XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVI entrusted all the mortals’ matters to Lazarus and Judd, withdrawing the rest of the search team back to White Moon that very night. However, it still took hours of travel to reach my pack. We managed to reach the northern border after midnight.I contacted Zedd, Chadwick, and the Deltas via mind-link. From them, I learned that the rogues of Deadster Forest from the northeast were the rodents who dared to dig a hole in White Moon. They were alpha-less bastards who dared to live only by shifting into brainless lycans.Yet they were nothing more than puppy-powered monsters, childish and disruptive.A flare of anger erupted in my core. I put Zed, a gamma, and the deltas in my pack not just because they could run the pack as my replacements. How were those intruders able to sneak in when my second-in-commands was scattered all over the territory?They would get their comeuppance right from my hands."Theo, Walter, and the rest, spread out across the area. Evacuate t
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POV"Does it still hurt?"I walked out of the bathroom as I wiped my fists with a towel after washing away the rogues’ blood. Peony sat on the edge of the bed, seemingly deep in her own thoughts. She glanced at me. Her eyelashes swayed gently as she blinked, followed by a faint smile on her rose-red lips."I'm fine. The regeneration worked," she responded."Let me see."I tossed the towel into the laundry bin and knelt in front of Peony. I lifted her right sole gently, her skin twitching in response to my touch. I slowly peeled off the bandage around her calf. I sensed Peony hold her breath. It brought a smirk to my face.The floor swallowed the fallen bandage, revealing her porcelain skin beneath, perfect without any scars—as she said. I grazed her delicate skin with my forefinger tip. An electric shiver ran down to my skin. Peony tensed as my mere touch transformed into a gentle stroke. Her lips slightly opened, letting out a silent moan.I grasped her sole, liftin
XANDER ALVERIUS’S POVTwo weeks ago. Mortal World.Over the past few years, Blue Moon has increased at a faster rate than any other pack on the entire continent. With some peace treaties, hereditary wars were finally stopped, which led to greater cooperation between the packs under my command.As Alpha of Blue Moon, I was the talk of the pack. That's why I got an invitation from Opal Moon—a pack with the mortal world as their base. I didn't see it as a golden opportunity. Still, I bothered to bounce all the way to the other end of the continent to see what kind of offer they had.Getting out of the car, I was immediately confronted by a crowd of pedestrians. The air was filled with a mortal scent that would make any vampire drool. It was a good thing my ancestors built Blue Moon in the deep forest, sparing me from dealing with weakling mortals.A sudden, strong gut compelled me to follow its call, leading my eyes to a random fast-food restaurant. The windows were wide, and a woman sto
XANDER ALVERIUS’S POV"I suggest you cancel your meetings with Opal Moon. We should get back to Blue Moon shortly," Azalea said the following morning as I sat half-slouched, clutching my head.Lack of sleep became the gasoline for blazing flames within me, distorting my reality. Concern sparked in Azalea's green eyes as she paced back and forth in the hotel room. I just watched her while fighting the damn headache.Fuck. I was an Alpha, yet this fucking unknown pain nearly knocked my power down every chance it got."You kidding?” I grumbled. "It's no big deal. I’ll manage those bastards.""No, you won’t. I won't let you suffer any worse than this, husband. Given the distance from our pack, we should get going now. You know the best treatment only works there."Azalea was much more stubborn than she looked. She held out a glass of dark brown juice that smelled like spices, but I was used to consuming similar drinks, so I just downed it right away."I knew coming here was a bad idea.” A
Peony Crimson's POV"Is everything enough? Please tell me if you need more blankets or anything. Lunch starts in an hour in the west tent.” I knelt down. Before me, a girl with curly chestnut hair sat hunched over, embracing a crumpled, dirty shirt.A day had passed since the Lycan attack on White Moon. With half the villages destroyed, refugee tents were set up in the field behind the packmansion to accommodate members. Gloria and I helped out with whatever we could."What's the point here? I don’t want to live anymore.” She raised her expressionless, pale face. Traces of tears dried on her cheeks. "Half of my soul has already gone to the goddess’ side. Soon, what's left of me will follow."My chest squeezed tight. "I beg you not to say that. The Moon Goddess won’t be pleased at your despair.""You don't get it," the girl muttered. I was about to say something to ease her confusion a little, but Gloria touched my shoulder and shook her head."Please come at lunchtime, at least," I sa
PEONY CRIMSON’S POV"Who told you so?"Zedd’s eyes narrowed as he placed a sack of potatoes next to a pile of wooden boxes. This afternoon, I helped in the kitchen, and Gloria was in the medical tent. Who would have thought that the beta himself would catch up with me and lend his hand voluntarily?I noticed a subtle difference in his demeanor and the way he stared at me. His cold, uncomfortable gaze was gone. I sensed that he was trying to be a little more friendly. Maybe he felt guilty, or Xavier just told him to be nice.To gain his trust more, I told one of his little secrets to break the ice."I saw it myself. When you drove me back to Blue Moon, you took a moment to pick some wild apples at the border because you really liked their astringent and bitter taste," I replied lightly.Zedd grinned, on the verge of disbelief and being impressed. "We were really close before, then."“Yeah, we're so close that you once told me that you were looking forward to meeting your mate. Because
