《The Lycan Princess and the Temptation of Sin》


 1. On My Own

    1. On My Own


    SKYLA.


    Music res from the car radio and I¡¯m enjoying the wind that whips through my hair. I look at the


    satnav and resist a yawn, massaging the back of my neck.


    There is nothing more satisfying than realising you are free - free of the image you were morphed into,


    no longer hidden behind the shield your parents created for you. Freedom is what I saw when my pack


    territory disappeared in the rear vision mirror.


    No more watchful eyes, no more scared whispers to try to ignore. I can finally put what happened


    behind me, or so I hope. The past sometimes seems totch onto me like a damn leech,ing back


    to haunt me. Coming back to serve as a reminder. One slip up, and I might not be as lucky asst time.


    I hate to think what would have happened if mama didn¡¯t get there in time. If she hadn¡¯t saved him¡­ I


    might not be here right now.


    Less than an hour left now¡­ it¡¯s been a long drive from The Night Walkers Pack, home to me and my


    family. I wish that I didn¡¯t have to resort to this, leaving for the edge of town near Midnight Academy,


    which I will attend in a week¡¯s time.


    My twin sister will live in the dorms, but after what happened at the end ofst year, I can¡¯t risk it. Since


    I¡¯ve turned eighteen, I don¡¯t know why, but it¡¯s getting harder to control it.


    I slow down a little, signalling left and changingnes. This town isn¡¯t huge. It¡¯s only a ten-minute drive


    from the Academy. The town is part of The Luminaria Pack territory. A pack that isn¡¯t too big, but the


    Alpha is someone Dad trusts. The Alpha¡¯s father was also one of the elders on Dad¡¯s council before he


    passed away.


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Alpha Prescott is an honest man and lives to please my father. He had even offered to allow me to stay


    in his house and Dad was up for that idea, but I wasn¡¯t. I want to stop relying on my father and


    everyone else. The entire point of moving out of the academy dorms is to be isted from others.


    This is my chance to step out from my father¡¯s shadow, but that is kind of hard to do when you¡¯re the


    daughter of the Lycan King himself.


    ¡°What do you think, Malevolent? Do you think we¡¯re going to enjoy this ce?¡± I ask, caressing the


    silky ck fur of my green-eyed cat as she sits on the passenger seat.


    Malevolent, she¡¯s my ride-or-die chic. This little kitty has been with me since I was a kid. My dad got


    her for me, and since then we are inseparable. We could even pass as siblings. I mean, I have ck


    hair and green eyes too.


    She purrs and I find myself smiling at her. She¡¯s totally going to love this ce. Pets aren¡¯t allowed at


    the academy after all. Of course, Malevolent always went with me, but she has to stay hidden. I m


    my foot on the brake, realising I almost missed my stop, and Malevolent hisses in annoyance as she


    almost tumbles onto the floor.


    I smirk as I turn and wind up the window, before I turn the engine off. Scooping Malevolent up in my


    arms, I get out of the car and stare at the small cottage that sits nestled between the trees. A low fence


    surrounds the front, along with some hedges that are rather overgrown. Smiling, I push open the rickety


    gate and make my way up the gravelled path to the door. A new start.


    This ce also belongs to the Alpha of the Luminaria Pack, and it¡¯s the only reason Dad has agreed for


    me to live here, alone. Kataleya, my twin, had offered to stay with me, but I know she loves the


    academy and spends hours after sses in the library. It isn¡¯t fair if she has toe out here when


    she¡¯s part of many after-school clubs.


    Stopping at the door where the blue paint is peeling, I kneel and lift the flowerpot and grab the key they


    told me would be ced there. ¡°Well, Malevolent, let¡¯s see what our new home for senior year looks


    like.¡±


    Unlocking the door, we step inside, and I look around. It¡¯s quaint, a little old, but it¡¯s clean. The smell of


    citrus blossoms from cleaning products fills the air, courtesy of the Alpha and Luna I presume. I walk


    through to the kitchen, and the first thing I spot is the card that sits on the table propped against a


    ginormous hamper of fruit.


    ¡°Meow¡­¡± Malevolent purrs, before she leaps off onto the table.


    I walk over to the table and pick up the card, I begin to read it out loud in an exaggerated posh ent.


    ¡°Dear Sk,


    Wee to the Luminaria pack. I hope you like your new amodations; I have made sure to have


    the pantry and fridge stocked. I want to take the chance to invite you to have a family dinner with us


    tomorrow night.


    PS: We prepared a room in our house for you too, in case you change your mind. Consider our pack


    and our home your own.


    Yours,


    Luna April of The Luminaria Pack¡±


    I roll my eyes and sigh.


    I guess Prescott isn¡¯t going to just let me stay here in peace. Was this dad¡¯s idea? A way of letting me


    know they are keeping a watchful eye on me?


    I don¡¯t know why they are so adamant for me to stay there. They should know I¡¯m not going to bend to


    their demands. I don¡¯t care if they want to look out for me; I don¡¯t need them.


    This year is about me and what I want for myself. I stare at the note as I pluck a grape from therge


    bunch that sits in the hamper, and toss it up before catching it between my red lips.


    My phone beeps and I take it out of the pocket of my leather jacket, and I raise an eyebrow, staring at


    the message.


    Dad.


    ¡®Hey, you arrived? How do you like the ce? Prescott called saying he¡¯s invited you tomorrow night


    for dinner. Make sure you go.¡¯


    I sigh, cing the phone down and leaving Dad on ¡®read¡¯.


    ¡°Dad, you and Prescott can n all you want, but I am not going to entertain old goats this year. It¡¯s


    going to be about me. I¡¯m legally an adult now. I¡¯m done having to obey.¡±


    I walk over to the radio that sits on the counter wondering how old this thing is, but it¡¯s working. Tuning


    in to a music channel, I st it so high it hurts my own ears and drowns out my own thoughts.


    Smirking, I take my jacket off, tossing it onto the chair, and then head back outside again.


    Time to get unpacking and get settled in!


    -----


    ¡°All done Malevolent!¡± I say, dropping onto my bed in nothing but a towel since I had just showered. I


    had managed to get unpacked, and now I pick up my phone.


    I skim through my messages from my girls, and then there¡¯s like a ton from Dad, and a couple from


    Mama. I don¡¯t bother with them, not wanting to hear their concern.


    Instead, I roll onto my stomach, logging onto a separate chat app. My heart skips a beat as I look at the


    little red dot with the number 4 on it.


    Four messages¡­


    I bite my lip and click on the chat between me and Reign707.


    Reign707: I¡¯ll wait for it. You owe me that picture.


    Should I be worried that you haven¡¯t been online for thest twenty or so hours?


    Seriously, no reply?


    Everything ok? Hit me up when you get the chance. I might be a little worried.


    LuciferessX: Awe did you miss me? See, I know I¡¯m so precious, just didn¡¯t realise you¡¯re so needy.


    I bite my lip and smirk when I see him typing. So, he was waiting for my message¡­


    Reign707: Amusing. Not. However, where the hell have you been?


    I roll onto my back, unable to exin why I feel so giddy talking to him. I had somehow virtually run into


    him in an online chat room where we were all betting on a match in the Alpha Gen X games, and then


    we somehow got into a debate. He ended up being right, but it was his cocky ¡®I told you so love¡¯ that


    really hit something inside.


    LuciferessX: Moving today, remember?


    Reign707: Oh shoot, yeah, you were saying. How¡¯s the new ce?


    It¡¯s kinda cute how he didn¡¯t really say fuck or shit.


    LuciferessX: It¡¯s nice, secluded, in the middle of nowhere. A little cottage in the middle of the woods.


    Reign707: Did you know the big bad wolfes after the little girl in the woods?


    LuciferessX: Oh baby, I AM the big bad wolf.


    Reign707: Oh yeah, with that tiny body of yours?


    I roll my eyes. I may not have shown him my face, not wanting him to somehow recognise me as being


    the Alpha King¡¯s daughter, but he had seen an image of me posing on a bike with a helmet on, and a


    couple other half-shots.


    LuciferessX: This girl¡¯s got ws and teeth, and I¡¯m not afraid to use both.


    If only he knew how dangerous I can be¡­


    Reign707: Who says I don¡¯t enjoy some pain? Maybe I wouldn¡¯t mind you tearing my clothes off with


    those ws.


    Is it possible for my heart to palpitate over a couple of sentences? When we met, I knew he was going


    through a rough patch in a rtionship. He never really mentioned her much, but they had issues.


    LuciferessX: Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves¡­


    Reign707: I¡¯ll try not to Lol. You owe me a picture, remember? Of your new tattoo?


    Oh yeah!


    I look down at my right shoulder. I had a tattoo of vines, with small thorns and red roses that spread


    from my shoulder down the right side of my breast and to my waist, as well as the full sleeve of my right


    arm.


    Well, if he wants a picture¡­


    I open my towel and position my tattooed arm over my breasts. Crossing my legs, I raise my phone,


    tilting my phone so only my lower stomach all the way to my shoulders could be seen as I turn slightly


    to my right, arching my back a little and take a steamy snap.


    I look at it. It¡¯s probably the sexiest image I¡¯ve taken of myself to send to someone, and yeah, I¡¯m about


    to send it to him.


    We¡¯ve been friends¡­ but I don¡¯t know, sometimes I feel there¡¯s something more¡­ Here goes nothing.


    LuciferessX: Here you go? What do you think?


    I attach the picture and hit send. I feel a twinge of excitement inside, and roll onto my stomach


    restlessly, watching the little ¡®Seen¡¯ notification pop up under the image. I bite my lip, waiting for his


    reply. There¡¯s a pause¡­ a long pause.

 2. A Prince

    2. A Prince


    SKYLA.


    Those few seconds feel like forever, until I see the three dots that signal that he¡¯s typing.


    Reign707: Wow¡­ I may have a PhD in English, but I¡¯m pretty lost for words right now¡­ The tattoo is


    far sexier than the draft you sent mest month. Secondly, maybe I¡¯m crossing the line, but you¡¯re even


    hotter naked, and I didn¡¯t think that was possible.


    My stomach flutters and I smirk and text my reply.


    LuciferessX: Thanks XD. Soo, do I get a picture in return?


    It¡¯s kind of hot in here, and even when I slip between the sheets of my freshly made bed, I still can¡¯t


    shake that feeling away.


    Reign707: I guess it¡¯s only fair, but I¡¯m pre-warning you, I have just consumed a 20¡± pizza.


    LuciferessX: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll keep that in mind when I admire your food baby.


    Reign707: Lol


    A picture loads and I find myself staring at the most drool-worthy eight-pack I¡¯ve ever seen. Oh damn,


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    he¡¯s sizzling¡­ he¡¯s tanned, and every groove of his chiselled body is perfect¡­ I can see the band of


    what appears to be some ck boxers, and from what I can see, he¡¯s sitting in a ck leather chair.


    One hand has his white tee pulled up, showing that he just took a quick snap right now.


    Oh fuck¡­


    Reign707: Lost for words?


    And feeling a little bothered?


    LuciferessX: Damn, you are totally lickable. Do you taste as good as you look?


    I bite my lip, knowing we are crossing into uncharted waters¡­ I¡¯m not sure where we stand. This won¡¯t


    push him away, will it?


    Reign707: I don¡¯t know, want to test me out?


    LuciferessX: Don¡¯t tempt the devil with sin.


    Reign707: Isn¡¯t it the devil who makes others sin?


    LuciferessX: The temptation isn¡¯t easy to deny¡­ so tell me, how are you holding up?


    Silence. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have asked him that. I mean, I just killed the mood, but after a few


    moments, I see he¡¯s typing.


    Reign707: Not bad at all. I have someone who keeps me upied. Plus, a pretty gorgeous picture


    that¡¯s kind of knocked the ball out of the park.


    I bite my lip, running my fingers through my short ck hair. I had it cut justst week. I love long hair,


    but it¡¯s a headache to look after.


