Zaika's povAfter watching my father fix the mated pair I felt a sense of great relief. The love of my life and I could forget about all the wolf nonsense and enjoy a cocktail on the beach or so I had hoped for.Justin grinned as he passed me to go search for the Moon Goddess and Calli came to stand with Faelon and me. She looked happy and I was glad it worked out for her."Don't have any pups until I'm in my forties," I huffed.Both my father and daughter chuckled at me. Putting my arm around Calli's shoulder I suggested that we go back to the ball. When we entered a commotion was happening in the center of the room. Justin was growling as his Lycan, and arguing with another just as impressive beast. It was somewhat comical seeing that they both were still dressed in their dress suits. The Moon Goddess had her head bent, shaking her head in disappointment. Calli exhaled sharply and rolled her shoulders letting her black wings unfurl as she headed toward the fray. "Guess I better joi
Zaika's povWatching my daughter vanish with her mate a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. The royal guests shook my hand and gave me their congratulations on retiring at such a young age. Sasha was giggling at me and standing at my side."You make it hard for me to keep my composure, little lady," I whispered to her, making her laugh more. Our son came up and slapped me hard on my back giving me a big grin so I wouldn't lash out at him."Are you and mom leaving right away?"Creasing my brow I glanced over at Billy giving him a questionable look."Do you want us out of your life so quickly? Why is that?" I inquired as he shook his head and snickered."I am just looking forward to visiting you on your island oasis and bringing along Gerald for some skinny dipping," he admitted. Sasha shook her head and hissed," Not on my beach you're not prancing around nude with your mate, Mister!" I chuckled at the disappointed look on our son's face as my father came back from speaking more with
Prologue I am Zaika Baranov, the adopted son of Ivan Baranov, a royal Dire wolf and Earl of King Vossler. Ivan is a brutish Russian man with a very strict disposition that had presented itself once he realized that I carried a natural-born Alpha. My wolf is named Einar and is unique as it is an Epicyon. An Epicyon is a supposedly extinct wolf species and much larger than the mere Dire wolf Ivan possessed. I also carried hellfire which was blue electrical energy that flowed around my body with only a thought. Presumably inherited from my real parents, I've never known the full meaning of its use. I was found orphaned in the forest of Ivan's lands and don't remember my parents at all. Needless to say, Ivan raised me and his daughter Sasha with a stern paw. We both have welt scars to prove his firm discipline from whippings. Still, at the young age of 20, I remained with my adopted family. Not because I wished to but because I was in love with my adopted sister Sasha. She was the most be
Zaika povFrowning at my thoughts while getting dressed, I excused myself and headed to the barn.Heading toward the structure I was confused to see several of Ivan's servants standing around with two normal wolf guards from the neighboring packs."What is going on?" I asked Boris, my father's head servant. He glanced over at the guard and gestured toward him. Remus stepped forward with a puffed-out chest."His Highness caught two rogue wolves last night and we have them chained inside the barn," He growled."We will use them as bait dogs for entertaining the king during his visit," his sidekick Jasper laughed. Shaking my head in disbelief. I went to slide open the barn door and Remus grabbed my hand, stopping me."Are you stupid boy? There are rogue wolves in there!" He snarled. Rolling my eyes, I glared back as my hellfire sparked along my flesh."So is the feed for my father's cattle. So unless you plan on dealing with Ivan, I suggest you move your ass," I replied. Making a gruntin
Sasha's povLeaving my brother Zaika's bedroom my heart was pounding in my chest. I was fearful he would inquire about my injury again. I'd been lucky that he hadn't caught my lie the first time he asked. Prince Gallum had intercepted me in the hall and he had also tried forcing himself on me. When I fought back he punched me and left me unconscious on the hallway floor. When I woke up, my blouse had been torn exposing my small breasts. Shivering at the memory I went down the servant stairs to avoid the prick. Entering the kitchen I went straight to Hazel, the head of the kitchen staff to ask what I could help with. Our father thought we should help with household duties to gain character and an understanding of all the work that was involved. It had been exciting in my youth but as I grew older it became more tedious to both Zaika and I. "You should go to your room and clean up, dear. Your father told us you would be entertaining his majesty this evening. You better get some makeup
Zaika's povFeeling frustrated by Sasha's refusal to run away with me to start anew, I went back to my balcony after she left me. Glancing out across the field I dumped the ice from the bag and watched the ice cubes scatter across the ground below. Looking sideways through the grassy field I could see a pile of broken soil where the young rogue was laid to rest. Frowning at Gallum's blatant disregard for another's life I shook my head and hissed between my clenched teeth."You have always known that the prince is an uncaring and abusive creature. Remember how he treated his palace servants when you visited him at his father's," Einar growled firmly in my mind. "I know," I sighed and looked up at the afternoon sun. The sound of snapping twigs and rustling of vegetation could be heard echoing in the forest along with excited yips and howls. Tilting my head to listen to the calls I figured it was the king's guard. They were known to travel in large groups due to the king's fragile age a
