[Arissa’s POV]The next day, I stood in front of the old holding cells where my mother had been banished after being brought back to Ivan’s pack. For a year, she had remained in this place, alone and away from the world. Not once had I bothered to come visit her, but despite my insistence that I didn’t care what came of her, the servants regularly informed me of her whereabouts.After what happened the night before, I didn't have the energy to argue with Ivan's suggestion, so I allowed him to bring me here. Now, I was regretting my decision and wishing that I had fought a little harder to not come.Letting out a frustrated growl, I looked over at Ivan as he spoke with the guard that watched over her during the day. I didn't know what they were talking about, and I didn’t care. However, before long, the guard was unlocking the door that kept my mother away from the rest of the world."Do we really have to do this?" I asked Ivan as I peered inside the dark building. "There are other way
[Ivan’s POV]"Are you alright?" I asked once Arissa and I were back in the pack house. "You’ve been really quiet.""Are you saying I talk a lot?" Arissa countered, attempting to put up a strong front."You know what I mean." I sighed.Even though this type of response was typical for Arissa, it didn’t mean I liked it. As her mate, I was more than willing to destroy anyone she asked me to, even if it meant destroying the moon goddess herself. I would do anything to see her smile and to know that she was happy and had everything she could ever want.‘Such a romantic.’ Bastian chuckled, sending waves of annoyance through me.‘Shut the hell up.’ I hissed, pushing him back to where he came from. ‘Stay out of this.’‘She is our mate.’ Bastian pointed out. ‘Therefore it involves me too.’‘Rosario is yours.’ I countered. ‘Arissa is mine.’‘I’m no ones.’ Rosario growled, causing Arissa to freeze mid-step and shoot me a glare."Are you discussing me?" She demanded, narrowing her gaze.Shit, I w
[Arissa’s POV]"Ivan," I whispered, trying to get myself together. "We need to move."The one that cursed me was near, and while we were sitting here staring at a note and a body, they were getting away. Fuck that. I wasn’t about to let that happen. Especially if letting the person go meant having to see more of those dead children, and now even my father.Jumping up, I began to move, ignoring Ivan’s protests as I located a window and launched myself through it, sending glass spraying towards the ground as I fell. Landing on my feet, I sniffed the air, trying to locate the intruder. When I managed to catch onto a faint scent, I began to move.‘Is this a good idea?’ Rosario asked as I began to make my way into the woods beyond. ‘Something doesn’t feel right.’‘Do you have any other suggestions?’ I huffed, stopping long enough to hunt for the scent I was following once more. ‘Should we just let this bastard get away?’‘No, but don’t you think it is weird that Ivan couldn’t locate the pe
[Arissa's POV]"Arissa! Where the hell are you?"A wave of relief rushed through me as Ivan’s worried voice reached my ears. It seemed that I was saved."Over here!" I called, trying to not look at my gashed up arms. I wasn’t sure if this was just a trick of the jinn or if I was actually this damaged, but for now, getting free of these fucking ghosts and branches was the biggest priority."What the hell?" Ivan hissed once he managed to reach me. "How did you manage this?""Magic. Could you please help me out?"I watched as the ghost children began to fade with each branch Ivan managed to break away from me. Once I was fully freed, they had managed to disappear entirely, leaving only Ivan and I in the middle of this godforsaken forest."Thanks." I sighed as Ivan yanked my feet free from the roots that were holding them. "You showed just in…""What the hell were you thinking?" Ivan demanded, cutting me off entirely. "Throwing yourself out of a window and running head first into danger?"
[Arissa’s POV]Later that evening, I stood on the balcony that was attached to mine and Ivan’s room, staring up at the moon that was getting dangerously close to red. The blood moon was coming soon, and with everything that had happened in the past few days, I almost forgot about its existence. However, thinking on it, since I was pregnant, would it even affect me? I didn't know, but I guessed I would find out soon enough.Letting out a huff, I hoisted myself up on the banister, throwing my legs over so I could have a better view of what was happening below. Now wasn’t the time to focus on the blood moon. After all, that bastard that cursed me was still out there somewhere.Narrowing my gaze, I peered into the forest where I had managed to get trapped and found myself wondering where the person had gone. They definitely were close when they were luring me. Did they stick around to watch or did they run?"Contemplating suicide?" Ivan’s voice called from behind. "Is the thought of havin
[Ivan’s POV]"NO!" Arissa's agonized voice pierced through the darkness of my sleep. "Please...""ARISSA!"Prying my eyes open, I sat up and looked at where Arissa struggled and groaned. However, the way she was reacting wasn’t the thing that turned my blood cold. Instead, it was the fact that her throat was slit and blood was quickly soaking the bed beneath her."What the fuck happened?" I growled, ripping the blanket and quickly wrapping it around her wound. "Arissa, baby, wake up."I could feel my heart beginning to beat erratically in my chest as Arissa’s eyes remained shut and her mouth moved, forming soundless words. Why wouldn’t she wake and what was she experiencing? I couldn’t let this continue, but how was I supposed to fight an invisible enemy?"Arissa, please open your eyes." I begged, lifting her into my arms and beginning to move. "Please.""I..van," Arissa whimpered, curling in on herself. "Help…""DAMMIT!" I roared as whatever struggle she was going through seemed to c
[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
[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