New Strength
Zaya POV
The air in the room was thick with tension. I expected Alpha Dagon to give me more push about my decision, but he did not.
He simply bowed and began pushing his family out of the dining hall. When he grabbed Raven’s arm, Godric cleared his throat in a manner that caught everyone’s attention.
“Raven stays with us.” Godric simply stated and Dagon let the girl go. She quickly ran towards Audrey, and they continued their reunion.
As the Alpha and his family continued to evacuate, I spoke once more. “We hope to see you at the ceremony tomorrow Alpha Dagon.”
He looked as if his words were caught in his throat. Dragging and scratching, fighting to stay buried inside him. “Of course, Luna. We wouldn’t miss it.”
I didn’t want Alpha Dagon there. His treatment of Audrey really pissed me off. I never hated someone so much
What NextGodric POVI rushed Zaya off to our bedroom. As soon as we were behind closed doors, I rammed her into the nearest wall. Seeing her in action and taking control brought on an excitement that I never felt before.She was fierce in face of one of our oldest Alpha’s and it was sexy. Our lips collided in a hungry attempt to devour each other. And that’s exactly what we were doing when Alex mind linked me. I cursed him and the mind link for interrupting us.He was demanding to see me at once in my office. The mind link ended and Zaya was standing in front of me with her arms folded. A confused looked graced her face and her lips were beginning to pout.“I thought we were retiring to our room for the rest of the day.” She said with a small grin on her face. I could tell she was teasing me, but I was serious earlier. I wanted to lock her in the room until tomorrow.&ldqu
Teach MeZaya POVWhile Godric was gone, I decided to take a shower and relax. Even though it was still early, it had been a long day. Godric spent the morning greeting the visiting Alphas and I spent the morning preparing for our getaway.Godric picked out the cabin and me and Audrey spent all morning stocking it with everything I needed to make a romantic scene.I didn’t have much experience with this type of stuff. Back home, I was never alone long enough with a guy to be romantic.The most romance I experience before coming to the pack was prom night. Luke brought me flowers. My father got us a limo and stayed out all night with our friends. But every now and then we would sneak off for some intense kissing and groping. Thinking back on that, made me laugh. I was so different then.Audrey was a few years older than me. She took me to a few stores the other day to get supplies.Fir
Once MoreEvander POVWeeks have gone by since that night. And nothing has been the same. When my people fell, they slept as a band of rogues. And when they woke, the rose as a pack.Just as Godric promised, no one was killed. Nothing was taken. Except for Zaya. He took her from me. Claiming she was his true mate. But I knew she was my second chance. Not a second chance mate. But a second chance at love.I honestly felt like she could have made me happy.But when Godric dangled pack status and trade routes in my face, I had to take it. Not for me, but for them. For those who followed me blindly through the night. Taking whatever I said we needed to have.And now we wanted for nothing.They wanted land, I got that for them. They wanted food and clothes. I got that for them. They wanted respect and I gave it to them.But at what cost. When would I be happy?As agreed, Godric set
I Now Pronounce YouZaya POVMorning came too quickly for me, but I welcomed it all the same. Today was the day I would officially become Luna. My heart fluttered with both excitement and fear. Today I would take on a great responsibility that I would be the first to question if I was ready.When I opened my eyes, Godric was standing before me with two dress bags. Unmistakably from Miss Gillery’s shop.“Are you ready little one?” He spoke with a smile on his face. I sat up a little, taking him in.Godric was fully dressed in a nice white linen suit.“Ready for what? I thought the Ceremony wasn't until later today.”He stood there holding the bags. A flash of disappointment invaded his face. “You forgot about me already.”Still confused, I said to him. “I don't understand.”“I asked you to marry me last nig
We Are OneZaya POVI couldn’t believe it. We were married now. Godric picked me up and carried me back to our room.“We don’t have much time. The Luna ceremony will start in a few hours.” I spoke as we entered the room. I was sure he was headed for the bed. But instead, Godric walked towards a mirror and placed me directly before it.He stood behind me with his hands around my waist for what felt like forever. His eyes staring at the mirror and through me. His eyes made me uncomfortable. Like he was soul searching.I couldn’t take it anymore; I tried to turn and face him, but he held me sturdy in that place.Finally, he broke his silence. “My father used to tell me that when I found my mate, we would be each other’s strength. I would stand when she could not. And I would gladly fall so she could stand. I want to be that for you Zaya. I want to be everythi