    LuciferessX: If you ever want to talk about it, you know I¡¯m here.


    There¡¯s silence and I wonder if I should send a follow-up. I may have crossed the line, but I¡¯m pretty


    upfront. I¡¯m thinking what to reply when he¡¯s typing again, and I look at the second message that pops


    up, and my heart thuds as I read it.


    Reign707: I think it¡¯s high time we meet. I want to know the woman who¡¯s ruined my nights.


    That could be taken two ways¡­ We text until one of us falls asleep¡­ usually me¡­ or it could mean


    more¡­


    My heart thumps as I sit up, making Malevolent stir from where she¡¯s sleepingfortably on the edge


    of the bed.


    Meet¡­


    I want to meet him, I really do, but there¡¯s a part of me that¡¯s worried it will just mark the end for us. If I


    lose control, if I can¡¯t control my Lycan, I might end up hurting him. That¡¯s why I¡¯m out here and not at


    the academy dorms.


    Reign707: That silence doesn¡¯t sound good, are you afraid? We¡¯ll meet somewhere crowded. You said


    you moved south. Let¡¯s meet at Dolce Vita. I won¡¯t bite.


    I might¡­


    He doesn¡¯t even know where exactly I am. After all, he doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m attending Midnight Academy, I


    told him I¡¯m moving this way for work¡­


    Yeah, one lie to make sure nothing leads back to who I am. What shall I do? He never told me what


    pack he¡¯s from and I never told mine either¡­ Would he recognise me?


    LuciferessX: Sure. Let¡¯s meet tomorrow at ten?


    Reign707: Excellent, see you tomorrow. It¡¯s ratherte, you should get some rest.


    LuciferessX: Sure, but how will I know it¡¯s you?


    Reign707: I¡¯ll recognise you. I¡¯m certain of it.


    LuciferessX: Mmm, now that sounds fun.


    Reign707: I agree. Goodnight.


    We end our conversation and I lie there staring at the ceiling. I¡¯m excited, and a little nervous, but most


    of all, there¡¯s this fire inside of me. The thrill of meeting him makes any sleepiness vanish.


    I slowly sit up and reach for my crossbody bag that sits on the floor near the bed, and lean back against


    the headboard as I slip my hand inside and pull out a vial of deep purple liquid. The moon shines


    through the cracks in the blinds and I sigh. As long as nothing triggers me off, I should be ok.


    Last year, just before we broke up for the holiday, a group of boys had the audacity to make some lewd


    marks about my twin Kataleya. The thing is, I may get around and be ok to send my nudes or whatever,


    but Kataleya is the opposite of me, where I¡¯m dark, dangerous and don¡¯t give a fuck. Kataleya is light,


    pure, and she¡¯s sensitive. I had lost my shit and my Lycan had taken control¡­ and I almost killed one


    of them¡­


    I may not see eye to eye with Dad, but the power that a Lycan holds is intense. It¡¯s why I don¡¯tmit


    to a rtionship either, sooner orter they show that fear¡­ fear of me. I need a partner who can


    handle me. Someone strong enough to not care when I lose my shit, that is what I want. I ce the vial


    back in my bag, and curl up under my duvet.


    I am the Alpha King¡¯s daughter. I will learn to control myself. I have to¡­ just the way he learned to.


    -----


    The following morning, I leave the house before the sun has even risen. I know one would think you


    shouldn¡¯t venture out into the woods, but I honestly don¡¯t think you¡¯ll find anything more dangerous than


    me out there.


    I¡¯m in a pair of ck sweatpants and a sports bra, and my trainers barely touch the ground as I run


    through the trees. I¡¯m tempted to shift, but I can¡¯t risk it, especially during the day. I just get back to the


    house when I stop in my tracks, catching a rich, intoxicating scent. It smells of fresh air, roses and


    something I can¡¯t ce.


    A vivid memory of my family around the barbeque, the smell of fresh flowers and freshly cut grass fill


    my nose.


    The scent of summer.


    Someone¡¯s here, and by the aura, I know it¡¯s an Alpha. I rush up the path and through the gate when I


    see a man in ck pants and a white shirt standing in front of the door, holding Malevolent. There¡¯s


    blood¡­ my face pales when I see the blood that seems to drip from Malevolent¡¯s paw, and over the


    Alpha¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Let her go!¡± I snarl, my eyes zing, and I¡¯m in front of them in a sh.


    Did he hurt her?


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m sorry, but I found her tangled in the thorny bushes.¡± He says in his deep, husky voice, making


    me freeze. My heart thunders and my eyes return to normal as I slowly look up at him, realising I had


    overreacted.


    He raises his hand in surrender, letting me take her from him, and she meows pitifully. I take the


    moment to gather my thoughts as I observe him.


    He¡¯s tall, roughly around 6,4 and he¡¯s got a lean build, but I can see the hard muscles through the white


    shirt. As for his hair¡­ well, let¡¯s just say it¡¯s this gorgeous blond. It reaches his shoulders, falling in


    straight waves, framing his sharp face, which is set with sexy grey eyes.


    Damn¡­ I do have a thing for blonds, but right now I don¡¯t know what to think of him just showing up in


    the middle of nowhere. I watch him, clutching my cat to my chest.


    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± I ask, looking him over. He isn¡¯t dressed for a run¡­


    ¡°I was just passing through and I heard her meowing, and well, that¡¯s when I saw her tangled in the


    thorny bush. I presumed she may belong to the new tenants here. I actually didn¡¯t expect it to be a


    werewolf.¡± He smiles charmingly, as he shows me his hands which are full of scratches, more signs


    that he had rescued her from the bushes.


    I cock a brow. I may have a temper, but I love animals, especially my Malevolent. She¡¯s the only one


    who will never leave me.


    ¡°The ce is owned by werewolves; you shouldn¡¯t be so surprised¡­ I¡¯m sorry for overreacting. When I


    saw you holding her and the blood, I was worried.¡± I exin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologise. It¡¯s only natural to be worried about her. I¡¯m d she¡¯s safe. I¡¯m Aleric, by the way.¡±


    ¡°Hi¡­ I¡¯m Sk.¡± I reply reluctantly, not really wanting to give my name to a stranger.


    Why did his name seem familiar? I swear it feels like I¡¯ve heard it¡­


    Think Sky¡­ he¡¯s alpha blooded, strong too¡­ Do I know of any Alpha with that name? I don¡¯t want to


    ask for his Pack or surname just in case he asks mine.


    ¡°You¡¯re not one to trust strangers.¡± He remarks, with a sexy smile.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I like to be low-key, and I¡¯m a private person.¡± I reply.


    I know Mama would have probably wanted me to give him something to stem the bleeding, but I just


    want him to be gone.


    Ah, who cares? He¡¯s an Alpha. He¡¯ll heal, right?


    I unlock the door and step inside.


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°Thank you! Bye!¡± I exim, trying to shut the door in his face, but he puts his foot in the door, stopping


    it from shutting.


    ¡°Sorry to be a bother, but do you mind if I wash the blood off? I don¡¯t want to ruin my shirt.¡±


    I can¡¯t refuse an open request¡­ He did help Malevolent¡­


    She meows, and I look down at my poor little kitty, and I scratch behind her neck.


    I guess I¡¯ll have to help the Gorgeous Greek God.


    ¡°Come in. I think I saw a first aid box somewhere.¡±

 Book 2 -Chapter2. Race Against Time

    Book 2 -Chapter2. Race Against Time


    LEO.


    I nce at the clock, wondering why I¡¯m sitting in my car on the outskirts of London, in Brent to be


    precise. I cock my brow as I look out of the window. The rain is pouring down again and it''s only getting


    heavier.


    ¡°You better have a good reason for this.¡± I remark coldly through my earpiece, listening to the


    downpour outside.


    ¡°I do, but the rest is up to you.¡± His voice bes serious, and I frown, ncing at the box that


    contains my healing serums.


    ¡°Dante¡­ I¡¯m assuming you can¡¯t tell me what¡¯s about to go down? You obviously want me to save


    someone.¡±


    He sighs. ¡°You¡¯re right, I can¡¯t say.¡± He sounds frustrated. ¡°I hope I¡¯m right¡­¡±


    ¡°Me too, I had ns.¡± I reply.


    He had randomly contacted me an hour ago, saying to track a certain number and to follow them but


    stay hidden. I listened like a fucking pawn in this game he¡¯s ying and I didn¡¯t have my shit with me to


    check who exactly I¡¯m tracking.


    ¡°I know, but thanks¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, you fucking owe me.¡± I say.


    ¡°That makes two debts¡­¡± Dante murmurs.


    I cock a brow. I¡¯m not nning on calling on the first favour.


    ¡°Stop counting shit.¡±


    He chuckles.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll leave you to it, Dad¡¯s calling me to his office. He¡¯s so damn pissed off.¡± He says.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he always?¡± I ask, lighting a cigarette.


    ¡°Very true¡­Think today took the cake.¡± He replies before hanging up, and I nce at the time again.


    Come on¡­


    I close my eyes for a moment, running my fingers through my hair when the sound of a gunshot


    reaches my ears and my eyes sh.


    That¡¯s got to be it.


    Grabbing the box, I jump out of the car, rushing towards the sound. Several more gunshots sound in


    the air. They¡¯re using a silencer but the shots are still pretty loud, especially for a werewolf.


    Lightning shes in the sky, and I feel a powerful dark aura surge in the sky, one I¡¯vee across


    before.


    The serpent?


    I thought it was dead.


    What the fuck is going on?


    Don¡¯t tell me there¡¯s another of those fucking things out there!


    I run as fast as I can, my feet barely touching the ground, the box of injections in my hand, the thudding


    of my heart loud in my ears. The sound hade from the bridge.


    What are you ying at, Dante? It¡¯s got to be vital. For him to tell me to be here at this very moment in


    time.


    ¡®You should always keep some of those healing shots on you Leo, who knows when someone might


    need them.¡¯


    Those were his words before he had me stake out here.


    He¡¯s ying a dangerous game, one that tells mees with consequences. There are things he can¡¯t


    say and things he tries to get around by being indirect with his words, but ultimately he¡¯s ying with


    the Gods and that can only mean trouble.


    Our actions alwayse with repercussions. I just hope he isn¡¯t ying a game he cannot fucking


    escape.


    My feet hit the bridge, the smell of blood filling my nose and I spot the two bodies lying in the rain on


    the bridge, but that dark aura has vanished.


    I scan the area as I run over to the two bodies. Only one of the two is alive, and he¡¯s bleeding out far


    worse than the one who is already dead. A faint crackle of electricity envelopes his body.


    What the¡­


    Crouching down, I snap open the freezer box, and pull out an injection, pulling off the lid.


    His heartbeat is waning, and I inject him in the neck, cursing as the current that is wrapping his body


    sends an intense electric shock through me.


    ¡°Fucking hell.¡± I mutter, there¡¯s no time to waste.


    His heart thuds once, and I take out the next three. I¡¯m not sure if an increased dose will work, but he¡¯s


    strong, even in this state I can tell.


    I nce at his face, and it takes me a split second to recognise him.


    Royce Arden¡­


    The Arden who helped me with Judah.


    With the intense smell of blood, I hadn¡¯t recognised his scent either. A surge of determination rushes


    through me and I frown.


    He¡¯s going to survive.


    I will repay the debt I owe him.


    I rip open his shirt, injecting him in the chest, one at a time. I ignore the pain that rushes through me


    when I touch him and scan the bullet wounds.


    He¡¯s shot several times, and although I know that the bullets have done their damage, if they contain


    any poison, it¡¯ll be better to get them out and maybe I¡¯ll figure out exactly what the bullets consist of.


    He¡¯s still losing a lot of blood.


    I pick up the final two injections and inject him with both.


