The days fly by.Every day I watch my little sister blink with happiness. Josh is obviously good to her. She told me she shifted on her eighteenth birthday, and her wolf instantly claimed John as her mate. The young man stood teetering nearby as she shifted, jauntily in front of her, for her wolf to make eye contact with him right away. This confirmed my suspicion that John had known they were mates for some time. That reminds me of my own incompetence, now even at twenty-three, my wolf has not shown up. Deep sigh. Ruth and Josh are moving into their new apartment today.They were delighted with the one a few floors below mine and immediately closed the lease with management for two years. They went furniture shopping and decorated their place themselves and I must admit the result is stunning. As a gift for their first new home, I gave them a coffee maker. Seeing Ruth so happy is the best thing happening to me in a long time. But as the days passed by, th
An incredible warmth washed over me at his words. Jasper had told me these same things when I was only fifteen and he seventeen, long before the mate bond overwhelmed us. And he had kept his word when I was ready to mate, he came to the door of my parent's house to claim me. Only then did I learn that he had already asked my father for my hand when he was only sixteen. On my eighteenth birthday, I did not shift. The whole pack found out, and I locked myself in my bedroom, ashamed and defeated. Jasper had almost broken down the door to come in and comfort me. He took me straight to the packhouse that same night. And then he had promised to make me his top priority, I was his Queen, he had sworn to me. And kept his word. To hear these exact words again now, makes me so emotional. For a moment, I rest my head against Mr. del Castilho's shoulder, longing for the safe and loving feeling my mate had offered me. However, the moment is disturbed by the elevator doors sliding
Ralph and I are growing closer each day.We now officially have a love affair going on and are inseparable. At work, however, we continue to interact formally. Ralph wanted to announce our relationship in a management meeting so there would be less gossip and my place in the company would be clear. But fortunately, I was able to persuade him to wait with that; our relationship is just in the very beginning. As I said before, we are formal in the workplace.But as soon as we can, we steal some kisses or an embrace. The offices are glass-walled, so we usually do a quick make-out in the elevator or hallway to the parking lot. He takes me to dinner several times a week and then we take long walks along the beach. We talked about our lives before we met, our family and our dreams for the future. I told him about Storm Forest, my father, the Beta of the former Alpha, my mother, and my sisters Rachel and Ruth. Also that I had a happy childhood and loved my famil
Alpha Jasper's POV Another Lupercalia Full Moon without my mate.Last year she wasn't here either and this year I'll miss her either. If it were up to me alone, I would be aboard the next plane to her right now. But with a reluctant wolf, that is definitely hard, we fight all day to make the right decision. According to Jax, our mate should come back to us, not the other way around.When she left, we lost face considerably. After I did everything to keep our relationship sound, it was the last I thought she would do to hurt me. Not that I had to put much effort into making her happy, I love Rain, she is my first and only lover. But she didn't trust me enough to share her grievance with me and left me without considering my feelings. That's harsh, I always thought our trust in each other was ironclad.Some pack members reacted with relief over her departure, urging me to reject her as a mate and ban her from the pack. Officially, she is still my mate and a member of Stor
I look out over my pack.All the mated wolves are trampling with impatience; this is Storm Forest's biggest event. It was instituted by my great-grandfather Alpha Vladimir. The pack was already strong under his leadership but for strategic reasons that had more to do with keeping the pack safe and our position of power, we had to hold the edge over the others. And for that, warriors and intellectuals were needed. More pups and sending out mated wolves to human universities were the spearhead of his policy. And it was the right decision.Storm Forest is not only the largest but also the strongest worldwide. Only the Lycans from the Kingdom in Canada can beat us. Last year alone, an additional one hundred and fifty new pups were born from this festival; if we can double that this year, the pack's growth is stable and hopeful. Wolves are horny creatures, so I trust we will succeed again this year. Jace takes care of the formal announcements and sets out the rules strictly.