Sasha's povSeeing all the males in the audience didn't interest me. Only one of them made my heart stir and that was my bunny. As I danced I did my best to give Zaika an exquisite performance."He has seen you dance many times. This will be no different than the several times before," Aspen, my wolf snorted in my mind. I missed a step and gritted my teeth over her comment."Are you purposefully trying to ruin my routine?" I inquired bluntly with a rash thought."Just want that asshole Gallum's blatant interest off your ass," she snarled bitterly, causing me to glance toward the prince. I swallowed uncomfortably seeing his eyes glowing slightly at my person. Moving my attention to Zaika I curled my lip in his direction."How will I know who my mate is, Aspen? Tell me since my mother cannot." I asked my wolf subconsciously. Whining in my head she huffed, "It doesn't matter, dear. You hold a royal Dire Wolf and will be wed to a proper equal." Creasing my brow as I twirled, I felt my hea
Zaika's pov"I was so worried about you, bunny!" Sasha cried into my chest."I am fine and appreciate your concern but really think you should release me and go back into our home," I mumbled. Raising her blonde brow at me questionably, I grinned."I'm nude sister," I said candidly and watched her eyes glance down my body. I had covered myself but her eyes stayed on my hands."Little pervert," I mumbled sarcastically and she slapped my clawed arm causing me to wince."You are injured!" Sasha gasped. I grabbed her arm and neared her ear."Meet me in my room and I will tell you everything that actually happened,'' I growled. She nodded her head with wide eyes and hurried to the patio yanking my arm. I shifted into Einar and nudged Sasha's side. Glancing at my large wolf she smiled and ran her fingers through my thick fur. Einar gave her face a big lick, covering her with drool. "Gross Einar," she giggled while stepping up the stairs."The female is truly precious but her wolf is a stub
Zaika's povWatching my daughter vanish with her mate a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. The royal guests shook my hand and gave me their congratulations on retiring at such a young age. Sasha was giggling at me and standing at my side."You make it hard for me to keep my composure, little lady," I whispered to her, making her laugh more. Our son came up and slapped me hard on my back giving me a big grin so I wouldn't lash out at him."Are you and mom leaving right away?"Creasing my brow I glanced over at Billy giving him a questionable look."Do you want us out of your life so quickly? Why is that?" I inquired as he shook his head and snickered."I am just looking forward to visiting you on your island oasis and bringing along Gerald for some skinny dipping," he admitted. Sasha shook her head and hissed," Not on my beach you're not prancing around nude with your mate, Mister!" I chuckled at the disappointed look on our son's face as my father came back from speaking more with
Zaika's povAfter watching my father fix the mated pair I felt a sense of great relief. The love of my life and I could forget about all the wolf nonsense and enjoy a cocktail on the beach or so I had hoped for.Justin grinned as he passed me to go search for the Moon Goddess and Calli came to stand with Faelon and me. She looked happy and I was glad it worked out for her."Don't have any pups until I'm in my forties," I huffed.Both my father and daughter chuckled at me. Putting my arm around Calli's shoulder I suggested that we go back to the ball. When we entered a commotion was happening in the center of the room. Justin was growling as his Lycan, and arguing with another just as impressive beast. It was somewhat comical seeing that they both were still dressed in their dress suits. The Moon Goddess had her head bent, shaking her head in disappointment. Calli exhaled sharply and rolled her shoulders letting her black wings unfurl as she headed toward the fray. "Guess I better joi
Calli's povFrustrated beyond measure at the stupidity of the male species and that of the Moon Goddess herself I stormed into my mother's suite to prepare for my future on my terms."How dare she think to dictate to me about my love life!" I growled sourly in my thoughts to my wolf. Char remained quiet as my mother approached me in concern."Calli, sweetie, are you here to get ready?" She asked curiously."Yes and also I'd like Monica to do my hair. I'm not ashamed of my back slits any longer. It's what I am and I will embrace it," I asserted. Nodding my mother brought out my backless gown."I have a lovely necklace that will match perfectly with this gown. Come and let's get you dressed!"Seeing that she was already wearing her dress I assumed the ball would be starting soon and my gut hurt. The Moon Goddess informed me earlier that she would tell the reaper that I was his intended. That grinds my gears. I disliked Atlas and wanted nothing to do with him. My soul belonged to Justin