    Come on¡­


    Extracting my ws, I dig my fingers into the first wound, until I find the shell and pry it out, about to


    toss it aside when I freeze. My heart thuds as I stare at something that¡¯s like a fucking nightmare from


    my past¡­


    The bullets that I created¡­ or bullets with my form¡­ the symbol on them ring back at me.


    I look down at the man who is still fucking alive.


    How the fuck¡­ These bullets can destroy anything or anyone¡­


    I look at him, seeing the current of electricity that still ripples around him. He¡¯s unconscious but it¡¯s still


    rippling around him. Lightning and rain¡­ not a pleasant mix.


    ncing back at him, I know there¡¯s something about him that I don¡¯t know but¡­ I pocket the two


    bullets I had fished out of him before I stand and lift him over my shoulder. Gritting my teeth at the


    currents of electricity that rush through me.


    Fuck, I still need to get him back.


    I nce at the other body there and pick him up. I can¡¯t leave him here. Hoisting both bodies up, I


    break into a run just as my phone goes off.


    I press the button on my earpiece.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I say as I run back to the car, feeling the earpiece buzzing, thanks to the electricity.


    ¡°Leo, you¡¯re in Brent right, you need to find Royce! Royce Arden! He¡¯s hurt. Please drop everything!


    Sky¡¯s in so much pain! She-¡±


    ¡°I got him, but he¡¯s injured pretty badly. I¡¯m bringing him back.¡± I say as I dump the dead body in the


    back of my car and shove Royce in the front. There¡¯s no fucking time to waste.


    ¡°What¡­ you have him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been hit with my bullets Baby Girl¡­ He¡¯s alive and I fucking don¡¯t know how, but those bullets are


    mine which means there¡¯s still some out there¡± I say, as I hit the gas, heading home as fast as I can.


    She¡¯s silent for a moment. ¡°Leo¡­ wait.¡± She whispers.


    ¡°Tell her Leo will bring him to our pack. Come to the Sangue pack.¡± She adds to someone else, I can


    hear talking before there¡¯s silence.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s the same bullets, Leo?¡± She asks me quietly.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I¡¯ve been spending thest few fucking months making sure I had them all, but every other


    week we find a few more.


    What was left of them were being sold at extortionate prices on the ck market, but I had managed to


    purchase most of them back or when any cropped up. Offering arge sum of money for any that were


    brought to me.


    This was a move that made people want money, but also be intrigued by the bullets, but I was


    desperate to get them back.


    ¡°It¡¯s the full moon. I can heal him.¡± She says reassuringly, bringing me from my thoughts.


    I don¡¯t reply, as I nce at the man who¡¯s struggling to hold on...


    Dante wanted me to save him, and the fact he isn¡¯t dead instantly means this man is so much more


    than we know.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be there soon.¡± I reply, frowning suddenly as something she had saides back to me. ¡°You


    said Sky felt his pain¡­ That would only be possible if-¡±


    She cuts me off, her whispered words full of fear and determination.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°He¡¯s marked her, he¡¯s Sky¡¯s mate, Leo, he can¡¯t die.¡±

 3. Stood Up

    3. Stood Up


    SKYLA.


    I lead the way to the kitchen. I kiss Malevolent and ce her down on the table before I begin


    rummaging in the drawers. The quicker we find it, the quicker I can get rid of him.


    He walks over to the sink and washes his hands, and for a moment I get distracted by the way his arms


    flex. I quickly turn away and open the next drawer, relieved when I spot the box. I carry it to the table,


    and open it to take out two rolls of gauze.


    I quickly snip a long piece off and then begin cutting it down the middle for my poor little kitty. I then


    wrap her leg gently and she meows, not happy with it, but I hold her in ce as she struggles, not


    letting me tie it.


    ¡°Malevolent, behave.¡± I scold lightly.


    ¡°Here, I¡¯ll help.¡± He says and I allow him. His hands are already healed, and only a few extremely faint


    scratches remain. ¡°So, what made you move out here at this time of year?¡±


    ¡°What makes you say I moved out here recently?¡± I counter, mimicking his tone. Our eyes meet and he


    smirks, his blond hair falling over his shoulder as he holds Malevolent firmly, yet gently. He reminds me


    of a Disney prince.


    ¡°I would have known if such a beautiful woman was living out here by herself.¡±


    His gaze dips to my lips, and I look away.


    ¡°Surprised you can call me beautiful when I¡¯m soaking in sweat.¡± I retort.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t notice.¡± His gaze is a bit much, so I focus on tying the tiny bandage, which is a little fiddly. ¡°So,


    what made you move out here?¡±


    Pushy much?


    ¡°I just needed some space from my dad. He¡¯s kinda¡­ controlling. I just want to live my life the way I


    want, without anyone telling me what to do.¡± I sigh.


    He lets go of Malevolent, his eyes seeming to hold a sharp, calcting glint to them, but it is gone as


    fast as it came.


    He¡¯s about to ask me something when my phone beeps and we both nce at it. It¡¯s closer to him and


    I see his gaze linger on it before I reach over, snatching it up.


    ¡°Thank you for allowing me to wash my hands.¡± He says, ncing around before he strokes


    Malevolent¡¯s head, and she purrs in response. ¡°It¡¯s not often I see a she-wolf with a pet cat.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not your standard she-wolf.¡± I reply, scooping my kitty up.


    ¡°Oh, I have no doubt about that.¡± He says as I slowly lead the way to the front door, opening it and I


    fake a sweet smile.


    ¡°Bye.¡±


    ¡°Bye, until next time.¡± He says. His gaze flickers to my phone before he gives me a nod and steps out.


    I shut the door and look down at Malevolent. ¡°Thank the gods¡­ Come on, I¡¯ll give you some treats and


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    I promise, although Mama isn¡¯t here, I¡¯ll have you all healed up soon. Tell me, why do you always get


    into trouble?¡±


    She meows and I pout.


    I get it, you¡¯re just like me.


    I put some food on her te before I look down at my phone. There¡¯s the start of three messages on


    the screen.


    Reign707: Can¡¯t actually believe I¡¯m about to meet¡­


    Grumpy Bear: I¡¯m still waiting for that call from you¡­


    Thest one is from a music streaming channel.


    I ignore Dad¡¯s message and text Reign instead.


    I need to figure out where the club is, and how long it¡¯s going to take me to get there. Well, time to start


    prepping for tonight¡­


    -


    I¡¯m wearing a long-sleeve fitted ck dress with a boat neck in the front and it¡¯s backless with several


    silver chains going across the back. I¡¯ve paired it with ck killer heels, smokey make up, and finishing


    with red lips. I have somerge silver earrings and a couple of rings.


    As soon as I reach the club, the bouncer smirks, looking me up and down. I raise an eyebrow at him


    when he pulls the rope aside and allows me to enter.


    Hey, if allowing his wandering eyes to roam freely gets me in faster, I¡¯m not going toin.


    Stepping inside, the strobing fluorescent lights and pulsating loud music assaults my senses. Along


    with the blinding lights there is a mix of sweat, alcohol and expensive perfume. It fills my nose, making


    it burn a little as my sense of smell is overwhelmed with so many bodies mashing together as people


    dance and mingle.


    Reaching into my small shoulder bag, I take out my phone. I try to zone out the music that seems to be


    banging around inside of my head.


    There¡¯s still plenty of time. I sigh, flicking my hair out of my face with a jerk of my head. I nce around.


    There¡¯s still an hour before he¡¯ll be here¡­ but I don¡¯t mind being early. Gives me time to drink down


    some liquid courage and hopefully settle my nerves, although I know it won¡¯t work.


    Should I text to see where he is?


    Hell no, that will make me look so needy¡­ I ignore the looks I get as I saunter my way over to the bar


    and take a seat. My phone beeps and I nce down at it.


    It¡¯s from him!


    Reign707: I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m going to have to cancel. I think this is a really bad idea.


    My stomach sinks. The sting of his message burns like I¡¯ve been pped across the face. Only it hurts


    way more than any p I¡¯ve received, because I actually let myself get excited to finally meet him.


    Swallowing down my disappointment, which turns to anger, I re at my phone. He made me feel like


    a fool. I should have known better than to get my hopes up.


    LuciferessX: Why is it a bad idea? It was your idea, remember?


    Reign707: Yeah, I know, just some stuff hase up, maybe some other time.


    Wow. Just fucking wow.


    He stood me up.


    LuciferessX: Fine.


    What more was there to say?


    LuciferessX: I didn¡¯t really want to meet, anyway.


    ¡°Can I get you something?¡±


    I look up at the bartender. ¡°I¡¯ll take three shots of Vodka.¡±


    Fuck it, I don¡¯t need liquid courage now! I need it to calm the rage that is festering inside me, wishing I


    could yank him out of the little virtual chat to p the shit out of him.


    No amount of vodka is going to fix this, but it sure will make me forget for a few hours. Maybe it¡¯s a


    blessing. He¡¯s probably some dirty old man that stole photos from the inte and has been pulling


    himself off while looking at the pictures I¡¯ve sent!


    Fuck!


    Staring down at the message, I kind of expected another message, but there¡¯s nothing.


    I put my phone down before I end up breaking it just as the bartender slides a slim tray holding three


    shots of vodka with lime. I down them all, sucking on the slices of lime, trying to control how angry I


    feel.


    ¡°Another round,¡± I state. It¡¯s going to take a hell of a lot of alcohol to get me drunk, but I intend to try.


    However, my eyes are drawn up when I sense an impressive aura move into my surroundings. Turning,


    I search for the source of this potent aura that has managed to catch my attention, and spot a gorgeous


    blond Alpha as he takes a seat down the bar.


    He¡¯s the exact image of a woman¡¯s dirty fantasy. He''s at least 6,6 tall, with lush blond curls and an


    angr jaw, not to mention those soft pink lips that look so damn soft yet don¡¯t take away from his


    masculinity. He¡¯s wearing a white button-down shirt under a ck jacket and ck pants. From here, I


    can smell him¡­ A cool icy breezeced with the seductive scent of cinnamon and spice. Winter¡­ he


    smells of winter¡­


    He¡¯s on his phone, as he orders a drink from the bartender.


    Why does he look oddly familiar¡­ It takes me a moment before my eyes widen when I suddenly


    realise he looks a lot like the guy outside my house! But this one just looks bulkier and a lot more


    masculine, more of the rugged one inparison to the princely look of the other.


    His eyes snap up, and they meet mine. His face doesn¡¯t betray anything as he skims me over before


    looking away.


    Brothers maybe? Twins? They could definitely pass as twins¡­


    Dude, was this ce crawling with sexy blond Alpha Gods?


    Hmm¡­ what colour hair does Reign have? I frown, remembering how he cancelled on me.


    Cunt.


    I order another round, downing the shots that sit in front of me.


    -


    Two hourster I¡¯m still here, hoping maybe he¡¯ll show¡­ I don¡¯t know why I thought he might just


    Even Mr Greek God 2.0 seems to be waiting for someone, but he¡¯s stopped looking at his phone and I


    can tell he¡¯s getting angrier, but at the same time he keeps watching me. Guess we were both stood up


    tonight.


    Not sure why he would be¡­ I sure as hell wouldn¡¯t kick him out of bed, maybe tie him to it so he could


    never leave.


    I tilt my head, well¡­ I wouldn¡¯t mind a distraction¡­ We¡¯ve been eyeing each other up for the past two


    hours. I¡¯m sure an Alpha can handle me¡­


    I smirk, and he raises an eyebrow. I don¡¯t break eye contact, letting my fingers skim down my neck, and


    I can¡¯t help but feel satisfied when he gets up and walks over to me. Even his walk is so damn sexy.


    Call me fickle, but this is a distraction that I am not going to deny.


    ¡°Hey.¡± He says, sitting down. His voice is husky and deep, very deep.


    Fuck me now.