Again Rain's POV"Rain, why has your mood turned for the worse this quickly? Just now, you were insanely happy with my surprise. And now you look like you've seen a ghost," Ralph asks worriedly while holding my chin. "It's a full moon tonight. Isn't that what all werewolves look forward to, babe?" I keep my eyes closed, there seems to be a stone in my stomach weighing heavier each second. My thoughts go to my mate, what is he doing now that I'm gone? On dinner or somewhere intimate with another she-wolf? On these evenings, Jasper used to come back from the cave to spend private time with me.He always has planned something special for us, like the last time by the water. I push away the panic that tries to overwhelm me. I still miss him a lot, even after two years of separation. A tear rolls down my cheek, now I have no choice but to open my eyes. Ralph deserves an explanation for my strange behavior. "Please forgive me. But in my pack, there is a special celebration goi
"I want to announce our relationship, Rain. Everyone has to know that you belong to me, that we're a couple. We can't go on like this, sneaking kisses and pretending to be colleagues instead of lovers when others are around." Ralph is impatient, in the past weeks, I've noticed that in everything. Last night his kisses became more demanding, I allowed him to grope me but couldn't go beyond that. Jasper and I have yet to formally reject each other and technically, I am still part of his pack. And he is still the man in my heart, I need more time to get over our breakup. Currently, we are on the beach, walking along the waterline with arms around each other's waists.There is a cool breeze, fortunately, the full moon has passed. Thus no reminiscing about the past. "Ralph, I know what you mean. It's that I still need to get ready to go public with a new relationship. Remember I had a mate, I have yet to get over that," I say softly. My excuse doesn't sound ve
The decision is made; five days of Miami beach and then the weekend at the Kingdom, where I meet Ralph's family. And after that, I have to make the decision of a lifetime.With mixed feelings, I am looking forward to my visit to the Kingdom, after the traumatic experience with Jasper's family, I am not really waiting for a repeat. They were warm and inviting at first when Jasper brought me to the packhouse, but over the years, they showed their true nature. They were downright mean and never missed an opportunity to remind me that I didn't add any value to the Alpha clan and pack. So I am always suspicious of people who are very friendly at first.Sometimes those nice faces are just fake, so I always remain wary and aloof.It was conspicuous to my colleagues that I took leave exactly when Ralph announced he would end his visit to the company. That was oil on the gossip fire, to many, this was the proof of our secret love affair. But no one dares ask us upfront, everyone knows how I va
Twelve years onTwo devastatingly handsome Princes walk the red carpet and accept congratulations on their eighteenth anniversary. Jasper and Rain's sons have grown into confident men. They completed their studies in Human Town under the strict supervision of Aunt Ruth and Uncle John, while godmother Magda often brought them some surprise visits. They have returned to the Kingdom to start their training to rule the Kingdom. But taking over the throne will take several more years. Walking behind them are their three sisters, aged sixteen. Triplets.Breathtakingly beautiful girls, many Lycans dream of being their fated mate when they reach adulthood in two years. They have been raised protectively, Jasper and the Sages seeing to it that they carry off their titles as Princesses with dignity. Except for the youngest, Adlin. The spoiled Princess gets up to all sorts of mischief and often brings her parents to the brink of despair. She is a party animal; her h
Six Years LaterOnce again there is a grand celebration in the Kingdom. The biggest after the Princes' birthday bash.Elena, the Queen's special friend, turns eighteen today and will start her duties in the Palace. But far more important is her mating with Ivor, the Chief Warrior. The couple has long waited for this day after the Moon Goddess made them mates at Elena's twelfth. Ivor has guided her into adulthood and supported her where he could during her studies in Human Town. But years ago, it was announced that the girl who had now grown into a gorgeous woman would return as the Queen's Secretary. Last night she arrived on the Royal Jet, but no one had seen or spoken to her since then, not even Ivor. But the Chief Warrior was not going to be put out of business.He organized their acceptance and mating ceremony on her anniversary. A lavish ball awaits his mate. In Human Town, he bought her an amazing diamond engagement ring. He is used to showering her
The Kingdom has survived the betrayal of King Ralph and moved on.Jasper is now the sole King of the Royal Kingdom of Werewolves and is respected by all werewolf packs worldwide. He honors his Queen and the species are not outspoken about his devotion to his family. The twins grow up as happy pups adored by all. Ralph's name is no longer mentioned throughout the Kingdom. The Name Giving Ceremony has arrived.All the grandparents - the former King and Queen, Clea and Ana - have done all the preparation. The names are known to only a closed group of high rankings and have yet to be announced to the larger public. The twins are now six weeks old, but Rain still marvels every day at their steady growth. And now, assisted by Jasper, she dresses the boys, who seem to know that they are in the spotlight today. They babble away and are quite active. And then, it's time for the official part of the day.The Kingdom is one big party scene, the Lycans
