[Arissa’s POV]My eyes continued to linger on Hans until a loud shriek ripped through the air, reminding me of the reason this happened in the first place. I snapped my gaze away from my injured comrade and watched as the ugly water horse surged towards me and Igor."Igor," I murmured, keeping my attention fixed on the beast. "I need you to get Hans back up on the deck and staunch his blood the best you can.""What are you planning?" Igor asked."Don’t question your luna!" I hissed, feeling an odd energy burst out of me.Beside me, Igor let out a gasp of shock before his body began to head back to the ship, where I could hear the sounds of the others taking in what happened."HELP HANS!" I yelled, "IF HE DIES, I’LL KILL EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!"Letting a snarl escape me, I began to move, surging towards the creature. My anger was the only thing spurring me forward, and when I was close enough to the bastard sea creature, I dove under, gaining as much momentum as I could. Once I was
[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
[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]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]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
[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
[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]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
[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