    Damn, he smells even better than he did from afar, I lick my red lips and smirk seductively. Crisp and


    fresh and it wards away the smell of the club.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡±


    ¡°Waiting for someone?¡±


    ¡°Not anymore.¡± I say, turning towards him. His gaze dips to my long legs that are crossed.


    ¡°Same.¡± He says, his eyes sh, but it is too fast for me to be sure. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of vodka shots,¡±


    ¡°Nothing makes me feel drunk, though I still try.¡± I chuckle, running my fingers through my hair.


    My leg brushes his and I¡¯m very aware of it. ¡°How about we change that?¡± He asks suggestively.


    ¡°Sounds good to me¡­¡± I say, standing up. I pick up my bag and phone, and I walk off down towards


    the side door. I don¡¯t need to turn to know that he¡¯s following me. I can feel his eyes on me and his aura


    as I slip my phone into my bag.


    Time to have some fun¡­

 4. In the Mirror

    4. In the Mirror


    SKYLA.


    The moment I push those double doors open entering the much quieter corridor, I nce back over my


    shoulder. Our eyes meet for a second, there¡¯s an intensity between us. The music is half blocked out


    and I give him the faintest of smiles. I turn the corner and enter the women¡¯s restroom.


    It¡¯s empty, but this will work¡­


    I lean against the wall, looking at the mirror that is hanging on the far wall.


    But my reflection is not of a woman struggling inside. I don¡¯t recognize this version of myself¡­ Don¡¯t


    recognize the uncaring expression of a vixen willing to get hot and heavy in a woman¡¯s bathroom with a


    stranger. The woman reflected back at me - I meet her sometimes¡­ She¡¯s my escape. The one I don¡¯t


    even know¡­ but tonight, like many others, I¡¯m giving her the reins again.


    The door opens mere seconds behind me, and I tilt my head to look at him.


    ¡°Interesting choice.¡± He states while locking the door. He turns around to face me, his eyes hungrily


    roaming over every inch of me. The next moment, he is stalking toward me as a predator does its prey.


    An inviting smile tugs at my lips, but I have no chance to reply when his long fingers grip my hips and


    tug me against him.


    Oh, fuck yes, just like that¡­


    His hand runs up my back, making my breath hitch at the skin-to-skin contact. My skin sizzles with


    anticipation and desire burns a fire inside me.


    The hand travelling up my back slides into my hair. Grabbing a fistful, he tilts my head back. Our eyes


    meet, and his are burning with the same hunger I feel. His stormy grey eyes hold emotions I can¡¯t


    understand, and I find myself licking my lips, wanting to drown myself in whatever he has to offer. His


    gaze dips to my lips. This silent unspoken pull between us is suffocating me, and I love it.


    He doesn¡¯t say a word as he forces me back against the wall. Our hearts are racing in sync, and the


    heat of his bodybines with mine, threatening tobust into a hundred fireworks in the pit of my


    stomach. The anticipation of having his lips on mine is killing me.


    My hand moves to his chest, and I can feel the hard nes of muscle beneath my palms as I smooth it


    down his chest before hooking my finger into the waistband of his pants.


    ¡°Kiss me. I didn¡¯te in here just to admire you.¡± I find myself murmuring, yanking him by his belt and


    forcing him closer. His chest brushes against mine. A low growl escapes him at my words. No Alpha


    likes being told what to do, let alone the challenge I ced behind them, but my words seem to have


    the desired effect I seek, because he leans down.


    One hand grips the back of my neck, his seductive scent reminds me of a winter wondend, and then,


    his lips are on mine. The lingering taste of his cocktail lingers, and a moan escapes me as he


    dominates my mouth, leaving no part untouched in a kiss that makes lust threaten to set me on fire.


    The pleasure setting me aze.


    My thoughts be consumed by his tongue, tasting every inch of my mouth. His tongue brushes


    mine in a fight for dominance that I stand no chance of winning. My head spins as I kiss him back,


    bing light-headed.


    I may not be able to get any effects from alcohol, but I¡¯m drunk on the feel of his hands exploring my


    body. My hands run over his body as I deepen the kiss, the urge to take control rising within me and I


    give up suppressing that carnal instinct.


    Grabbing his jacket, I pull it off him and toss the expensive leather to the floor. His hand slips under my


    dress just as I slip my tongue into his mouth. He wees it, ying with it with his own, before he


    sucks hard, and I moan against his lips.


    He¡¯s only kissed me, and I¡¯m so turned on, my body burns for him. His hand squeezes my ass, and the


    smell of my arousal wraps around us, perfuming the air. He groans and presses himself against me.


    His hardened shaft against me makes me yearn to unwrap it, so I can taste him. That desire


    ovees me, and my nails dig into his arm to stop me from acting on it.


    Fuck, he¡¯s damn sexy.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I whimper the moment he rubs between my legs and I hear a faint groan of pleasure escape


    him as he slowly massages my soaking pussy.


    He teases for a bit, his hand softly rubbing over my panties, and I find myself frowning.


    I can sense he¡¯s holding back, and it¡¯s getting to me. I let out a low growl, yanking him closer by the


    shirt.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably the most impatient girl I¡¯ve met,¡± He whispers seductively.


    ¡°Stop treating me like a doll who will break. Fuck me like you hate me.¡± I growl.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be able to handle my hate fucking Doll, besides it will ruin the fun¡­ Now, how about


    you shut that pretty mouth of yours and concentrate on my fingers.¡±


    I re at him, that sexy look in his eyes only turning me on even more.


    He¡¯s still not going any further, his fingers rubbing my clit tantalisingly.


    He suddenly removes his hand and roughly turns me to face the mirror, pulling both of my hands


    behind my back; he holds them with ease in his left one.


    He slides my hair over one shoulder, his grip on my wrists tightening. Watching his reflection in the


    mirror, I see his eyes flicker and a ghost of a smirk crosses his lips deviously, while his right-hand runs


    over my body.


    His touch leaves paths of tingles in his wake. He squeezes my breasts, his lips travelling along the


    column of my neck. He¡¯s strong. I can sense that just from his touch as his hand travels lower.


    Even through my dress, his rough fingers are heating my skin. His touch ignites something incredible


    inside and a gasp leaves my lips when his fingers graze across my soaked panties.


    He lightly brushes over my clit, earning a moan from me, before he continues to y¡­ My anger calms


    as his fingers tease along my waist in such a way that every inch feels heightened.


    My eyes flutter as I look at our reflection in the mirror. All I can see is the top of his head. He¡¯s tall and I


    look tiny inparison to him.


    Every touch is getting to me¡­ as he teases his fingers just beneath the waistband of my panties. My


    core throbs while I lean into him as he continues, drawing patterns with his fingertips over my skin. How


    is this driving me crazy?


    It¡¯s so intense¡­


    I¡¯m enjoying this more than I should¡­


    This is meant to be just one random fuck¡­


    He hooks his finger beneath them, tugging on my panties only to let go. The sting of the stic against


    my skin makes me hiss and I bite my lip. His fingers move lower, ghosting along my thighs, and then he


    yanks my dress up to my hips, exposing me to him.


    ¡°Look in the mirror.¡± His deep velvety voice murmurs, and almost as if hismand holds magic, I lift


    my head again and stare into the mirror, our eyes meeting and my heart thunders under those piercing


    stormy eyes. He breaks our gaze first, his eyes raking over my legs.


    ¡°I want you to watch as I y with you.¡± He purrs the words against my neck while his eyes flicker back


    to me in the mirror before holding my gaze.


    His touch suddenly isn¡¯t light, and he pulls my ck satin thongs to the side. His thumb brushes


    against my Brazilian strip.


    ¡°Sexy.¡± He whispers against my neck before his fingers tease my pussy. He runs a finger between my


    folds and begins rubbing my clit.


    At first, it is barely a grazing touch, teasing, making me growl, he lets out a breathyugh, slowly


    adding pressure and moving faster, building up a delicious tempo that has me moving my hips against


    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    his fingers.


    Pleasure explodes within me as his lips assault my neck.


    Oh, fuck! Fuck yes!


    I want to feel him against me. I try to break free from his hold but fail. He¡¯s too powerful¡­ I¡¯m far too


    lost in pleasure to focus.


    ¡°Ahh.¡± I groan, drowning in the pleasure he¡¯s serving me. I¡¯m so near¡­


    Suddenly, he slows down, making my eyes widen. My lips part as he teases me as he lightly rubs over


    my slit. I¡¯m already soaking wet¡­


    ¡°Tell me¡­ What do you want from me, Doll?¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡± my eyes sh as I see that glimmer of amusement in his eyes. His touch remains tantalising


    and gentle.


    ¡°I said, tell me you want me to fuck you harder and make youe and I¡¯ll finish what I¡¯ve begun¡­¡±


    I¡¯ll get my own back¡­ for now, I want him to finish what he¡¯s started.


    ¡°I want you to fuck me as hard as possible. I think I can take it.¡± I challenge breathlessly, sounding so


    fucking horny.


    I see his eyes sh a dazzling blue as his fingers thrust into me roughly. All traces of that gentle touch


    are gone.


    I gasp at the sharp pain of his brutal intrusion, but I¡¯m soon moaning in pleasure as he fucks me faster.


    I lean back against him, delicious pleasure rolling through me.


    He lets go of my hands and wraps his fingers around my neck tightly.


    A deep frown is etched across his forehead and something tells me he¡¯s letting go of the anger that has


    been building up inside of him tonight.


    His gaze on my pussy darkens. He plunges his fingers deeper and harder, almost as if he¡¯s trying to


    punish me with them. My core throbs and burns deliciously, and I can¡¯t help but scream in ecstasy.


    I can¡¯t think of anything but how good he¡¯s working my body; he knows exactly how to curl those fingers


    inside of me.


    My phone begins ringing, but I ignore it, the incessant ringtone telling me exactly who it is.


    Fuck! Not now.


    Almost as if realising how much it¡¯s getting to me, he pulls my head back and his lips crash against


    mine in another delicious kiss.


    The phone stops ringing, only for it to start again.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growl.


    ¡°Answer it.¡± He murmurs huskily. ¡°I won¡¯t stop.¡±


    ¡°Fuck it.¡± I moan. I wouldn¡¯t be able to not moan. I can feel my pleasure heighten.


    So¡­ damn¡­ close¡­


    Pleasure shoots through me as my release hits and I cry out, drowning out the sound of the phone


    ringing and if he wasn¡¯t holding me, I would copse. My canines elongate and my eyes ze as I feel


    my nails dig into the hand that holds me.


    I tense, but he doesn¡¯t seem phased. He slips his fingers out, rubbing my pussy.


    My heavy breathing and the sound of my racing heart are all I can hear.


    I look into those eyes. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve had such a good orgasm in ages, and that is with his fingers


    alone¡­ isn¡¯t this supposed to be a quick fuck?


    ¡°If you wanted to y, you should have at least taken me to a hotel room.¡± I say breathlessly, reaching


    behind me and running my hand over his hard shaft.


    Oh, he¡¯s big, and I want it.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t the initial n¡­ but can you me me when you¡¯re so bloody hot?¡± He murmurs, his lips


    brushing down my neck. ¡°Besides¡­ I didn¡¯t want anyone to see us leaving¡­¡±


    Good point¡­ but who is he?


    The phone rings again, and I exhale. Did dad not get the fucking hint?


    ¡°Give me a minute.¡± I whisper, refusing to let him move back as I continue to run my hand over his shaft


    and I take out my phone, ring at it before I answer it.


    ¡°What? If I¡¯m not answering, it means I¡¯m busy or asleep.¡± I say.


    ¡°Do not give me that shit. You were meant to attend the dinner with Prescott!¡± Dad growls.


    ¡°I was tired, so I decided to sleep instead.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me. He had someone go down to check up on you¡­ and you weren¡¯t there. You¡¯re still


    not there.¡± He sounds fucking pissed.


    I clench my jaw, angry that he is spying on me.


