Zaika's povThe air was getting colder the further north our group went. I let my hellfire spark across my bare chest for warmth and Bryce side-eyed me."Are you related to Zurac Volkov?" He questioned curiously. I lifted my palm and the blue energy."I don't believe so. I have no memory of my biological parents or family relatives, sir, "I said firmly and squeezed the hellfire ball in my hand, extinguishing it in my fist. Bryce shook his head and added, "Zurac had an actual fire, not that blue stuff. His daughter Raven had the blue though. Anyway, please just call me Bryce." He gave me a lopsided grin and I nodded. My ears perked up hearing crunching in the distance."It's the reindeer herders or nomads. They leave us alone and we do the same for them." Glancing out across the vast tundra under the morning sun I could make out antlers on the horizon. My thoughts went to Sasha, thinking that she would find the sight stunning."How do you know if one is your mate?" I asked Bryce abrupt
Zaika's pov"Are you going to deny these two lovely females a chance to rock your world?" Vossler inquired bluntly with narrowed yellow eyes. I swallowed uncomfortably and nodded."I am not in the mood to have sex," I mumbled softly. Vossler tilted his head at the females and told them to go so he could speak with me privately. My unease left momentarily until he pushed me into the red room, shutting and locking the door behind himself."Ivan didn't tell you why you were brought here with me?" He asked bluntly. Surprising me, I shook my head and answered, "No your Highness." Rubbing his chin he curled his lip and glanced at me."Ivan wanted your interest in Sasha squashed. He informed me that you have an obsession with your adopted sister," he mumbled candidly. I shrugged and nodded."I love her more than sisterly, but I have never laid with her intimately," I admitted honestly. "You know that she must be wed to someone who carries a title and not some male who was discovered lost wi
Zaika's povNick led me to an enormous suite that was fully furnished with every amenity. I even had a full kitchen stocked full of food. The colors were slate gray, black with stainless steel accents. It fit what my insides were feeling. "If there isn't anything else needed from me, Zaika. I will leave you to explore your living quarters. That door over there leads to Bryce's room but I'm certain that it is locked from his side," Nick chuckled as he waited for me to dismiss him."I should be fine, you may go," I replied. Nodding, he paused before the door."Your training will begin tomorrow around ten so try and get rest. The first days are grueling." I nodded and waved him off. After the door shut I glanced at the modern clock on the kitchen wall and frowned. Seeing the time, I realized that I had sat in the red room for several hours."Your thoughts were consumed with Sasha as the time flew past," Einar whimpered, causing me to frown. Going to the refrigerator to search for someth
Zaika's povEnjoying the meal I had prepared while sitting at the counter my ears perked hearing a door opening from behind me. Assuming it was Bryce I continued digging in my food and ignored him when he meandered inside of the open kitchen."Good to see that you are an early riser. No coffee brewing though which sucks," he huffed as he headed to the cupboard and started preparing a pot."So day one I get to chase psychotic rodents?" I asked with a smirk."No, you don't chase them, you will learn how to move quietly without making a sound as your wolf," he replied with a snarky grin. Rolling my eyes I exhaled."I already can move in silence if I want, Bryce. Can we skip ahead if I prove it to you?" He sucked in his bottom lip and glanced at me."I was looking forward to a slack day. So NO we won't be moving ahead. If you can show me that you can pass those little rat bastards WEARING THE HARNESS we will have the remainder of the day for ourselves," he said chipperly. I curled my lip
Sasha's povSitting on the couch I watched Gallum walk slowly into the ensuite then heard the shower turning on."He didn't bring a change of clothes in with him…he will prance out of there and try to entice you with his manly appeal," my wolf howled in my mind. Pffying, I muttered, "He has no appeal, Aspen. I don't know what is going on with you recently but stop trying to force him on me. He may be handsome but he is well aware that he is. His personality is just disgusting." Frowning I heard a knock on the bedroom door and hissed. Getting up I headed toward the door. I didn't ask who it was. I opened the door and I was staring up at the frightening Southern King Ruben Roderick. Lowering my eyes quickly I bowed. His thick fingers tilted my chin. I swallowed uncomfortably seeing his eyes narrow at me and the insidious grin on his face."Well, what do we have here? Little Sasha Baranov has grown into a lovely young female," he said in his deep rough voice. I shivered and stepped back
Zaika's povVossler was very concerned about Bryce and had already sent his guards out to locate his friend and champion. I was sitting in his office area which was a large intricately carved wooden table with several chairs surrounding it. Resting my hands on the tabletop Vossler cleared his throat."I don't know if Bryce explained his health issues with you since you have not been here long but he…he is very ill and susceptible to the cold. Being in this location has not been ideal for him and his health," he said sullenly. "Bullshit, he went for a swim after we passed the lemmings, why would he do that if he was gravely ill?" I questioned. Vossler grinned and muttered, "That crazy ass probably got distracted by a she-wolf he smelled on his way home." I nodded as I sat back. Nick scurried in, apologized for the interruption, and went to the king. I watched him whisper something into the king's ear that caused both men to frown and eye me with concern. Once Nick stepped back Vossler
Zaika's povI carried Sasha past racks of drying deer hide, roasting venison, and small pups chasing each other around. It made me smile to see them so carefree. I also felt that these wolves weren't rogues at all. They had formed a pack under the female Alpha. It was impressive."I wonder how Boris knew that they were east of Ivan's land?" I mentioned it to Einar and he huffed but did not reply. Scarlett led me to a large round turf hut. "Everyone OUT!" She snarled. I watched several men and women quickly leave. Lifting the flap she gestured for me to enter. I carried Sasha inside the cozy dwelling and watched Scarlett lean the rifle against the side post."I will heal your female if you tell me who murdered my son," Scarlett stated briskly. I swallowed uncomfortably. I wouldn't give a name but would give a simple clue, I decided."It was the eldest son of Ruben Roderick," I said as I watched anger and sorrow fill her eyes. "Lay her down on the furs," she ordered. Doing as she aske
Zaika's povGetting rudely awakened while I was embracing Sasha caused me to growl threateningly at the person responsible."Wake up!" A familiar male's voice ordered. Cracking my eyes open, I looked up at my adopted father's head servant and curled my lip. Sasha nestled closer to my bare chest making me smile triumphantly. The flashlight he carried suddenly shined in my face."The Northern province king's messenger stopped at your father's house in search of you. Vossler is requesting that you return immediately," he said firmly. Boris glanced down at me and Sasha and shook his head."Ivan's going to have a vein burst in his forehead," he muttered. I scooted out from under Sasha and searched for my sweatpants."Shine that light over that way, I need my clothes. Also, did the messenger mention anything about the king's champion returning?" I questioned. Boris told me that the messenger hadn't mentioned Bryce."You want to explain to me how you just walked into the Rogue Alpha's camp an
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