Zaika's povHeading to my office the staff rushed past me with big smiles on their faces. The palace staff were running around excited over the dance that was being held. Since I informed them I was tripling their normal pay and they were all invited as well, they were being super vigilant with the arrangements.Focusing on the day's work I turned on the computer to sort through the several emails I'd already received. A few minutes later Sasha came rushing into the office in a tizzy."I can't find our daughter, she isn't in her normal room and no one has seen hide nor hair of her!""Well since Justin's family is staying in his old room, maybe she chose a different suite to stay the night in," I offered and she chewed on her lip."Are you going to be in here working all day? The day is special and you should be enjoying it with our guests. Leave your work and join me to find our children," she suggested. Turning off the computer I stood and smiled at my mate."Have you asked Billy if
Calli's povWatching the reaper walk past me I tucked my wings around myself. The scent of my mate was still lingering in the air and my heart was racing in my chest. Knowing Justin was seeing me like this was heart-wrenching.Clearing his throat, Justin stepped closer to my back. When he ran his fingers through my feathers a moan came out from me unwillingly. I felt myself getting damp as his fingers continued to explore the monstrosities coming from my back. Jerking my feathers from his grasp I turned and growled at him. The large male just smiled."They are as soft as they look," he said in amazement. "Thanks, I guess. I just want them gone," I muttered bitterly as I stood and crossed my arms. "Did you read my diaries?" Side-eyeing him I shook my head."No, just your academic books," I said softly. Justin exhaled deeply and reached out for one of my hands. I watched him under my lowered lashes to see him having difficulty with his words."I'm sorry for what I said about the reap
Calli's povMy tears finally ran dry and I couldn't weep any longer. My father stood over me shaking his head."Why don't you come to dinner and eat," he said firmly. Glancing up at him I shook my head."I'm staying here and will wait for Justin. He may return for more of his belongings. Have my meals placed at the broken door," I growled."Do you want to speak with your mother? She is still planning to have a ball, Calli. Maybe you will meet someone else," he suggested. I knew he was trying to help but my heart was shattered and I felt like I was dying."Okay Dad, please go. I will be alright," I responded, giving him a half smile. Grinning back he walked away and I exhaled deeply. Looking around Justin's suite I decided to study the male's interests and also read his books. "Maybe he will admire my mind if he can't trust my words," I mumbled determinedly."He is a big dumb lumbering ox of a man and old to boot," Char growled sourly in my mind. "Yep, I completely agree," I sighed.
Calli's povWrapping the robe around me tighter I snapped my eyes around the room I was standing in."Where am I and why did it feel like I had fainted?!"The reaper grinned slightly and said, "My way of transportation involves death so you experienced a false death and I brought you to my brother's house where I sometimes stay." Narrowing my eyes in thought I suddenly gasp."Take me back! Time runs differently here and…""Justin will forget about you, yes Calli that is my intention," he snickered. My heart began to pain me and I shook my head."I need to return, I am a hundred percent positive that I am to be with him, not you Death Dealer!" Atlas ignored me, took a cell phone out from his suit jacket, and proceeded to make a call, unbelievable!When he ended his call a male and female appeared. I knew they were my grandparents because my wolf told me so."Is this our granddaughter?" the woman asked as she smiled at me. Atlas nodded and she embraced me."You look exactly like my dau
Calli's pov I struggled in the arms of the beast that had run off with me. Watching my mother fade in the distance I growled before losing my shift and converting back to my human form. The creature's green eyes glanced down at me and grinned devilishly. "Let me go, Justin!""Not until you agree to let me mark you as my mate," he snarled. Crossing my arms over my bare breasts I glared at him. He was huge and so was the flesh dangling between his legs."You will split me in half with your huge dick, sir," I asserted, causing him to stop suddenly and look down at himself. He began laughing and shook his head. "I will release you if you promise to just spend some time with me in conversation. I'm not going to harm you, Calli. I only wish for us to get to know each other…to make your decision easier," he said with humility. Gazing up at his Lycan's face I chewed on my bottom lip as I nodded."Please don't vanish either since I'm certain that you've inherited that gift from your father,
Sasha's pov"I feel we should return to the Palace. We have done what we came here for and I can visit with my grandparents another time since I now know how to travel here," Zaika told the others regretfully. Calli eyed me sadly."Is it because I am deformed?" She asked with a trembling bottom lip.Shaking my head I hugged her and told her that she was perfect. Justin stood suddenly and growled threateningly at Zaika causing Calli to shiver. Billy on the other hand started laughing at the advisor. He had overheard our conversation about Calli's wing slits and knew Justin would be devastated by it."Calm yourself old wolf, our family has an issue to discuss and resolve!" Justin directed his narrowed eyes at Billy."Watch yourself, young prince. You do not know how it feels knowing your mate is out of reach," he replied. Forest grabbed his uncle's arm and forced him back to his chair."You're letting your Lycan rule your tongue and behavior, your female is frightened," Forest asserte