    So, it was all a lie? The entire agreement to allow me some space and freedom?


    ¡°So, you¡¯re spying on me?¡± I ask usingly, shoving my dress down, feeling suddenly cold as I walk


    away from the hunk. I didn¡¯t want him to hear this, but no matter how far I walk in this room¡­ he¡¯d be


    able to hear.


    ¡°If I fucking have to, yeah. You¡¯re pushing me to my fucking limits, Sky!¡±


    ¡°Whatever. I¡¯m not doing this with you. I¡¯m not a child anymore! Stop trying to control me!¡± I yell.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s do this shit. If you are not at your ce in the next twenty minutes¡­ I¡¯ming to get


    you. Myself.¡±


    He¡¯s threatening me¡­ my heart is thundering as I refuse to answer and hang up.


    I know Dad and he will follow up on it¡­


    I turn to apologise, only to see the door swing shut, leaving me alone in the restroom.


    He left.


    I didn¡¯t even get his name. Who was he?


    Whoever he was, he left me feeling¡­ empty.

 5. A Fathers Demands

    5. A Father''s Demands


    ROYCE.


    I left. I don¡¯t know, that just was not a conversation that I wanted to embarrass her with, by overhearing.


    Whatever was going on between her and her father was her business¡­ but it did feel like I was stood


    up twice.


    The passing streetlights soon be sparse as I drive my Bentley up the winding hill towards home. I


    can¡¯t get either woman out of my head. Lil Lucifer, as I like to call her, didn¡¯t even send another


    message since her surprisingst text that read; ¡®I didn¡¯t really want to meet anyway.¡¯


    My replies to her were ignored, although she came online several times after I sent those. Maybe she


    got cold feet, but she should have given me an exnation or voiced her concerns rather than just


    cancelling on me without even a heads up.


    Then there was Little Miss Green Eyes, sexy and sinful all at once, and now I kind of wish I had just


    fucked her first and yedter. By the time I get out of my car and toss my keys to the valet, I¡¯m even


    more aggravated than before.


    I take the marble steps two at a time that lead to the massive mansion¡¯s entrance and before I even


    reach the double doors that lead into the mansion, our butler Charles opens the door.


    ¡°Good evening, Master Royce.¡± He says politely, bowing his head.


    ¡°Evening Charles.¡± I reply not in the mood for conversation. I head across the huge foyer, walking past


    the fountain and taking one of the two flights of stairs.


    Reaching my bedroom, I toss my jacket onto the couch, only for someone to reach out and catch it


    before it hits the sofa.


    ¡°What do you want, Aleric?¡± I ask, shutting the door behind me and head across the huge room and


    through to the bathroom. I leave the door open as I wash my hands and face, staring at my reflection


    as I try to calm the festering anger that is bubbling beneath the surface.


    ¡°This jacket smells of a rather delicious woman and sex...¡± He states lightly as I grab a towel and step


    out of the bathroom.


    ¡°And?¡±


    He smirks as he sits there, leaning back against the sofa, his right ankle resting on his left knee.


    ¡°If you need to engage in meaningless sex, at least be discreet about it. We have a reputation, Royce.¡±


    I ignore him, unlocking my phone and staring at thest messages we exchanged.


    Reign707: Can¡¯t actually believe I¡¯m about to meet the real little Lucifer. I¡¯m intrigued to see the you that


    you¡¯ve so teasingly refrained from revealing.


    LuciferessX: Me too. See you tonight. Can¡¯t wait. Xx


    And then her next message.


    LuciferessX: I didn¡¯t really want to meet, anyway.


    Reign707: Whoa, are you cancelling? Or shall I assume you texted me identally?


    Reing707: Hey¡­ are you really bailing? Talk to me, let¡¯s figure out what¡¯s going on.


    Not one fucking reply.


    Clenching my phone, I toss it onto the sofa next to Aleric. He nces at it but says nothing. ¡°Well,


    father wants to see us first thing in the morning. In fact, he was waiting for you to return, but you took


    your time.¡± He says, standing up.


    ¡°Hm.¡± I reply as I begin to unbutton my shirt.


    The door shuts behind him and I walk to the bathroom again. Closing the door behind me, I enter the


    shower.


    Undressing, I step under the shower, closing my eyes as I let the cold water douse me. Lil Lucifer¡­


    from her sexy snippets she sends me¡­ the way she talked¡­ I try to put a face to her, only to conjure


    up the sexy bottle-green eyed Goddess from tonight¡­


    I wrap my hand around my dick, imagining it''s her¡­ imagining her hand or better her lips around my


    cock¡­ I begin stroking it hard and fast, pleasure rushing through me. Her screams of pleasure as she


    lost control fill my mind as I rey the moment, the way she came undone around my fingers. The way


    her juices coated my hand and her thighs.


    I throb hard, feeling the pressure building. I imagine fucking her, picturing that rose vine tattoo running


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    up her waist and down her arm¡­ the way her breasts rose and fell, her parted red lips¡­


    Fuck!


    Pleasure rips through me as Ie. Shooting my cum across the stone-tiled wall of the shower, I ce


    a hand on the wall, breathing hard as I watch the milky substance wash away. This isn¡¯t how I wanted


    my night to end¡­


    -----


    I barely sleptst night, my mind a tornado of emotions, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of the Green-eyed


    goddess at the club and I woke with another hard-on.


    Perfect isn¡¯t it?


    And Lil Lucifer? Not one text from her¡­ I¡¯m not going to message her again, she¡¯s the one who


    cancelled on me. I now make my way to Dad¡¯s office, not in the mood for one of his lectures.


    Aleric is already there, his long blond hair pulled into a ponytail, which reminds me of one of those


    dumb princes from cartoons. All he needs is a bloody bow in it.


    ¡°Royce, you finally made it.¡± Dad says from behind his enormous desk. His pale blue eyes are sharp


    and calcting, and his blond hair is sleekly styled back, as he now watches me.


    ¡°I¡¯m on time.¡± I state, ncing at the clock on the wall.


    He raises an eyebrow, giving me a small smile. One that is anything but pleasant. He may be a


    werewolf, but he¡¯s slyer than a fox.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t homest night.¡±


    ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t.¡± I will not give him any more information than that.


    ¡°You two are meant to be working on attaining the favour of the King, yet you are far too busy


    elsewhere.¡± Dad replies, his eyes on me.


    I cock a brow, rxing back in my seat. ¡°With our status and power, I don''t even know why it is so


    important to you? The king is not above us, aside from the fact that he¡¯s a Lycan.¡±


    ¡°Powerful. Indeed, we are, yet tell me, son, who holds the ultimate title?¡± Dad asks, his eyes cold as he


    res at me.


    I look away, trying not to shake my head as Aleric walks around the table, stepping between Dad and I.


    Always the pacifist.


    ¡°Of course, we understand, father. We know the n¡­ The Lycan¡¯s troubled daughter¡­ rest assured;


    we will deal with her. In fact, I had a run-in with her yesterday. She¡¯s easy game.¡± He says confidently.


    Obviously, all girls fall for his charm.


    I clench my jaw, trying not to react. I was the one who applied at the Academy initially. That was when


    Dad came up with his entire idea and now Aleric has taken a position there, too.


    However, I¡¯m not there for his sick n. I don¡¯t give a shit about it. I¡¯m going there because I want to for


    myself, so I can get a breather from him. I miss America and being away from his constant intrusion


    into my privacy.


    ¡°You both are going to the Academy soon¡­ make the most of this and let the girl be obsessed


    with you. Do whatever you need to. I have nned this carefully. Do not disappoint me. Alejandro


    would do anything for his princesses. But remember, be careful. Ultimately, she must be ours at


    all costs.¡± Dad continues, and I¡¯m counting the minutes, wanting out of here.


    ¡°I had a thought, they are twins, father, yet you want us both to try our chances on the rebellious one?¡±


    Aleric muses staring down at a photograph, which I¡¯m going to assume is probably of the King¡¯s


    daughter.


    Dad smiles. ¡°Because there¡¯s something about her that Alejandro is trying to hide, just the way he has


    kept his son a secret. That boy is not normal¡­ There¡¯s something special about this one, there¡¯s a


    secret that I want uncovered. At the end ofst year, she almost killed a student.¡±


    ¡°She was only seventeen then¡­ how could she have almost killed someone?¡± Aleric asks thoughtfully.


    ¡°Exactly my point. I want to know what she is, and what she¡¯s capable of. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father.¡± Aleric replies.


    I don¡¯t reply, to think they want to use a young girl for their own incentives? Dad is power hungry; he


    always has been, but Aleric? I don¡¯t know why he is so determined¡­ So adamant to please Dad.


    I stand up and head to the door when Dad speaks.


    ¡°Royce, you did not reply¡­ am I understood?¡±


    I clench my jaw, staring at the door in front of me.


    ¡°Perfectly.¡±

 6. First Day Back

    6. First Day Back


    SKYLA.


    Midnight Academy. Home to the annoying hormone-ridden spawns of the supernatural. One of the four


    schools founded by my own father, a ce meant to make us fit in, to feel at home, to be ourselves.


    Only that depends on what is considered the norm for the supernatural. I¡¯m one-of-a-kind, or two if you


    add my father. No one knows exactly what I am, but they fear me. I can see it in their eyes, smell it


    reeking off them.


    I now nce around the halls wondering if Kataleya, my twin, has arrived. Dad had offered to collect


    me and drive me here, but after that argumentst night, I ignored his messages just letting Kat know


    I¡¯ll make my own way.


    I walk down the hall to my locker, not missing the way those nearby edge away. They¡¯re still scared


    afterst year¡­ but because they know I¡¯m the king¡¯s daughter, they won¡¯t dare try to insult me when


    there¡¯s no one around to protect them. Their eyes say it all. Pathetic cunts.


    I poke my eyes out at the nearest little putrid spawn and despite being of Alpha blood; he flinches and I


    smirk.


    This can be a little fun.


    Smirking smugly, I pop a green apple-voured gum into my mouth, not bothering with any more of


    them as I nce at the gap in Kataleya¡¯s locker. Letters are sticking out and it¡¯s obviously full to the


    max.


    My twin is the opposite of me, where people avoid me like I¡¯m the gue or the devil himself, people


    love Kataleya, she¡¯s the pr opposite of me, with long Rapunzel hair, and curves that rival the sexiest


    anime character. With her coy, demure behaviour, she is the girl every guy in this ce craves. But


    they forget two things: one, she¡¯s a good girl, and second, she has the devil for a sister.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    You don¡¯t mess with my sister¡­ I rememberst year, the trigger that had pushed me over the edge


    and I shake my head, blocking the thought away, not letting the unease get to me.


    I take my phone out and open his chat. Not one¡­ it¡¯s been five days and not one message¡­ well, I¡¯m


    not messaging either. I ce my extra books in my locker, skimming over my schedule.


    ¡°Mm, I can work with that.¡± I say to myself, it¡¯s double training. Although I never struggled with studies


    and ace it all, I prefer physical training sessions, as in weapons, martial arts, or sports.


    After what happened, I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to continue¡­ to the point that there were talks of me


    dropping out of the school, but that¡¯s until Dad pulled some strings to make sure I¡¯m staying. I know the


    rumours, even though he denies having a hand in it¡­ They say the new trainer is a powerful Alpha.


    Yeah, I¡¯m strong and I¡¯m certain there¡¯s only a handful of alphas who can handle me.


    I snap my locker shut as a familiar scent fills my nose.


    Summer¡­


    I turn, my eyes widening when I find myself staring at Prince Charming from the cottage. Dressed in


    white pants and a pale blue shirt that is tucked into his pants, he looks effortlessly good, and I instantly


    remember his look-alike from the club.


    Fuck.


    ¡°Sk Rossi, we meet again.¡± He says with a small smirk.


    It takes me a moment to remember his name.


    ¡°Aleric.¡± What is he doing here? He¡¯s definitely not a teen.