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVThe unexpected sunlight that flooded the room stings my eyelids. Like an animal that had just startled out of hibernation too soon, I hissed. My eyelids fluttered open as I gathered consciousness.Someone stood next to the bed with an innocent smile, welcoming me. I blinked."Fey?"The girl pulled back the blanket, revealing my bare thighs and messy nightgown. I had been sleeping like a log since yesterday afternoon because I was swept in my own panic. I didn’t even know whether Xavier slept next to me last night—the other side of the bed was empty."Good morning, Miss. I came to help you get ready." Fey greeted her in a friendly, lilting voice. Her smile was also so formal that I cringed at it. "The bathtub is already filled with warm water. Is there a special fragrance you prefer?""Huh?" My brain was still processing her presence and everything she said."Or do you prefer to have breakfast first?" Fey asked, still looking at me, frozen on the bed. Just a few day
XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POVShock crossed Peony's face as her feet stepped back, out of my reach. Her eyes widened."No, I can't be a Luna!"Peony shouted. For the first time, she raised her voice at me. Instead of being offended, I just didn't get why she was being so hysterical when this had been confirmed since she told me about the triplets.Peony struggled to control her breathing, avoiding my hand that was about to grab her. She shook her head repeatedly. Seeing her overcome with shock made me want to hold her even more. But I let her absorb the situation, so I just leaned against the table and remained calm."After all these years, we have a chance to set things straight and return everything I should have given you long ago. With you here, plus the triplets coming soon—""I can't, Xavier!" Another shout. An octave higher.Her clear eyes displayed devastation. My hands gripped the edge of the table, along with a strange sting in my ribs.My lips voluntarily formed a wry smile, like m
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV Ten years later.His tongue swept across my teeth, claiming every inch of my mouth as his own. I was breathless, but with his hand on my ass, I couldn't help but deepen our kiss. The warm spring sunlight from the window falls on my hand on Xavier's nape. In his office, I was on his lap, pausing the kiss to take a deep breath. Our eyes met, locked, and the explosion of love in my heart grew greater and greater by the second.Xavier's thumb wiped away the saliva on the corner of my lips. His golden eyes glistened with warmth. His hand on my waist gave me a sense of security and comfort that hasn't gotten old at all over the past years.Xavier's hand traveled down my skirt. His touch burned every inch of skin and stung my inner thighs. I bit my lower lip when he rubbed my skin so gently and temptingly. I could see his mischievous grin when his finger slipped under my panties.“AHEM!” I gasped in surprise, almost falling over if Xavier didn't hold my waist. We both
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVThe gravestone bore Xander's name. A sculptor from Blue Moon skillfully carved it in no time. Even the carver was shocked when he was told to write his Alpha's name on it. This was due to the unpredictability of the man's permanent departure from the world.I was still in denial too. Only a few nights ago, Xander and I were finally on the same page, but later, I witnessed his body being placed in a casket and lowered into the grave.My eyes were swollen and my cheeks were puffy. My chest ached and my head was spinning. My energy was so drained that I didn't know how I'd find the strength to stand in front of Xander's grave. I was so mentally and physically exhausted that everything felt numb.My gaze shifted to the dozens of bouquets of flowers piled up on the mound of dirt. All of Blue Moon exploded in grief when the news came, then they flocked to accompany their Alpha to his final resting place. Xander was ruthless, volatile, and as fiery as his blood-red eyes,
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "N-No, Vi-Violet. She's gonna break her promise again and again!" I cried out, grimacing at the pain wracking my head and body every time I tried to open my mouth. Killian rewarded me with an angry glare, as his hands clenched into fists, the more pain his shadow tormented me with.“Silence!” Azalea gasped, “The first thing I'll do after absorbing her blessing is to kill you!”I laughed like crazy. “You hear that, sweetheart?”Violet pressed Rose even closer in her arms. She had a defensive look in her eyes as she shielded her sister with fierce protectiveness. Azalea seemed weary of this little game. Her steps galloped closer. No matter how loud I screamed, Killian held me down with his magic and Azriel restrained me from getting up. My face repeatedly slammed into the ground, I swallowed dust and grass, but no matter what I had to stop Azalea from touching my daughters.And then, at the promised moment, it was like time stopped and everything went silent. In a