Selene's eyes pass the Lycans one by one.The Sages bow respectfully to her while Eric and Ralph turn red, their heads also down, albeit for a different reason. Jasper and Rain have their hands together honorably, while Jace and Cleo follow suit. "You guys wonder why I summoned you to face me," she begins sarcastically. No one answers for fear of getting her wrath on them. "We'll start with Eric," she states and turns to the man. "What is your confession, Secretary? I've watched your missteps for too long". Eric has no choice but to tell his sins, the reason he had Natalie killed, his rejection of his fated and accepting a second chance, and the selfish reason he marked Rachel. A sigh of disbelief passes through those present. Selene now turns to Ralph."Ralph, I gave you the Kingdom despite you not being the rightful heir," she starts. "Also, I gifted you Rain, you were infatuated with her and confident in making her your Queen. Even though I had already
At The OracleFour men stand in front of the Moon Goddess Oracle with their eyes firmly closed.They have been standing there meditating for about an hour. A crucial moment in the Kingdom has arrived, and they ask Selene for guidance. The Oracle has told them to wait until the Moon Goddess has heard several parties. The ancient Lycans are also consulted; not long after, she will relay her mission to the Sages. Yes, Elder Antony of Storm Forest has been added to the Sages of the Kingdom.He carries the history of the new inhabitants to the Kingdom. History will determine the present but no one in the room dares to make a prediction. It is waiting for Selene's word. All four know that the circumstances in the Palace are explosive. The King having committed adultery with a warrior and Eric's rejection of his second chance mate and sudden mating with the Queen's sister have heated up tempers considerably. In addition, intelligence reported to the Sages that E
King Ralph's POV I keep a low profile.I still can't believe this happened to me. Never did I think of cheating on Saray, there was no woman attractive enough in my eyes to share the bed with. Saray is everything to me, for months I have waited for the moment of our physical love. Even now I get all kinds of visions of how that will all come about, the way I'll drive her crazy between under me. We were supposed to make arrangements the day after her coronation and I knew that night she would be mine. But she went into labor and that Jasper treated me like nothing. He made sure everyone around was aware that the pups were his, was unwilling to share the moment of their birth with me and just forced me into the background of it all. I stood in the maternity room against the wall as if I didn't belong there. No one involved me in the birth of the Crown Princes. The pain went deep, the Moon Goddess indicated to everyone that I would never have
Frustrated, I tap my nails on the tabletop.I'm just wasting my time here. The Sages are not taking us seriously, my Lycan is on edge. Over the last few weeks, I have been able to sense his strength, but I won't know how great it is until I rip the heads of the three men in front of me. They do not understand that I am capable of anything to protect my family. This whole Kingdom can be stolen from me, I'll just take Rain and my boys back to our pack. It is not that we are homeless or dependent on these weighty titles. Elder Nicolas hears us with an expressionless face.The others also show little of their thinking. I need to know their stance to decide my next move. I want to prevent Rain from knowing about Ralph's infidelity and rejecting him against the Moon Goddess' decision. And a rejection in the Royal family will have an unparalleled impact on the werewolf packs and on Ralph himself, especially if the reason becomes known to all. In the worst-cas
King Jasper's POVRain is still asleep after our night full of passion. I smile as I look at her, my mate, my heart.She's insecure about her figure that just can't get rid of that baby fat. But she doesn't know how sexy she looks now with her full hips. I hope from tonight she won't worry about that. My lips graced her and gave her everything she craved. I showed her how she could excite me with the slightest touch. She is now the mother of my pups and that makes her that much more special in my life. The boys are amazing, the youngest has his mother's raven black hair, while the oldest oddly has inherited my brown-blonde locks. But the difference stops there, as far as their facial features are concerned, they are identical. My spitting image. Slowly I detach myself from Rain's embrace.I grab my sweater from the floor and put it against her face so my scent stays around her. Standing next to the bed, I put my jeans back on and go into the walk-in clos
Queen Rain's POV We sit in the Palace garden with our pups, enjoying the nice weather. The boys are growing steadily, it always amazes me when I consider that they are only two weeks old. But they act like two-month-old babies, already smiling broadly and playing with the music boxes hanging above their crib. And they are definitely bigger than the children their age I see on the Internet. At first, I thought it was because of their feeding and wanted only to breastfeed them, no extras. But Jasper explained to me that Lycan pups have faster development than humans or normal werewolves. Anyway, I am proud of my sons, they are healthy and growing like cabbage. Jasper sits next to me with the eldest in his arms. The young man adores his father, sensing Jasper close by is enough for him to stretch his arms out and babble a lot. Fortunately, Jasper makes lots of time to be with them. And then there is the rest of the family, who spoil both boys beyond measure. With so many grandparents,