    ¡°Ah, yes, sorry I did not realise we would meet again here. I should have clicked when you told me your


    name was Sk. Forgive me. Allow me to officially introduce myself, Aleric Arden. I¡¯m the new science


    professor.¡±


    ¡°Nice,¡± I say, not knowing what else to say when all I can think of is that I¡¯m certain I made out with


    someone who looks so simr to him that they must be rted.


    ¡°How about we have lunch together? I wouldn¡¯t mind getting a little tour around here by one of the


    students herself after?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± I find myself saying.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you at twelve.¡± He gives me one of those sexy smirks, that I have to admit doesn¡¯t go


    unnoticed.


    He walks off, radiating power and I wonder why such a powerful Alpha is taking up the job of teaching


    here, I mean ¨C My heart thunders as I realise a small, vital detail.


    Aleric Arden.


    Arden.


    The name of the Alpha family of the Shadow Wolves Pack, the Alpha, is a man that Dad doesn¡¯t like.


    My stomach twists as I continue to stare at his receding back. Alpha Keh Arden has twin sons¡­


    Twins.


    That means I made out with the other Arden twin.


    Oh, I¡¯ve fucked up¡­ bad.


    Someone brushes past me, jolting me to reality.


    ¡°He¡¯s so hot¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m so jealous, he talked to her¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, she is the King¡¯s daughter¡­¡±


    I ignore them, trying to focus when I¡¯m busy stressing over what I¡¯ve done.


    ¡°Sky!¡± I turn just in time to see Kataleya hurrying down the hall, she¡¯s wearing a chiffon dress with a


    little jacket on top, her long hair in a high ponytail and the moment she¡¯s in front of me she hugs me


    tightly, at 5 feet 10 I¡¯m a good 4 inches taller than her. I hug her tightly, her soft scent reminding me of


    home.


    ¡°Missed me?¡± I ask when she finally lets go of me.


    ¡°Of course I did.¡± She replies softly, looking concerned.


    ¡°It¡¯s only been a week.¡± I reply with a smirk.


    ¡°And how is Malevolent?¡± she smiles.


    ¡°She¡¯s well. She was sleepy, so I didn¡¯t sneak her in.¡± I whisper.


    She giggles before looking at me with concern. ¡°Are you alright? You look¡­ distracted?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Kat, just thinking of how to wreak havoc on the school this year.¡± I joke as she opens her


    locker, and a pile of letters spill out, making her blush as she looks around and quickly bends down and


    begins collecting them. I watch her fumble around, as she quickly tries to hide the number of letters, I


    simply smirk, amused.


    Her bashfulness is pretty cute.


    ¡°Sky¡­¡± She shakes her head, standing up and tilts her head, observing me as I grab my gym stuff from


    my locker just as the bell rings.


    ¡°I¡¯ll catch youter?¡±


    She nods. ¡°I won¡¯t be around for lunch as I¡¯m tutoring, but after school?¡± She calls quickly, opening her


    locker.


    ¡°Perfect! I¡¯ll treat you to an all-you-can-eat barbeque down at Kayoko¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°Ok!¡± She calls after me as I jog down the hall.


    Yeah, I know it¡¯s against the rules, but hey, since when has that ever bothered me?


    I enter the changing rooms and, dumping my bag; I begin stripping out of the leather pants and fitted


    ck corset top I was wearing. Other girls begin to trickle in, chatting orining, but I ignore them


    all, pulling on my matching sports bra and leggings, before donning a ck tank top on top. I sit down


    on the bench and begin tying myces on my trainers.


    I ce my clothes, bag, and phone into the locker before heading out into the hall, running my fingers


    through my hair.


    The boys are to one side, and so is he¡­ Zayn, the one I almost killedst year¡­ His blue eyes meet


    mine, and silence falls around us. His dark brown hair tumbles in front of his eyes as he looks away


    first.


    Some things just don¡¯t stay in the past¡­


    I chew my gum, walking off to the back to warm up. It¡¯s about five minutester when the bell rings and


    by now everyone for the session is here.


    ¡°I heard Coleson quit.¡± One boy says.


    ¡°Well, we have a new recement this year and I heard he¡¯s quite the looker. My sister saw him this


    morning.¡± One girl adds making a few of the others burst into giggles.


    ¡°Oh, I bet he is, I hope he¡¯s fun.¡±


    ¡°We all know Daphne will be the first one trying to spread her legs.¡± one of the girlsughs.


    ¡°Oh, shut up.¡± Daphne replies, but it¡¯s obvious she¡¯s enjoying this.


    The door opens and silence falls through the hall, and I stand up. With my height, I can see past the


    heads of all the girls and my eyes fall on the man who has just entered.


    He¡¯s in a white T-shirt that clings to his broad chest and muscr biceps, with grey sweats that cling to


    him oh so fucking perfectly. He¡¯s running his hand through his blond locks and a familiar scent hits my


    nose.


    My heart thumps violently as he stops in front of the crowd, and I find myself staring at the man from


    the club.


    Oh, hell no¡­


    Don¡¯t tell me our new gym teacher is the guy who made mee the other night¡­


    ¡°Good morning everyone, as you may already know, I¡¯m recing Mr Coleson. My name is Royce


    Arden. Call me Royce. I¡¯m from the Shadow Wolves Pack and I will be your new instructor going


    forward.¡± He says, in that same sexy voice that has haunted me in my dreams for thest five nights¡­


    ¡°Nice to meet you, sir.¡± Daphne is the first to speak.


    Royce¡¯s eyes snap up to look at her but they skim past her, instead, his eyes find me. He¡¯s recognised


    me¡­ I know it from the change in his heartbeat that he tries to hide. But I¡¯m a Lycan. Nothing really


    gets past me¡­


    I¡¯m unable to look away from those gorgeous stormy eyes. My heart is racing as I stare at the man who


    walked out on me the other night without a word.


    My teacher.


    Oh fuck, my teacher had his fingers up my pussy.

 7. A Lesson Without Control

    7. A Lesson Without Control


    My heart races in my chest. It¡¯s only for a few seconds before his eyes look away and he continues to


    skim the ssroom, but the fleeting recognition didn¡¯t pass me, making his jaw clench.


    He turns his attention to the ss like he didn¡¯t have his fingers inside me the other night, or recognize


    me for that matter.


    ¡°Everyone warm up, and then I¡¯ll be pairing you off.¡± He says coldly, turning away and walking to the


    side.


    I¡¯ve already warmed up, but I still do some stretches trying to collect my racing thoughts.


    Royce Arden¡­ fuck why didn¡¯t I recognise him? I mean, I haven¡¯t seen him, but I¡¯ve seen his father.


    Blond hair, and light eyes, he has his dad¡¯s damn jaw too. Fuck!


    Way to start the school year Sky.


    In thest few minutes of us doing our stretches, I feel his aura, only it isn¡¯t the dominant calm one from


    the other night. His aura is menacing and I nce over my shoulder to look at him, his arms are folded


    over his broad chest.


    A chest I¡¯ve run my hands down, one I felt pressed against mine.


    His eyes flick to mine, yet instead of lust filling his grey eyes, I see disgust and anger. Quickly averting


    my gaze, I drop my head when he ps his hands loudly and blows a whistle with his fingers.


    ¡°Line up!¡± Hemands and everyone is quick to get into formation.


    ¡°Alright, Natalie Alston and K Boulder pair up, Oliver McAllister and Jasper Arlo. Daphne Summers


    and Alia Akhtar!¡± Royce begins to pair everyone up. I zone out until I hear my own name. ¡°Sk Rossi,


    you¡¯re with me.¡±


    Silence falls and I feel as if it¡¯s written all over me that I¡¯m guilty of something, well maybe I am¡­ since


    They cast judgemental looks at me. Him pairing with me makes it obvious that I¡¯m not safe around


    other students. Ah, the attention I get, only it¡¯s usually for the wrong reasons.


    I stand up and walk to the front. I raise my eyebrow at him, only for his brow to crease, his gaze flicks


    to my tattoo and for a split-second he pauses before he steps back, refusing to look at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re paired with Nicus.¡± He says. ¡°Hayden, you¡¯re with me.¡±


    Wow, so now he knows who I am. He¡¯s going to pretend he doesn¡¯t recognize me, and it never


    happened? Fine.


    ¡°Alright, those on the left are on defence! Start with the basics.¡± Hemands.


    Defence¡­ I hate defence. Nicus smirks cockily, yet he should know better. I could kick his ass


    without breaking a damn sweat. He sizes me up, his eyes lingering on my chest a little too long, and his


    tongue trails over his bottom lip.


    ¡°Looks like someone won¡¯t be the teacher¡¯s pet.¡± He murmurs quietly as heughs, mming his


    shoulder into me as he passes.


    Pressing my lips in a line to reply, I turn to find Royce watching me again. His eyes give me a


    disapproving look, and I fall into a stance, turning my attention to Nicus and trying to focus on him


    rather than Royce. Nick is the future Alpha of a pack up north, a pack close to the ck Storm Pack,


    which belongs to my cousins.


    He doesn¡¯t hold back, attacking me with everything he has, but I keep up with ease. He growls,


    annoyed when he can¡¯t touch me, and instead of using his hands he all but tackles me. Everyone


    knows I¡¯m the best in this ss and instead of just epting it, he¡¯s still going to try to y dirty.


    His arms lock around my chest, and he turns us. My eyes fly open when his hand grabs my breast


    harshly, he pinches my nipple as I fight to remain standing against his heavyweight.


    ¡°Despite the name, you¡¯re just a typical she-wolf who would fall to her knees for an alpha,¡± He whispers


    in my ear, twisting harder.


    Like fuck, I will never fall to my knees before a mutt like him!


    Is he forgetting who I am?


    ¡°Bitch please.¡± I scoff.


    I¡¯ve had the best training. I¡¯m faster than the average werewolf, stronger¡­ and smarter.


    I smirk as I twist and duck out from under his arms and m my fist into his torso. He grunts,


    staggering back. He lunges at me and I dodge so fast that Nick stumbles, his huge body tumbles face


    forward into the ground.


    ¡°Oops. I know you didn¡¯t get much action during the holidays, Nick. But I don¡¯t y with boys, so there


    is no need to beg at my feet,¡± I tease, smirking as he mbers to his feet, humiliated. His face tinges


    red.


    He growls, turning and ring at me.


    ¡°A slut isn¡¯t worth my time! We all know how often you spread your legs! I certainly wouldn¡¯t be chasing


    tail from the likes of you!¡±


    ¡°Yet you have no issues trying to feel me up!¡± I hiss, grabbing him by the neck.


    His eyes flicker dangerously, as his anger grows from the humiliation.


    ¡°Liar!¡±


    Those close by are beginning to watch.


    ¡°I have no issues showing a mutt like you his ce. But you already know, I mean you were just there


    on your knees where you belong, only moments ago.¡± I snarl lowly, and his hands ball up into fists.


    ¡°Watch it!¡± He snarls, his eyes zing orange as he manages to shove me off, but I dig my nails into


    his neck.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s going on!¡± Royce shouts as hees over just as Nick is about tounch himself at me,


    blocking him.


    ¡°She¡¯s meant to be on defence. Look what she did! On top of that, she¡¯s not taking it seriously!¡± Nick


    growls as Royce lets go of him.


    I admire my nails and cross my arms. ¡°I am, I mean, if I take it any more seriously, his ego might get


    hurt. Can¡¯t have that dete. People will see how pathetic he is without him telling them otherwise!¡± I


    taunt.


    A thundering roar rips through the hall and Nickunches himself at me. I¡¯m ready for him, but Royce


    blocks him again.


    ¡°Bitch!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, the both of you! One of the first things you need to learn is controlling your emotions and


    following rules!¡± Royce growls.