FancyZaya POVI entered the dining hall and all the Lunas stared. I felt a ray of eyes on me as I approached the head of the table where the only empty seat waited to be occupied. A smile and graceful “Hello” were sent my way as I passed each lady.I was surprised to see how young most of the Lunas were. Most of the Alpha’s I met so far were old. Godric was by far one of the youngest Alphas around. I knew of at least three Alpha’s that were younger.Godric had the right idea about throwing on a sundress. Each Luna wore a dress. The older females wore long dresses down to their ankles. The younger ones had on knee-length dresses. But no one wore anything shorter than that. They were Luna’s and had to uphold a level of respect. Especially during high-profiled events such as this.Luna Ariel was seated next to the seat reserved for me. As soon as I sat, the women commenced dri
Why Are You Here?Zaya POVI regrated not being able to talk to Godric before the ceremony, but we were already running late. From the moment I stepped out of the room, it all went so fast.The ceremony passed by without a hitch. I took the same steps and said the same words that Godric did at his ceremony. That I pledged to be loyal to the Blood Moon pack and its Alpha. Then I proclaimed that I would put the packs’ needs before mine.After the ceremony, Godric pulled me into a room on the first floor of the house while we waited for the Ball to officially start. It was customary for the guest of honor to arrive after the room was at least half full. Since the ceremony was outside near the Alpha’s house, it wouldn’t take long for everyone to walk from the courtyard to the ballroom.Once we were inside the room alone, Godrics eyes wandered across my body. I could feel his yearning for me
Enough is EnoughZaya POVThe loud bang caused us both to jump but neither of us had to look at the door.We both knew who it was. There was only a matter of time before he found me. I'm sure it didn't take long for Godric to notice I was absent from the festivities.Godric moved so fast, it still seemed as if we were alone in the room. It wasn't until Godric stood still with his hands wrapped around Evander’s neck that I realized he fully entered the library."Now this is the welcome party I expected," Evander spoke with a strained voice as he struggled to get away from Godrics’ hold.Godric’s voice roared with anger. "What are doing here Evander?"Godric loosened his grip a little to let Evander speak.He looked at me and spoke. "I came to see the new Luna ascend. Like everyone else." He tried to sound innocent, but this was scene was anything but."I was v
Zaya POV“I won't go!!!” I shouted as I packed my bags. It was six in the morning and we were supposed to be in the car within twenty minutes ago.I was stalling, trying to get my point across.“We don’t need to visit the Black Woods pack.” “Yes, we do, Zaya.”“No…we don’t!” My voice was raised and I had no doubt we were waking the neighbors with our disagreement.He sighed loudly. “We cannot skip the Black Woods. Especially for the reason of simply not liking them.” He retorted.“Simple?” I questioned and then whisper shouted. “You think my reason is simple? He made my friend a rogue for being a victim. For defending herself.”He sighed again as if I was frustrating him. “I never said your reason was simple. It's no reason to cancel a visit.”“It is in my eyes.” I said while slowing my packing. In a more quieted voice, I said, “That man hurt our Audrey. What makes you think she wants to go back.”I was sure if she didn’t know now, she was going to know as soon as we hit the road.“I
Godric POVWe reassembled and began making our way to the next destination as if nothing had happened. But in this car, time had stopped. I could feel the surge of emotions coming from Zaya. She sat close to me, but her arms were wrapped tightly around her body as she continued to look out the window.“Are you okay?” I asked her.I could feel her vulnerability and anger. The mate bond was tearing at my heart.“Talk to me Zaya.”She shook her head as the tears filled the corner of her eyes. “I shouldn’t be mad or sad. I could only imagine how the rogue pack felt about when they….when he….I know they hate me.”“They don’t hate you. They hate us.”She turned to me just as a tear tumbled down her cheek. “They hate me. He didn’t call you names. He didn’t speak your name as if it tasted bitter on his tongue. Not like when he said my name.”She faced the window again.I had no words for her so I wrapped my arm around her back and drew her closer to me. She was exposed in ways she hadn’t b
Godric POVMy brother mind linked me to stay inside our vehicle. He was taking charge and keeping to the protocol we had gone over multiple times. I didn’t mind. There were only ten wolves I could see, and they seemed to be in a weakened state.I lowered my window to hear the conversation between him and their supposed leader. The one who stood closer to Alex. The one who crossed his arms to seem at ease as the others stood rigid.“State your business!” Alex shouted from a distance. One of his main rules was for everyone to stay at least twenty feet from any rogue we would come in contact with.Their leader huffed. “This is a public road. You state your business here.” He retorted.The male was a scrawny guy who stood with so much confidence. The others around him laughed as if he had told the joke of the year. But I didn’t see anything funny. All I could see were ten wolves looking to die.Sensing trouble in the air, I placed my hand on the handle of the door to exit the car. Then a
