[Ivan’s POV]I watched as Arissa’s body jerked and then began to fall. Jumping up, I prepared to catch her, but was beat to it by Nazhoni, who had a look of shock on her face. Slowing my movements, I came to join them and gently pulled Arissa from Nazhoni’s grip."I’ll take it from here." I murmured, pulling Arissa against me."I can do it, you know?" Nazhoni pouted."Not a chance." I sighed, fixing my gaze on Arissa’s face as her eyelids began to flutter."Da…" she gasped, her eyes flying open. "DAD!""Hey," I whispered, as she frantically began to try to sit up. "Calm down, it’s alright.""I-van." Arissa murmured, meeting my gaze. "Why am I?"Letting out a long sigh of relief, I pulled Arissa closer to me, ignoring her immediate protests."What are you doing?" She demanded, attempting to break free. "Why are we here?""Because you weren’t you." Nazhoni offered, ruining my moment with Arissa. "You were some weird vampire.""Huh?" As Arissa attempted to process Nazhoni’s words, she bi
[Ivan’s POV] I stared out into the horizon, watching as storm clouds began to gather and make their way towards the shore. Shit, it seemed that even fate was trying to stop me from going to Tenebris Island due to its dark history, but I was more than ready to defy fate. "Alpha," Hans murmured, seeming genuinely worried. "Should we..." "No," I said immediately."We will set sail as planned. Weather be damned!" Turning, I took in the rest of our group. They stood silently with their personal belongings and looks of determination on their faces. Even the nomadic wolves seemed ready to take on the dangerous voyage ahead. "Go on then." I said, motioning towards the large ship we would be using to travel. "Get to loading. Don’t just stand here and waste time. " I watched as everyone began to move, except Arissa, who watched me curiously. Through our bond, I could feel just how tired she was and felt my heart clench. "Are you sure you’re up for this?" I asked, making my way towards wher
[Arissa’s POV]By the time land could be spotted in the distance, the storm above was raging. Massive waves slammed into the side of our ship and some even crashed onto the deck. For precaution, we had tied ourselves to the banister to avoid being thrown overboard, but if we toppled, well, I guess we would all be screwed."Arissa, I really wish you would go into the cabin." Ivan huffed, shooting me a concerned look. "Why do you insist on being stubborn?""Because that is my nature." I responded, letting a slow smile spread across my face. "You knew that when you decided to make me your luna."I watched as Ivan prepared to protest, but stopped. Confusion rolled through me as his face fell and his eyes grew huge with shock."What is it?" I demanded, looking towards whatever it was that caught him off-guard to find a large wave making its way towards us. "Son of a bitch!" I growled, extending a claw and tearing the rope that bound me. "CUT YOURSELVES LOOSE!""YOU HEARD HER!" Ivan roared,
[Arissa’s POV]"Uh..." Shit, how was I supposed to explain to him that I was just kidding back then? "I….""There is no way in hell she is going to do that!" Ivan growled, pulling me away. "And if you don’t stop touching her, I’m going to break your fucking hands!""And who are you?" Stefan asked, leaning closer so he could get a feel for Ivan. "Oh! Is that Arissa’s mark on your neck?"As he spoke, he touched the spot I had marked, tracing the design with his finger. A warning snarl escaped Ivan as he reached out and grabbed Stefan by the throat, causing a collective gasp to sound around us."Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you right here and now." Ivan hissed through gritted teeth."Because he is a friend." I tried, drawing Ivan’s dark, angry gaze towards me. "Down boy, he doesn’t mean any harm."For a moment, Ivan remained silent. His narrow gaze never left as he tried to determine whether or not I was being serious. Finally, after seeming to lose interest in killing Stefan,
[Ivan’s POV]"You know," I began, tightening my hold on Arissa’s waist. "This wasn’t what I thought you meant in regards to warming you up."When Arissa led me to a small room with a full-sized bed and a small bathroom, I don’t know what I expected, but to sit in a large tub together, submerged in warm water, definitely wasn’t it. Hell, I didn’t even expect these island people to even use modern plumbing."Then what did you expect?" Arissa asked, laying her head on my shoulder. "Weren’t you the one that said you wouldn’t touch me until I gave birth?"At her words, I mentally kicked myself. What the hell was I on when I said that? Even sitting here now, completely naked and pressed together, I wanted to fuck her. How was I going to be able to last two and a half months? It was ludicrous!"Regretting?" Arissa smirked, purposely rubbing her ass against my dick."Keep that up and I can’t promise this entire fucking building won’t hear you." I warned, feeling my dick throb in anticipation.