    ¡°Stop causing trouble Sk!¡± Daphne exims. ¡°Sir, she is really disobedient and disruptive, you¡¯ll do


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    better to ban her from the ss.¡±


    ¡°Stay out of this Daftnee!¡± I growl.


    She¡¯s only brave enough because she¡¯s in a room of people.


    ¡°Hey-¡± she tries to protest.


    ¡°No one is getting banned, let¡¯s get back to the lesson!¡± Royce snaps, without even looking at me.


    Great, is he nning to ignore me for the entire year?


    I scoff just as Royce is about to step away, and he stops, turning those eyes that are now a brilliant


    blue on me. ¡°I won¡¯t tolerate that attitude in my ss. Rossi or not.¡±


    I clench my jaw. So he thinks I¡¯m entitled now? Did he not see what Nick was doing?


    ¡°Then at least try not to ignore me, ''Sir.''¡± I reply sarcastically.


    Royce turns, his eyes shing as he res at me ¨C almost warningly. I look at him challengingly.


    ¡°Right. We¡¯ll partner up. Nicus, you¡¯re with Hayden. Carry on!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m offence.¡± I dere, flexing my hands.


    ¡°Deal.¡± He says readying himself, his hands drawn into fists. The same hands that were all over me¡­ I


    frown trying to focus and I think I just found a release to all my pent-up irritation¡­ I smirk as I move


    forward, raising my hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how well an Arden can hold up against a Rossi.¡± I remark mockingly, before I m all my


    force behind my punch.


    He¡¯s not expecting it, and the moment my punch connects with his forearm, I hear something crack.


    Silence falls around us as I watch him, waiting for him to tell me to step down.


    ¡°Is that all a Rossi has? I expected more, I must say I¡¯m a little disappointed.¡± Royce states


    nonchntly, raising a brow.


    I frown as I hear a few people snicker, and he gives me the faintest taunting smirk. He too is mocking


    me for ast name that shadows and follows me everywhere I go. I did mock his too, but it doesn¡¯t


    make him any less of an ass¡­


    My eyes sh at the challenge and I don¡¯t let up, giving it my all as I deliver hit after hit. He blocks them


    all, but it¡¯s that condescending amusement in his eyes that is making my anger rise. It¡¯s bing


    uncontroble and as much as I know I should stop, I can¡¯t.


    The amusement from the ss isn¡¯t helping.


    ¡°She¡¯s so losing this.¡± Someone sneers.


    ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t mind seeing a Rossi fall on their damn face.¡± Another states.


    ¡°I¡¯m on Alpha Royce¡¯s side.¡±


    Sure you fucking are. You all hate me anyway.


    I¡¯m no longer able to see what I¡¯m doing as I attack in a blind rage, and I¡¯m a blur.


    Mama¡¯s voice is in my mind telling me to remember to remain calm. Her soothing voice tells me that I¡¯m


    in control. It isn¡¯t working. It just¡­ isn¡¯t.


    I¡¯m not fucking calm! All I want is to wipe that fucking cocky look off his face. He¡¯s not even backing


    down! Why can¡¯t I defeat him?!


    I growl in anger, my wsing out, and I lunge at him.


    Screams fill the air as the smell of blood hits me and I freeze. My heart thunders as I stare at Royce¡¯s


    arm, which now holds three deep gashes that are bleeding down his arm, his blood dripping off his


    fingertips onto the hard floor. The dripping sound thundering in my mind¡­ it¡¯s all I can focus on¡­ the


    river of blood that streams down his arm¡­


    A horrified gasp escapes my lips, and I cover my mouth with my hands.


    I fucked up! This is bad!


    Royce looks down at his arm and then at me. He snarls, and I see the dazzling blue of his wolf¡¯s eyes


    as his rage shines through.


    Hesitantly, my hands reach toward him, needing to ensure he¡¯s okay. My lips part and I try to apologise


    for what I¡¯ve done, when he pushes my hands away, which makes me stagger back, not expecting it.


    The anger burning in his eyes makes my stomach drop. It plunges somewhere deep inside of me as


    the gravity of the situation seeps into me.


    What have I done? My eyes scan the hall, darting from face to face. The fear on the faces of the


    students¡­ makes me swallow guiltily. It perfumes the air, thick and sickly sweet.


    My eyes move to Zayn, he¡¯s terrified, and I take a step toward him to reassure him I¡¯m not going to


    attack him, but he backs away. The fear in his eyes is clear.


    My stomach twists as reality hits me hard and my lips part, looking for the words I should say, but I


    have nothing, I have no excuses; I am the monster they perceive me as, and I just proved it.


    I almost lost control.


    Again.

 8. A Rossi against an Arden

    8. A Rossi against an Arden


    ROYCE.


    ¡°What the actual fuck!¡±


    I internally flinch as the nasally voice of one of the girls screeches in my ear. You would think being


    werewolves she¡¯d know that we have heightened hearing. The green-eyed Goddess is standing- I


    mean Sk¡¯s standing there clearly shocked. I heard rumours of something happeningst year from


    dad, but no one really knew the full story¡­ but there¡¯s something that happened. One of the boys


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    backs away before turning and jogging out of the room.


    Sk¡¯s eyes sh that same intense plum colour, and I can feel her aura rising.


    ¡°I want everyone to runps around the hall and you are not to stop until I return!¡± Imand, taking


    hold of Sk¡¯s arm. I stare down at the tattoos for a second, an image that is currently the wallpaper


    screen on my unlocked screen...


    Seeing her had shaken me, not because I had fucking crossed a line that never should be crossed with


    one of my students, but because I recognised those tattoos¡­ if only she hadn¡¯t been wearing a long-


    sleeved dress the other night¡­


    But if she hadn¡¯t, then I know for a fact I wouldn¡¯t have left when she was on that phone¡­ and I would


    have taken her to a hotel¡­ If anyone saw us¡­


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± She snarls, trying to pull free from my hold.


    I refuse to let go, my other arm is already healing and I pull her into the girls¡¯ changing room. I¡¯m


    spending a lot more time in the women''s departments thanks to her.


    ¡°What!¡± She snaps.


    Frowning, I let go of her. The look in her eyes for a moment reminds me of one of the creatures we¡¯ve


    been fighting recently. I push the thought away and focus on the matter at hand.


    ¡°First of all, I¡¯m your teacher here. You will show me some respect.¡±


    She scoffs, and I clench my jaw. Initially, when I had heard of the job, identally hearing Dad


    discussing it, I had asked him about it, but what he had told me was that the King¡¯s daughter was


    struggling with her strength, and since she was almost on the brink of expulsion, they were looking for


    an Alpha for the position as the trainer.


    I had agreed, thinking I could help her learn to control, not realising that it only made Dad begin to


    hatch his own ns¡­ But now, learning she¡¯s LuciferessX and the woman I met at the club, has just


    made this entire thing a thousand times worse.


    ¡°Then why did you drag me here?¡± She growls.


    ¡°So you can calm down. You were making them uneasy.¡± I say quietly.


    She shakes her head, about to storm toward the door. I clench my jaw, my eyes shing as I grab her


    elbow and yank her back.


    ¡°Hey!¡± She shouts, trying to break free, but I¡¯m not finished. I push her up against the wall, pinning her


    arms against the wall. She struggles for a bit, but I¡¯m stronger.


    ¡°I am not letting go until you calm down.¡± I say icily. ¡°You may be the King¡¯s daughter, and may be given


    free passes to whatever the hell you want, but not in my ss. In my ss, you abide by my rules, if


    you want to stay in it.¡±


    Her eyes sh again, her heart thundering as she tries to knee me. I knock her leg aside, pressing my


    thigh against hers, pinning her leg to the wall. I really don¡¯t care what Dad wants from me, because if


    I¡¯m here I n to take the role of their trainer, as I wanted nothing more. I¡¯m not here for other


    incentives and as her teacher, it¡¯s my job to school her when she bloody hell needs it. I know the king


    himself is known for his crass attitude, but you would think that wouldn¡¯t pass on to his daughter.


    Seems I was wrong.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ying games, Sk. Calm down and I will let you go.¡±


    ¡°You only see what you want to see. Continue to be blinded by what you don¡¯t know!¡± She hisses


    coldly, and a growl leaves her lips. Her canines grow, and her face is beginning to change. A surge of


    strength seems to rush through her, and she pushes me back with such power I¡¯m forced to let go. A


    snarl leaves her lips, and she lunges at me, knocking me to the ground.


    Fuck, how the hell is she so fucking strong!


    I¡¯m underestimating her. She¡¯s equal to an Alpha¡­.


    ¡°Sk, listen to me.¡± I say, hoping the calm approach gets to her.


    She¡¯s not herself. I can see it in her eyes. The beast within her is in control. All she is seeing is rage.


    She tries to w through my chest, but I grab her wrist and flip us over. I don¡¯t want to use my own


    abilities here¡­ couldn¡¯t I handle one girl?


    She¡¯s the Alpha King¡¯s daughter. Cut yourself some ck Royce.


    She struggles beneath me, and I grab her shirt, only for her to lock her legs around my waist and flip


    us. The sound of fabric tearing makes me let go as I realise I¡¯ve ripped half of her tank top. My back


    hits the floor, and she¡¯s on top of me. I curse internally when she ends up right on my dick, just as she


    shes through my chest.


    Fuck Royce, focus man, but even the pain doesn¡¯t take away the focus from my dick.


    Her eyes flicker to emerald green for a second and she leaps off me, but I know I can¡¯t let her out there,


    not when she¡¯s like this.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± she growls, but in her anger, I can also hear the pain. She¡¯s about to hit the lockers when I


    grab her, pulling her into my chest. I¡¯m too aware of the feel of her body against mine, more than I


    should be¡­ I¡¯ve sparred with countless women, but it¡¯s not like this¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be fine. Calm down.¡±


    Her scent flits through my nose and it takes my all to pull back. She lets out a frustrated scream, about


    to push me but I counter her, taking hold of her and I spin her around. Grabbing her arms, I pin them


    behind her back as I push her against the sink counter, wrapping my other arm around her waist, and I


    find us both staring at one another in the mirror, just like the other night.


    She stills and we¡¯re both breathing hard. My blood is running down her breasts and stomach, her


    breasts heaving as her eyes return to green.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to let go now. Alright?¡± I say quietly, staring at the stunning doll in front of me.


    She nods, and I let go, stepping back, putting space between us.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± She curses, mming her fist into the counter. She exhales, her head hanging, and her hair


    shields her face.


    ¡°Do you lose control often?¡± I ask, if I didn¡¯t know her as LuciferessX, know the inner turmoil and the


    hints of vulnerability she showed, I may have been able to ignore the signs in front of me. The slight


    tremble to her hands, her thumping heart, and the guilt I saw in her eyes earlier.


    ¡°When I get angry.¡± She replies after a moment.


    I nod slowly. ¡°And I¡¯m presuming that is something that happens pretty often?¡±


    She sighs and tilts her head and looks at me. ¡°Maybe.¡± She says, removing her torn top and wiping her


    stomach with it as she looks over at me. I don¡¯t miss the way her eyes dip lower, past the injuries on my


    chest that are already healing, and rake over my abs that are visible through the torn shirt. I take the


    moment to look her over, wondering how I didn¡¯t recognise those long legs I¡¯ve seen in a couple of


    snaps she¡¯s sent me¡­ Her tattoo is now on clear disy, making this entire mess all the more real.


    She was there¡­ then why did she ignore my messages? Why did she say she¡¯s not meeting me?


    Questions that I¡¯m not going to get answers to because she can¡¯t know that I¡¯m Reign707.


    Is it wrong that it fucking messes with me that she just randomly hooked up with a guy when I was


    getting the vibe that she was into me - Reign?


    Then again she was stood up too¡­ Somehow we both ended up misunderstanding one another.


    ¡°What happened the other night-¡±


    ¡°Let me guess, it was an ident?¡± She says as she struts over to me and looks up at me. ¡°Or it was a


    big mistake or that it never should have happened? Shoot me with your best excuse. Sir.¡± She finishes


    mockingly.