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVMy breathing slowed, stabilized. My rage was transformed by the satisfaction of seeing the Saintess lying on the ground. The corner of my lips lifted bitterly. As I was about to turn around, Elenor's hand suddenly caught my ankle and I almost tripped."You'll never know how powerful Azalea will be." Elenor coughed.I pulled my hand free from her grip. "She will never get the chance."Ignoring her, I strode back to Luna Lucia and Violet. Both were fine, but something sparkled in Violet's eyes when she looked at me. "You're okay?" I cupped my hand to her cheek. "Let's get out."Luna Lucia shook her head. "No, I think this is my limit. I can't walk any further," she breathed tiredly, "Huft... who knows that being pregnant makes my knees weak?"I gave her a sympathetic look, grasping her hand. The baby in her belly was the future of her pack, I couldn't force her to take risks if it endangered them both. "I know. I'm so sorry for dragging you into all of this mess. B
XAVIER ASHERIUS'S POVA tangy metallic blood dripping from Felix's muzzle stung our olfaction. The crimson liquid tainted all over the ground like paint on a canvas, added with corpses with ripped open neck as finishing touch.We changed shifts back into human and walked toward Jasmine on the stone table. Poor girl tied up, eyes closed, a purplish bruise on her neck. I watched Xander loosen the rope, totally self-aware that I couldn't precede him to help the girl."Didn't hold back at all, huh?"My eyes darted to the cave door. A woman with platinum blonde so bright it'd blind others and a pair of wicked green irises. A low growl escaped Xander's throat as he saw her."Take Jasmine back to White Moon. You're needed there more. I got this," Xander growled, patting my shoulder with a straight ahead glare.Giving him a quick nod, I slipped an arm under Jasmine's neck and down her legs, carrying her. Me and Xander were basically on the same boat, with the witches’ betrayal. But as I agree
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "Seems like there's nothing to worry about so far," Elenor murmured, settling herself in an armchair by the fireplace.So that my two daughters could feel a little more at ease in this climate of caution, the Saintess, Rose, Violet, and Luna Lucia all made their way to the library.I was confused at first; after all, how could the Darkness have known about the Gifted One's return? Luna Lucia explained that they learned a lot from the Mystwolves they killed, and that it was easy to acquire secrets, even if they were based on rumor.The point is that the Darkness had their sights set on Rose. They would reach White Moon at some point. Ha, they wanted to take my daughter? Over my dead body."Is there anything we can do here, Ma?" asked Rose, all anxious but seemingly trying to hide it by fidgeting her fingers. Violet was next to her, tense and alarmed. She kept frequent glances at Elenor. If I showed them mine, it would only worsen their mood. In this uncertain stat
XAVIER ASHERIUS'S POVAll of the trees in the Nameless Forest had leaves that were turning orange and yellow by the time autumn arrived. The dry grass crunched beneath our feet as we came to a quiet stop not far from the cave we were heading to. Other than the wind whistling and the chirping of migrant birds, there was no sound. At that point, the silence in the area made me uneasy.A black wolf next to me pricked up his ears and glared towards the cave entrance. I told the mages to go into the cave and assess the situation first, while the other wolves dispersed behind us.I couldn't help but inwardly hope that at least two or three mages would stand guard there so that I could quickly complete this mission, bring Jasmine home and return to my new life with Peony as a happy, intact family."We must rush in and wipe them out! No time for strategy!" Felion snarled, "I'll behead all of those pesky witches!"Yes, the vicious Felion was hiding behind the irrational Xander. The fury had be
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVI straightened up and sat staring at him with a kind of bitterness filling the roof of my mouth, surprised to be shoved so unkindly. "That he is worthy of forgiveness." I said, no louder than the swish of the night breeze, but as serious as a heart attack. Xavier also sat up, squaring his shoulders. He blinked, then chuckled. His hand tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear."My Queen, your jokes are hilarious," he replied, about to lead me back to bed.I shook my head. "No, I mean it," I emphasized, "The deep regret and despair mixed with anger reflected so brightly in his eyes when he talked to me."A sheen of pain smeared across Xavier's golden eyes, and he squinted. His hands dropped to the mattress and his glare hardened, slashing the air between us with disdain.It felt like a very long time had passed between us at that precise moment. At that moment, he appeared so far away and inaccessible, even though we were sitting across from one other on the same b
PEONY CRIMSON’S POVThe team leaders, gammas, and betas convened in the meeting room. I was treated far more respectfully by the members ever when I was officially introduced as Luna. They were also aware that my girls were the subject of the discussion. I could see their confused glances as they found Xander standing as far away from the table as possible, with all his pent-up anger suppressing the atmosphere. "I sent Stuart and his team to the cave where I found the triplets. When we thought it was just an ordinary one, it turned out to hold something beyond measure." Xander was the first to speak up after Xavier had summarized the problem.Stuart laid out a drawing resembling a beehive on a sheet of watercolor paper on the table. The top left corner features a cardinal arrow. The illustration had numerous tiny squares joining a series of lengthy, twisted tubes that resembled octopus tentacles.Stuart extended his forefinger to the bottom end and divided the space in half by imagin