[Arissa’s POV]The next morning, Ivan and I woke up before the sun. After what happened the night before, neither of us had been able to sleep very well, and when it was clear that we wouldn’t be getting any rest, I decided it was time to take action.When we found our way to the common room, Stefan and Nazhoni were sitting together staring into the fire. I wasn’t exactly sure of what it was they were trying to do, but I had a feeling it involved the face from the night before."No matter how hard you stare, nothing is going to appear." I announced, causing Stefan to fall over from shock.Bursting into laughter, I watched as he attempted to right himself while looking nonchalant. Man, I had almost forgotten just how skittish he was. It seemed that even if he wasn’t that little boy anymore, he was still the same."Are you trying to scare me to death?" Stefan demanded once he was on his feet. "You almost gave me a heart attack.""As a wolf, shouldn’t you be able to use your senses to no
[Arissa’s POV]I watched from the side as Ivan and Stefan prepared many pieces of wood to create a fire. Though it had been raining most of the night, Stefan was able to draw all the water from within, making them dry enough to easily light.When we were done, we all took turns picking up whatever remained. I could only hope that we managed to collect every child that perished here. Otherwise, I felt that their spirits wouldn’t rest and I would never be free of these jinns."You should just relax." Ivan said, coming up beside me as I filled my arms with bone and cloth. "You’ve been stressing your body out enough recently.""This is nothing." I insisted, giving a small smile. "Please don’t baby me, alright?""I’m just worried about you.""I know and I appreciate you for that, but I’m not some porcelain doll that will break at any minute." Not physically, anyway, I added mentally.Realizing that I wasn’t going to do what he wanted, Ivan began to grump under his breath while walking away
[Ivan’s POV]"Come along?" I sputtered, unsure of what I was hearing. "Are you out of your mind?""No," Stefan responded, seeming completely unphased by my annoyance with his suggestion. "I’m pretty sane actually.""Depends on who is asking." Arissa chirped."Anyway, as an alpha, don’t you have to oversee your pack?" I continued."Like you?" Stefan challenged.Before I could respond, laughter erupted from Arissa due to Stefan’s one-upping me. Though it annoyed the hell out of me to be laughed at, I found myself feeling relieved. It was nice to see Arissa smile, especially with everything that happened recently.Letting out a frustrated huff, I shook my head in surrender. If the crazy alpha wanted to come along, then fine, he could come. However, I knew that I would get an earful from Hans about my decision."I think he is agreeing." Arissa announced, filling the silence that had fallen around us."Oh, goodie!" Stefan clapped. "I’ve never been off the island before.""Really?" Arissa a
[Ivan’s POV]Two weeks have passed by in a blur since Rose Woods was taken down and Arissa’s curse was lifted. Two weeks filled with court hearings and punishment issuing, not to mention making deals with the nomads in regards to Catori’s part in Arissa’s torture.In the end, we agreed to allow him to go back with Nazhoni and Rome to be tried for his treachery.Despite my hesitance to let him out of my sight after everything Theodore and Giselle did after I spared them, Arissa convinced me to let them take him.Now, I sat in the front of the execution chamber, watching as Theodore was strapped down to a wooden chair. His dark gaze bore into me, as if his hatred towards me would end up killing me before he was killed."Ready, alpha." Igor announced once he was secured. "Shall we get started?"Nodding, I lifted a hand, and motioned for him to proceed.Leaning back, I crossed my arms across my chest while Igor filled a syringe with a strong dose of poison that was sure to kill even the s
[Arissa’s POV]"Watch your step." Ivan murmured, reaching out and taking my hand. "Are you sure you don’t want me to take one of them?"Shaking my head, I pulled Apollo and Conal closer to myself as I stepped out of the carriage we were in and let the familiar scent of Tonitru territory hit my nose.After rescuing our children and packmates, Ivan and I decided to head straight for Tonitru since our packmates and friends could handle the rest of Rose Woods. Despite still feeling on edge about something going wrong, I allowed Ivan to convince me to come here so that we could finally end all of this."Where is it?" I asked, beginning to make my way towards the pack house. "Are you sure that it is here?""Where is your family burial grounds located?" Ivan asked instead."This way." I responded, motioning towards the back of the building. "It is just back there, a little ways into the woods."Nodding, Ivan wrapped an arm around my waist and began to lead us in the direction I pointed out.
