PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "Please tell Xander I appreciate all of this," I said, curving a smile at Annabeth.Xander kept his promise, so this morning Annabeth came to the cottage with three bottles of golden-circled wine and two jars of lemon cookies for me. Well, considering he took the wine for no reason last night, it was only fitting that he did this. "Is everything okay?" asked Annabeth, her tone sprinkled with worry. "Why not?" I asked back."I don't know... Between you and the Alpha..." She held back her next words hesitantly.I laughed blandly. Recalled last night's conversation between me and him and how all of a sudden we didn't at each other's throat. I realized that we successfully had a civil talk even for a brief moment. "Oh, no, we're good, I guess. No need to think about it," I assured Annabeth. I wasn't her Luna anymore, so it wasn't her job to worry about me. Though I really appreciated her concern. "Fine, then."After Annabeth returned to the Packhouse, I found Glor
PEONY CRIMSON'S POV "So, you went on a date? How was that?"I was leaning on the edge of the counter when Gloria got into the kitchen at noon, just waking up. My daughters had gone to the Tower, so it was just both of us at the cottage. A perfect timing to brought up this topic.I noticed the color pink blossoming on her cheeks for the first time. She gave a bashful, adolescent-girl smile while twirling her hair. I blinked, fearing I could have seen something else. "Well, it was alright. No, it was wonderful! He took me around the villages, the bars, and certainly we ended up on his bed. He knew what he was doing. So... I'm satisfied." Her eyes lit up, sparkling with joy. I squeezed my arm, feeling a little bad about opposing her choice. For as long as I've known her, I'd never judged who and what kind of man she brought into her bed. Gloria and her free spirit could not be controlled except by her own will. But this time, I really had to stop her."Sounds like he's a nice guy. Do
PEONY CRIMSON'S POVGloria remained absent for the entire day. When I went to the Tower, I couldn't find her anywhere. Azalea claimed to be uninformed about Killian's plan, but just as you'd expect from her, she ended up siding with her motherfucker of a brother.With everything going on, I ended up in the garden next to the cottage at midnight. I sat alone on a long wooden chair facing the fountain. It was pitch black all around me, with only a small lantern I found in the shed to light up the surroundings. The sound of the water gurgling like a classical melody comforted me. That didn't really work so I brought a bottle of wine with me.Oh, Goddess, I wasn’t acting like myself."I wonder who lit the lantern here, it was you."I jumped and almost pulled out my claws in shock. Xander was standing close by me before I even realized it—and I didn't hear a footstep. My nose sniffed the air. At that time his scent was overpowering."Why did you come? And why aren't you in the packhouse?"
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV She let out a heavy sigh worth of the world's weight. Her eyes closed for a few seconds. When they opened, those clear eyes twinkled softly. She tilted her head, sarcastic as ever, "Who are you and what did you do to Alpha Xander?" "I mean it, Peony!" I couldn't help but get huffy. Those shoulders were initially tense and gradually relaxed. In the soft glow of the garden lamps, her eyes sparkled like stars, reflecting a depth I was once swimming in. The perfect nose I used to pinch because it was so freaking fun to see her pout. Her face was soft against the moonlight. And the rosy pink lips that I once kissed wholeheartedly. I never thought she was unlovely when in fact it was the opposite. She twisted her body from side to side to fix her seat. Her subtle movement put an end to my reverie. She pulled out a mini notepad and pen from her pocket. Shit, why would she bring that? "Let's make a pact. No more arguments or quarrels, and you must support or ac
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV "I don't see their Mama," I said to Darriel. "She stopped coming because she couldn't bear to watch the training. Or so that is what Mrs. Willick said." I nodded. It had been two weeks since I started bonding with my daughters. I could say that everything went according to my plan. Peony was right. My daughters had never known me in their six years of life, and it was time to rectify that. From the articles I read, girls who didn’t grow up showered with a father's love were vulnerable to emotional scars. Stuart and Darriel didn't hold it against me for my new activities. Unlike Azalea who thought this was a bad idea, they willingly took over my work when I was with my daughters. I felt a surge of warmth in my chest as my time with Rose, Jasmine, and Violet increased. My new source of joy was my girls' laughter and smiles. They were also useful in keeping my temper in check. Somehow, they could never enrage me in the slightest. They could burn the packhou
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV The fresh floral scent was so intoxicating that it seemed to bind my sense of smell. It was so calming and fragrant, I forgot the last time I smelled it this strongly. Still, I restrained myself from being a complete moron and sniffing the air. But damn it was hard if she was sitting right next to me. This car was just so full of her scent I almost melted into it.My hands gripped the steering wheel. I shifted my focus, glancing at the rear-view mirror. Rose and Jasmine were making jokes and laughed."You think this is going to be okay?" asked Peony.She was wearing a pastel yellow sundress. Her dark hair was tied into a low ponytail that flowed over her shoulders. Her eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but I could sense she was really anxious. We were on our way to an enormous glass dome where young witches do their grounding before moving on to the Tower. It was deep in the Eastern forest. Violet had announced that it was time for her to show us how her magic
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV What happened yesterday was beyond anyone's expectations. My memory rewinded like a broken record to the moment when the fireball backfired on Violet and caused her to faint. The horror in Peony's eyes and her screams were muffled by the crackling flames. Rose and Jasmine's frantic screams tore through the air. I wiped the cold sweat dripping down my neck as I wondered where I went wrong. Violet was still being treated in the infirmary, and I went there every two hours. She was perfectly unharmed, which was also a new question. Was she fireproof or...?"Killian is proceeding to clean up the mess in the glass dome, Alpha." Stuart's words pulled me back into the office, where my Beta was standing in front of me. He didn't make any expression even though he knew I hadn't listened to most of his report.I cleared my throat. "Good. Anything else?""That's it.""Okay, you can go."As the door closed, the office fell into a state of silence. I leaned back against the
XANDER ALVERIUS'S POV The crickets and summer bugs performed a grand orchestra as Violet and I walked toward the cottage. There was no need for concern, as the head nurse stated, because she was injury-free. Violet slipped down from my arms and ran to the door. Before she could turn the knob, the door burst open. Rose petals and confetti burst into the air. Rose and Jasmine jumped up to hug Violet at the same time. "Welcome home!" "Rose! Jasmine!" Violet squealed. "You didn't have to surprise me like this!" "Oh, no." Rose took my hand. "The real surprise is... Papa is going to join us for dinner!" "Really? Then what are we waiting for?" The girls' joyful laughter was heartwarming. It wasn't a bad idea to see them running along the hallways of the Packhouse, hurrying down the stairs, hide-and-seeking in every room and alcove they could find. The rigid and cold atmosphere of the place would be much more lively and warm, just like this cottage. Sweet delicious aromas tickled
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