"Are you sure?" Garrett asked. He didn't want to believe it to be so but Brandy did have wolfsbane. No sane werewolf or werefeline would ever grow any plant that would negatively impact their own kind. "I saw that curse carved into my father's chest. No one but them would say anything so horrid." The memory of that vile message etched into his father's lifeless body haunted his dreams for years. The memory of it made his jaw clench in anger. Garrett contemplated Ethan's words for a moment. "Not unless someone is trying to make us think it's hunters to get us off their trail." Before they could delve deeper into their discussion, there was a sharp knock at Ethan's door, breaking their concentration. Ethan's irritation was evident as he slammed his glass down on the counter. "Who the hell is it now?" His private doctor entered the room, his expression grave, and concern etched into his features. He handed Ethan a report, his voice laden with unease. "I've examined Adrian again,
"Wait. Kenneth wasn't her true mate?" Lily asked, her voice filled with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "How was that acceptable? Why would she have gone with him if she hadn't found her fated mate yet?" Debra, her expression somber, nodded and said, "Let me explain, Lily." "Sorry." Lily quickly closed her mouth and settled back, waiting intently for Debra to continue. "No need to apologize. I know you're eager to understand." Debra smiled slightly as she remembered her daughter. She sighed and continued, "Abigail was a remarkable woman. She had achieved so much at such a young age. Abigail was only a few years older than you when we lost her. She possessed a kind heart and a beautiful spirit. She loved to cook and read. If you couldn't find her, she was either in the kitchen cooking or under her favorite tree reading. Abigail was a beautiful person, inside and out." "That sounds a lot like you, Lily. Abigail sounds like an amazing person just like you," Tiffany added.
Lily felt like cold water had been poured over her. The confession hung heavily in the air, freezing her in place as if time had slowed down. Her heart raced, pounding in her chest like a drumbeat of dread. The room seemed to spin around her, and she struggled to make sense of the emotions surging within her. "No," Lily finally managed to utter, her voice trembling with disbelief and denial. She stumbled backward, her movements unsteady, and Tiffany quickly rose to her feet, reaching out instinctively to offer comfort. But as their hands touched, Lily jerked away as if burned. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing was clear—she couldn't accept this truth. "No, this can't be true," she repeated, her voice growing increasingly desperate. 'But it is true. Remember she mocked us and said she knew our mother. This would make sense,' Dina said, 'Please calm down. Just breathe Lily.' "No, NO! I can't believe this!" Lily said, her voice rising. 'Lily, give me control.
The day of the trial had finally arrived, and the entire supernatural community had gathered at Silverwood Estate, the very place where the Winter Moon celebration had once taken place. It seemed strangely fitting that this pivotal moment was unfolding amidst the same location where chaos had erupted during that ill-fated event. The atmosphere was tense as alphas, Lunas, Betas, and deltas from various packs and prides converged for what would undoubtedly be a historic trial. For centuries, there hadn't been a trial or gathering of such significance. Lily couldn't help but feel like a bundle of nerves, even though she knew she was not at fault for the events that had transpired. Tiffany shared Lily's apprehension as she couldn't help but frown the entire way there. "I can't believe they're holding the trial here," Tiffany remarked, a trace of disapproval in her voice. "It seems rather in poor taste." Lily nodded, her anxiety mounting. "It's ironic, isn't it? Everything began her
Murmurs filled the air as the assembly filed into the Moonlit Sanctum, a grand hall reminiscent of a theater. Rows of booths stretched before them, each separated by fancy railings, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and intrigue. Lily sat in a booth to herself, a sense of unease tugging at her. 'Calm down. We need to maintain our composure. We have to show that we are strong. We need to keep a clear head,' Dina said within her. In the booth across from her, Brandy and Mandy were chained to their seats, their expressions a mix of resignation and defiance. Mandy glared at Lily, but Brandy looked defeated as she stared at her feet. She didn't like that they were chained there like that and noticed the bruises on them. Had they been beaten? 'They are getting what they deserve,' Dina growled. 'Don't focus on them.' On the stage, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through stained-glass windows, sat the eight elders, their presence commanding reverence. Elder Richar
'Will this hurt like he says, Dina?' Lily asked. Dina didn't immediately answer. 'Yes. It will be excruciating. Mate marks aren't meant to be removed. This is old magic.' 'Will Garrett be able to mark me again?' Lily asked. 'I do not know,' Dina responded, causing Lily to bite her lip. She wanted to run, but she needed to play along. She needed to act like she was willing to do this, which would give her an opportunity to escape later. As the crowd watched with bated breath, warriors, their faces stoic, stepped forward and seized Lily. Some muttered their apologies to her, as they were against this. Lily didn't resist. With firm but gentle hands, they led her toward the stage, where Elder Richard awaited with a gleaming dagger whose blade glowed an eerie green. 'We need to get down there. We need to rescue our mate!' Berric screamed within Garrett. He agreed and moved to intervene, but Ethan and his father restrained him by his arms. "What are you doing? Let go of me!" Ga
The sound of flesh slapping against each other could be heard throughout the quiet dungeon. Soft grunts and moans were muffled as Matthew thrust quickly into Brandy. He gripped her hips, yanking her backward toward him with each thrust. "Oh, goddess, Matthew, I missed you so much," Brandy moaned. She had been surprised that Matthew snuck into the dungeon to come to see her. The last time they spoke, he told her that she wasn't good enough. Matthew grabbed a fistful of Brandy's hair and yanked her backward so he could whisper in her ear, "Tell me you love me." "I love you," Brandy gasped as she could feel her orgasm approaching. "Say it again properly," Matthew growled, thrusting faster and harder. "I, Brandy Bray, daughter of Kenneth Bray and Mandy Bray, accept you, Matthew Hunter, as my mate and owner of my mind, body, and soul!" Brandy screamed out. Matthew bit her hard on her back as he climaxed, and Brandy followed soon after. Brandy attempted to mark Matthew back, bu
Matthew smiled to himself as he felt himself and his wolf getting stronger after the mate mark on Lily's shoulder had been removed. He did feel a little regret for her pain, but she would get over it. A little pain and sacrifice are normal for a budding relationship to flourish. 'Do you realize how crazy you sound? I can't believe you did this to our mate,' Baldur growled within him. 'Isn't this what you wanted? You wanted our mate back. This is how we do it,' Matthew responded. 'No, this is wrong. You have caused her harm and humiliation. She will never want us,' Baldur said. His tone was defeated as he went silent again. Matthew ignored him. He wanted to jump in between the argument between Kenneth and Elad, but things got out of hand, and Elders requested a recess. Matthew smiled, hopeful. He was going to see Lily and discuss plans for their future. Matthew could smell Garrett's pain and sorrow in the air and grinned. He would speak with Lily, but first with Garrett. It