[Ivan’s POV]I surged forward, making my way towards the compound in front of me. All around me, everyone was beginning to shift, but I didn’t feel like using my wolf to fight. Instead, I felt like using the new abilities that I recently acquired thanks to finishing the trials.‘Congratuatlions.’ The being murmured as I moved. ‘You’ve done well.’‘No shit.’ I huffed in response. ‘I am me after all.’‘I wish you the best, alpha god.’ the being announced.‘God?’ I repeated, but I was only met with silence. What the hell?Turning back to the situation at hand, I had just enough time to spot a large white wolf shooting across the grounds and diving through a window."Arissa."Breaking off from my group, I headed in the direction that she went. When I arrived, I could hear chaos breaking out from within."Just couldn’t wait on me." I sighed, diving through the window she had managed to break to find Arissa ripping out the throat of a large man with beady eyes. All around her were bodies t
[Arissa’s POV]"What’s your plan?" I asked, trying to hide the shock that was racing through me.I don’t know exactly what I expected when Ivan pinpointed the traitor, but I still couldn’t quite believe that it was the silent giant Catori. "He needs to be locked up for now." Ivan responded slowly.Nodding, I looked towards where Stefan stood, dumbfounded. At least everyone here was reflecting the same emotions I felt."Take him to join Giselle and Theodore." I continued, "After that, we need someone to take care of the bodies in the engine room.""That’s my luna," Ivan beamed, causing my cheeks to flush. "Taking control just like the leader you are.""Now isn’t the time." I warned, trying to keep my embarrassment over being praised under control. "We should be arriving at our destination soon and need to handle matters here."Chuckling, Ivan simply nodded while giving me an approving smile. Shit, the man was dangerous, especially when he flashed those pearly whites."Here, he’s all y
[Ivan’s POV]"Let’s go."Grabbing Arissa’s hand, I began to move. I needed Stefan to let me into whatever room that was so that I could see if the person responsible’s essence was still lingering."Are we mole hunting?" Arissa asked, seeming to perk up."Something like that."Since she wasn’t aware that determining who the killer was would break her curse, I wanted to keep it a surprise. Especially if I wasn’t able to find them. ‘Don’t think like that.’ Bastian warned. ‘This determines whether or not we get to stay with our mate.’‘I know.’ I snapped.I promised many times that I would rip apart heaven and hell to be with her, but there was always that what if deep in my heart. Of course, I refused to listen to that what if, but it didn’t mean the bastard wasn’t there.Shaking off any doubts, I hurried down the stairs that led to the bunk areas to find Stefan slouched on the floor, guarding Hans, who was fast asleep."Ssssshhhhh." He hissed as I opened my mouth to speak. "He just fel
[Ivan’s POV]I bit back the laugh that wanted to escape as Arissa’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red. Goddess, she was beautiful, and when she flushed it made her so damn sexy, as it reminded me of when we were alone and..."You have quite the smooth tongue." She murmured, trying to regain her composure. "How do you stay so serious when spouting such bullshit?""Bullshit?" I repeated."That’s right."If she wanted to claim what I said was bullshit, I would show her true bullshit. However, as I prepared to speak, I felt a slight tap on my consciousness. Frowning, I allowed whoever it was to enter and immediately regretted it.‘Sorry to disturb.’ The being chuckled, even though it was clear that it wasn’t sorry. ‘But I have to remind you that there is still one more trial.’Right… If I wanted to stay here with Arissa, I needed to complete the final trial, but what the hell was it?"What’s wrong?"Letting out a long breath, I fixed my gaze on Arissa’s and gave an apologetic smile. It
[Arissa’s POV]My heart raced and I wondered if I was hallucinating or if this was another fucking jinn. How was it possible that when all hell was beginning to break loose, the person I needed the most would appear?"I-Ivan," I whispered, "You’re back?"At my words, a broad smile replaced his worn-out expression."That’s right, my love." He responded, getting to his feet. "Didn’t I tell you that not even heaven or hell could keep me from you?"Unable to contain my emotions, I surged forward, slamming my body against his while his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I buried my face against his chest and breathed in deeply, letting myself get lost in his smell. It really was him."Does this mean you passed all the trials?" I asked, pulling away enough to look at him. "You’re back for good, right?"Before he could respond, a roar ripped through the room, followed by Nazhoni’s curses.Whirling around, I watched Hans race towards us with his teeth bared and his claws extended. Fuck, I
[Ivan’s POV]"Now," the being announced. "Are you ready for your next trial?""So soon?"I just finished fighting a pretty strong opponent and would be lying if I said that I wasn’t feeling it. Though I managed to tap into a new source of power, I didn’t know how to control it yet and therefore was wiped out."Is that a no?""No."Standing up, I did my best to push away the exhaustion that I was feeling. If I let myself stop now, all the struggle prior to this would be worthless."What is it?"I watched as the being began to use its hands to make circular motions in the air. Where its fingers passed created tiny glowing orbs. Frowning, I tried to determine exactly what was going on here, but came up short."What are you doing?""Creating two paths." The being explained."Paths?"Furrowing my brows, I continued to watch as the glowing spheres that were being created started to grow bigger and bigger until they were the perfect size for someone to pass through."What?" I hissed when wha
[Arissa’s POV]I stumbled backwards once Hans was finished feeding and wiped the sweat that was beginning to form on my brow. Blinking away the black spots that were beginning to appear in front of my eyes, I looked at his injury and found that it was beginning to close. However, where the skin healed remained raised and a purplish color, but it was healing and that was all that mattered."You should try to get some rest." Lindsey murmured, placing a hand on my shoulder."Yeah, what she said!" Pixie agreed, popping out from my other side. "You’ve been through a lot.""I’m okay." I assured the duo, forcing a smile. "There might be more of those creatures lurking. We need to stay on alert.""We can handle them." Nazhoni chimed, narrowing her gaze at me. "I agree with them. You need to rest after everything. ""By the way," Pixie murmured, lifting her curious gaze to me. "Why did you give him your blood?"Busted… I forgot that some of those present didn’t know my secret."Pixie," Lindsey