped at he
Adeline's pov Feeling a sudden prick on my nipple I looked down at my son and said, “Ouch.” Penny asked me what happened and I told her that I think my child bit me. Laughing she nodded and said, “He probably has tiny fangs and wanted to taste blood.” Lifting his tiny face I ran my fingertip inside of his mouth and felt the tiny fang. It retracted quickly, hiding back into his pink gum making me giggle. “Well, I guess he can drink blood instead of boob milk,” I surmised, and Penny nodded. “Do you want me to look after him while you fetch your mate,” she asked me and I nodded. “I need to shower and get dressed first,” I sighed and frowned at the soiled bed. Seeing my scowl Penny informed me that it would all be replaced by the time I returned, making me smile. “You all are truly the best,” I stated firmly and went to the closet for something to wear. Not believing how quickly my body healed was still mind-boggling even for me, but as I showered, I realized that if I was turne
Adeline's pov “That Prince Nero is a bossy bastard, and I can't believe that the Moon Council members are going to want him on their council,” Penny said in disgust, and I bit my bottom lip. “Maybe that is why he is here? Perhaps they decided against him,” I muttered sourly and looked at her in worry. “Want me to sneak down the secret servant stairs and eavesdrop on them,” she asked me and I grinned slightly and nodded. “But only if you stay safe,” I stated and she waved off my concern as she scurried to the corner and opened the secret panel. Seeing my shock she laughed. “All vampire homes have secret passageways,” she said softly and disappeared behind the wall as I sat in apprehension. When she came back in the room looking terrified I scooted off the bed and slipped on my pants before even asking what was going on. “They are fighting and it's not looking good for Donovan,” she shrieked as I passed her to go down the secret stairs. “Take me to where they are,” I d
Adeline's povSitting in Donovan’s luxurious living room and reading a book from his library, Miss Penny, one of his staff, called out for me, and I raised my eyes her way.“A woman named Gabby is on the telephone for you, Miss,” she called out.“Thank you dear, I will take it in here,” I replied and stood awkwardly to go to the side table where the phone was. Being heavily pregnant had caused me to move much more slowly as I made my way to the ornate mahogany table where the house phone sat. After answering, Penny hung up the one in the kitchen.“Hey Gabby, what's up?”“How are you, sweetie? Oh my, it's puppy galore here. Your mom and grandma both had their babies on the same day!”Grinning slightly I asked her what they had and their names. She informed me cheerfully, making me giggle.“How's your fanged hottie,” she inquired about Donovan, and I had to explain that he was off at the Moon Council tying up loose ends so he could retire.“He needs to secure his replacement, so I've be
Jade's pov Waddling toward the kitchen after leaving Conri in his office with Derek I see Gabby and Monica chatting with each other at the dinette. Seeing my discomfort Monica sighed. “I'm with you, dear; it's the last bit that wears on the old body,” she commented as she patted her baby bump. “You only have one, Monica. There are two in me who are fighting one another for space,” I groaned as I sat down. “You're due at any moment, Highness, are you feeling any pain?” Looking at Gabby I nodded. “Yes, I believe that they are coming very soon,” I growled, and both women laughed happily. “Hopefully Conri can carry me to the infirmary. I don't think I can get there with all the snow on the ground,” I huffed. “We are snowed in, dear; I doubt if Doctor Michael is even at the infirmary and is probably snowed in at his house, too,” Monica said worriedly as she tapped her fingers on the table. “What am I supposed to do? What if I'm going to need a cesarean birth,” I panicked. “Relax
Jade's pov After leaving our daughter and returning home with Gideon Lander transporting us I felt heartbroken. “She's with her mate, Jade, and will have a great future by his side,” Conri asserted. He was currently at the computer preparing to remove Adeline from the Wolf website. “But, but taking her off seems so fucked up like she no longer exists,” I huffed. “I know that, but she's a vampire, dear, and can't be listed on the wolf's pages anymore,” he stressed, and rubbing my eyes, I sighed. “She will still be listed as our daughter if that helps ease your emotions,” Conri stated, and I grinned. “Yes, that helps,” I mumbled softly as I squeezed his collarbone while standing behind him sitting in his chair. He added that she was no longer the beneficiary of our throne and Gideon would have the Moon Council add her to the vampire site. “They have a vampire website? Can't Mister Hawkins add her to it?” I asked in befuddlement. Chuckling, he shrugged and said, “Hell, if I know
Adeline's pov When I opened my eyes I felt an emptiness and frowned at the loss of my Lycan. Zoya had been a large part of who I was and my greatest supporter. “Goddess please let me find a way to get her back,” I murmured as I glanced around the dark room. Donovan Hawkins was lying next to me and looked like he was a corpse. He was on his back with his arms crossed on his chest and didn't appear to be breathing. In a panic, I reached out to touch his face and heard a stern male voice telling me that he wiped himself out during the process of converting me. Turning, I see old man Steve stepping into my line of sight, holding out a bag of blood, I assumed. “Drink this before your hunger comes and causes you to go blood crazy, Miss,” he ordered. Taking it from his hand, it felt cool, and I hesitantly brought it to my mouth discovering it was a donor blood bag. “What do I do?” Giving me a daft glance, he sighed. “Your fangs act like tiny straws so bite the bag and let them do t
Adeline's pov “It's just a form of deep commitment for a vampire to give his ring to his beloved, but if it bothers you that much, you don't have to wear it. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me,” he stated compassionately, and I gasped. “That's not what I meant, Mister Hawkins! I simply want you to know that I can't shift comfortably with it on my finger, that is all,” I responded. “Why do you need to shift, Adeline? Just remove it before your shift. But still, there is no need for you to shift, not when you are with me,” he growled, making me swallow uncomfortably. “Your eyes are glowing red; please calm down. I don't want us arguing before we marry,” I murmured, and he rubbed his eyes as he turned from me. He exhaled deeply and brought his arm back behind himself. Feeling him reaching out for me, I peeked up at him and saw he looked distraught. “Forgive me for ignoring your Lycan, Adeline. I was too caught up with you being a vampire and my mate to acknowledge th
Adeline's pov Seeing the ring on my finger my mom pulled my hand toward her to get a better look. “I see you told him yes. Did you tell him about the little one?” Nodding, I said, “Yes, he was excited.” “Daniel is going to wed us at the ball and I will officiate his and Monica's nuptials,” Donovan said assuredly as Monica joined us. She hugged me tightly and neared my ear. “Sorry about you catching Daniel and me in a compromising position,” she said softly, and I eyed her with a smirk. “It looked like you were thoroughly enjoying yourself and I was impressed with your flexibility,” I replied teasingly, causing her to snicker and nod. “So are you going to do your wedding in the black ball gown?” My mom asked me and I shrugged. “I don't see why not. It's lovely, and I am certainly not an innocent bride since I'm carrying a child,” I commented, and Donovan piped up and said that my dress would match his suit perfectly. Elbowing him I said, “I'm sure that you will be very hot an