POV ZayaVisiting so many packs in such a short time had my mind overflowing. It was stuffed with the knowledge of the different cultures. And the many faces that came with that knowledge clouded my memories.I met five Alpha’s and four Luna’s. Alpha Christian was unmated, which is why he greeted us alone. I asked why he never took a chosen mate and he said he didn’t believe in anything the Moon Goddess did not gift him. I wasn’t sure how he remained Alpha without a Luna by his side.Many wolves believed that an Alpha needed a mate for the pack to survive. Strength through Unity is what they often require of an Alpha. Knowing that had me looking at Godric and wondering what would have happened if he had never come to get me. If he had never fought to be with me.Would I have heard of him taking a chosen mate? Maybe a political match? Maybe even making Sophia his Luna despite her attitude. She loved him and would have done anything to be his Luna. Not to mention her strength that was a
POV ZayaThe Tour to visit every pack under Godric’s reign began a few weeks after my third trimester. Evidence of my rounding belly was now noticeable beneath my clothing.We packed up a few SUVs and headed out first thing after breakfast. I would miss all of the smiling faces that lined up along the main roads leading to our borders to bid us farewell.Alex and Audrey traveled in the SUV behind us. The other vehicles carried nothing but guards and a few Elders. It was strange traveling like the president. Safely pawned from one set of guards to the next every few hours.When I saw the soldiers loaded into their respective cars, I kept wondering how all this would look to a human. Ten cars full of fighters traveling through major cities across North America. And then I realized, it wouldn’t look like anything at all.We drove around all the major metropolitan areas on the map to get to our first stop. I guess Alex wasn’t going to risk us drawing too much attention.On the way, we sto
Godric POVZaya was worried. And she had every right to be. If Mia’s attitude was any indication, Mason had a pack of wolves that hated the current Luna Queen.Who knows what will happen once the rogues find out that she is living happily and carrying the future King?“You know she could be carrying a girl.” Alex teased.“I know.”“I’m just saying, you keep referencing the baby as the future King. Like you are trying to will it so. That’s no how genetics works, brother.”“No, but I could hope.”He chuckled missing the dread behind my words. It’s not that I hoped the baby was a boy, it’s that I hoped he would actually be the next Alpha King. I hoped Zaya wouldn’t have to endure the pain that will follow we cannot make him so.“I think we should double the security team traveling with us. Just to be safe.”“You really are paranode.”“I’m Beta. I’m supposed to think of the things you do not.”I couldn’t argue with him there. It was what he trained for. To think of all the things that I n
Zaya POVAs soon as Godric entered our room, I started questioning him. My nerves had been bad since the moment he left the pack lands to meet with Mason and Mia.This would be his first time seeing Mason since the death of Evander and I was worried the meeting wouldn’t go well.What of it was a trap? What if they retaliated?Audrey kept me company the entire time, but still I remained anxious.“How was it?” I asked as soon as the bedroom door closed.He smiled slightly while approaching me. The smell of him quickly calmed my soul. He leaned down to kiss my cheek before answering.“It was okay.”“Just okay? What did you guys talk about? Were they hostile? Are there any signs of vengeance?I could tell from the look in his eyes, something happened.“Yes, it was okay. We talked about his new recruits. And the only thing hostile was Mia’s attitude.”I smirked. “Ah, yes. The infamous Mia.”I mentioned Mia while I was telling him about my life as the tribute. I told him that out of all the
Godric POVTensions ran high as the Elders debated Mason’s intentions. They held a meeting less than an hour after our return.Elder Grey yelled across the room. “We cannot assume they will start another war!”Elder Elias responded, “We cannot assume they will do nothing to avenge Evander.”One by one, they all started to shout over each other.“We’re talking about rogues here. They aren’t trained enough to lead a large-scale attack.”“You don’t need training to shift or carry a weapon.” Another said.Others agreed with him.“And you don’t need a sign from the Moon Goddess to know Alpha Mason is planning something.”Alex’s ears perked up at that comment.Elder John spoke up, “How are you going to defend the pack and we have yet to find out how Evander crossed our borders unprotected.”More whispers and more voices echoed in the room.The Elders were angry and impatient, but so was I. This unruly conduct wasn’t helping matters. Remembering my fathers words to keep the Elders in order,
POV Godric1 Month LaterIt took too long to get a response from Mason. He accepted the letters from the messengers that I sent to his territory, though he wouldn’t let them go past the border.I don’t blame him for being cautious, but I don’t appreciate my people not being able to gather any details.And I also don’t appreciate Mason’s lack of response. The first two letters, my people returned empty handed.The third letter, my people returned with a promise that he would call soon to talk.The elders were getting antsy and so was I. I expected a phone call within the week, but nothing.Then I realized, he was definitely stalling. He didn’t have a number to call. Every time we met with Evander, it was face to face. And agreeing to meet for the truce was done by letter.So I sent one last letter requesting him to meet on neutral ground today.We had much to discuss. The recent foot traffic from rogues was growing by the week and none of the surrounding Alpha’s were happy.Though none