    I clench my jaw and cross my arms. ¡°All of them.¡± I say, knowing that was harsh, but the truth of the


    matter is, we¡¯re teacher and student now.


    She smirks, scoffing as she folds her own arms and looks away, shaking her head.


    She¡¯s not happy with that.


    ¡°Typical¡­ but that¡¯s fine. There¡¯s plenty of men and women out there.¡± She whispers seductively


    before she turns and pauses. ¡°But then I want something in return¡­¡±


    ¡°And what might that be?¡± I ask.


    ¡°The headmaster, the school board and my father don¡¯t hear of this.¡± She says. ¡°I¡¯m already¡­ on my


    She turns back to me, and I nod.


    ¡°Deal.¡± I say, although I can¡¯t stop students talking, I could downy it.


    I need to know what happenedst year¡­ it¡¯s obvious she¡¯s not giving in to anger on purpose¡­


    She brushes past me, and I turn to see her opening one of the lockers.


    ¡°Unless you¡¯re going to stand there and watch me strip, you should leave.¡± She says, not giving me a


    chance to even leave, as she shimmies her leggings down her waist and hips, before giving me a


    sizzling hot view of her fucking tight delicious perfect ass, which is d in a tiny red thong.


    For a moment, I¡¯m frozen in ce, unable to think straight.


    Fuck¡­


    I feel myself throb, the image of being buried inside of her shes in my mind, and it takes me far


    longer than it should have to look away. I try not to let the image that my mind conjures up get to me,


    just as she turns her head and chuckles, catching me turning away farter than I should have.


    She bends down, sliding her legs out of her leggings, making me freeze as I find myself skimming over


    those sexy legs. My brain seems to shut down as I''m far too focused on drinking up those toned legs


    and that booty of hers to move.


    ¡°The doors that way¡­ unless, of course, you want to stay?¡± She whispers seductively as her sexy


    green eyes that are filled with mischief meet mine, she steps out of her leggings and reaches for the


    band of her sports bra¡­

 9. My Irritation

    9. My Irritation


    ROYCE.


    Her fingertips slide under her bra and I know I need to leave.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Struggling between your two heads?¡± She taunts in that seductive voice of hers, as


    soft, seductive and utterly sexy as the first time she spoke.


    ¡°No.¡± I manage to reply, but I don¡¯t think I sound convincing to even myself.


    I¡¯m not expecting what she does next. She turns towards me, and at the same time, she pulls her bra


    off over her head and I find myself staring at her tits. Round, firm and perky, both nipples adorned with


    a little jewelled ring.


    I throb hard, knowing I¡¯m now supporting a full-on hard-on.


    As humiliating as that is¡­ there¡¯s something about those dusky pink ares and her wless tanned


    skin that are keeping me mesmerised. She¡¯s walking towards me in nothing but those red thongs and


    my mind is telling me I need to get out of here.


    With each swing of those curved hips, that tiny waist that glitters with another piercing, is messing me


    with. Yet, I¡¯m unable to look away from those long legs to the bounce of those tits¡­


    ¡°Sk.¡± I growl warningly, sounding more animalistic than I should.


    Her seductive tart scent of green apple, with hints of citrus and vani, invades my senses, the


    intoxicating smell making me want to bury my nose into her neck.


    She chuckles, amused, as she ces one arm loosely around my neck, pressing her naked body up


    against mine. I''m so lost in her, I hadn¡¯t even noticed when she reached me. A soft moan escapes her


    as her stomach presses against my cock.


    ¡°Mmm, that feels as good as it did the first time¡­¡± she whispers, now running her finger over my lips.


    I don¡¯t know what hold she has on me, but I don¡¯t like it¡­ at the same time, it stings a little. Reign is


    definitely not on her mind - to think that I actually thought there was something between us¡­


    ¡°Quit it.¡± I snarl, I was too prideful to turn and run. It¡¯s what she wants.


    She smirks, running her hand down my chest, and I try not to enjoy the touch that is driving me bloody


    nuts. ¡°Keep staring at me, Magic Fingers, and I will start charging you ten pounds for every time you


    check me out.¡±


    I bite back a groan as she grabs my cock through my sweatpants, pressing her body against me. My


    back hits the wall behind me when I try to put space between us, and I swear internally when I throb in


    her hold, making her smile deviously. I make the mistake of looking down as I grab hold of her arms.


    ¡°Currently we stand at 50¡­¡± She whispers huskily, pressing her breasts against me. I¡¯m very aware of


    her nipples grazing my skin through the torn tee I¡¯m wearing, and she doesn¡¯t seem to care that she¡¯s


    getting more blood all over her.


    ¡°Stop messing around, Rossi.¡± I growl before pushing her back. She stumbles, but I don¡¯t care, and I


    turn away.


    She lets out augh. ¡°Good luck walking out there with that jumbo tent.¡± She mocks and I hear her


    walking off before I hear the shower switch on.


    Fucking hell.


    I pull my shirt off, which is bloody and torn, holding it in my hands in front of my hard-on and leave the


    room.


    ¡°ss is over!¡± I thunder, their eyes are on me, as whispers spread, seeing the blood down my chest. I


    make sure I keep my shirt in front of me, keeping my cock pressed down as much as bloody possible.


    That girl is fucking crazy, and she makes me crazy.


    -----


    It¡¯s muchter. The rest of the day passed without a hitch. It¡¯s not even 5pm yet, but it¡¯s already getting


    dark out. I head to the headmaster¡¯s office. He had requested a meeting, one I know is regarding


    Sk. Only now it¡¯s not the same thing anymore. What I applied for when I came here was without


    knowing who she was.


    ¡°I have a meeting with the headmaster.¡± I state to the secretary.


    She¡¯s looking me over from behind those sses, which I know are just a fashion statement. She¡¯s a


    werewolf.


    ¡°Sure Alpha Royce, I¡¯ll just let him know you¡¯re here.¡± She says and I ignore her, crossing my arms as I


    wait. She picks up the phone. ¡°Sir, Alpha Royce is here¡­¡±


    ¡°Send him in.¡± I hear his reply and, not waiting for a reply, I swiftly cross the room before she even has


    a chance to put the phone down.


    ¡°He said¡­¡± She trails off as I knock once and open the door.


    He¡¯s sitting behind his grand solid oak table, his hands folded in front of him. He¡¯s powerful and also a


    good friend of Dad¡¯s, but the fact that the friendship isn¡¯t public knowledge makes me not trust him.


    Colton Rivers, of beta blood, he¡¯s from a pack past London. He¡¯s in his mid-forties with sandy brown


    hair and well-groomed stubble. His sharp hazel eyes are observing me as he adjusts the jacket of his


    well-tailored suit.


    ¡°Royce,e on in, sit down.¡± He greets pleasantly enough.


    I give a nod and take the seat opposite him. I hate men in suits¡­ Why do they always give me the


    impression they¡¯re all up to no good - if Dad is anything to go by.


    ¡°Something on your mind, son?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± I reply, refusing to address him as Sir, I¡¯m an Alpha, my rank is above his.


    He nods, ¡°Good, good. So, I heard there was a little¡­ disturbance within your first lesson with the


    students?¡±


    ¡°Not really. If there was something to report, I would have. No one was hurt, and we were training. I can


    handle my ss.¡± I reply firmly.


    He nods. ¡°Of course¡­ and I understand it involved Sk Rossi¡­¡± He scratches his beard, tugging at


    his cor, and you can see how nervous he is.


    ¡°Perhaps, but she was instigated, or was that part not reported?¡± I ask, cocking a brow.


    He frowns and shakes his head, sighing. ¡°No, not really. It was hearsay. Look, I¡¯m in the middle here.


    The King wants to make sure the school runs without a hitch and then your father was adamant that


    you will be the perfect one for this role¡­¡± He hesitates and I tilt my head.


    ¡°What are you insinuating?¡±


    ¡°I just¡­ she is the king¡¯s daughter; she is not only a Rossi but the niece of Alpha Liam Westwood¡­


    Neither of the two families is one I wish to mess with.¡±


    I almost frown. Is he insinuating that he doesn¡¯t trust Dad? Or is he trying to figure me out to report to


    Dad?


    ¡°Of course.¡± I say simply.


    ¡°Well actually, Aleric was here earlier, and he was offering to work one on one with her rather than her


    attending your ss, jus-¡±


    My eyes sh, my aura rising and a few papers on the desk flutter as one almost slides off the table,


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    but Colton leans over cing his hand on it, stopping it.


    ¡°I joined the academy to help teach her control. That was my reason, so why would you even consider


    passing her to Aleric?¡± I growl, trying to keep the rage from losing control. ¡°Isting her further than


    she already is, is not wise.¡±


    ¡°I understand. He just seemed like you¡¯d be alright with it.¡± He looks genuinely baffled.


    ¡°Oh, did he?¡± I say, cocking a brow. Aleric¡­ stop bloody meddling. ¡°I¡¯ll handle him¡­¡±


    I trail off, realising what it would mean to have her in my ss, the constant allure and temptation. I¡¯m


    meant to be her teacher¡­ I¡¯m several years older than her¡­ but it''s me or Aleric, who is clearly here to


    try to win her over.


    She¡¯s¡­ I know Lil Lucifer¡­ behind that attitude she disys, she has her demons as we all do¡­ and


    I¡¯m not letting Aleric prey on her. Not on my watch. I just need to make sure I don¡¯t end up doing the


    same.


    I stand up, running my hand through my hair. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Aleric and make it clear there is no change to


    our agreements. He¡¯s here for science. Let him teach them the bloody periodic table. He is not to


    interfere in my lesson.¡±


    Not waiting for a reply, I turn, about to walk to the door when it''s opened by the secretary.


    ¡°Oh, I brought drinks.¡± She says, holding out the small tray while she¡¯s also trying to press her breasts


    together.


    ¡°No, thanks.¡± I reply, refusing to look at her as I sidestep and grab the door before it shuts and take my


    exit.


    ¡®Aleric. I need to talk to you. Now.¡¯


    ¡®Ok brother, calm down.¡¯ His amused replyes.


    I shake my head.


    He knows exactly why I¡¯m calling him.


    ¡®Meet me on the basketball pitch.¡¯


    ¡®Sure. Just give me fifteen or twenty minutes. I¡¯m just a little busy.¡¯


    I cut the link as I head outside. The sky is dark, and the weather is cool, or by human standards, it¡¯s


    freezing. The calmness of the quiet school is pleasant. There are a few kids around as they are allowed


    out until curfew, butpared to the day, it¡¯s a lot quieter.


    The sound of the crisp grass under my feet draws my attention, a pleasant sound¡­ and I sigh heavily.


    Twenty minutes¡­


    I nce at my watch before I change course, heading to the football pitch. The stands are empty. I


    guess I¡¯ll do a few rounds before Aleric gets out here. I break into a jog as I began making my first


    round.


    I¡¯m not even a few minutes in when I sense I¡¯m not alone, and turn sharply to the bleachers, scanning


    them. There.


    Right near the scoreboard¡­


    I jog over. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± I call out before a familiar scent hits.


    ¡°You really can¡¯t leave me alone, can you?¡± She says climbing out from under the seats. She¡¯s dressed


    all in ck, a sexy corset entuating her waist and tits. ¡°Another ten there.¡± She drawls and I snap


    my eyes up to her.


    Way to go Royce¡­


    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± I ask, cocking a brow.


    ¡°None of your business.¡± She says, but I don¡¯t miss the way her grip on her phone tightens, a glimmer


    of emotions in her eyes.


    Something is troubling her¡­


    ¡°Alright.¡± I say.


    I turn my back on her when I suddenly remember something and turn around, just as she¡¯s about to


    walk off, ¡°Wait, you don¡¯t live on campus. Shouldn¡¯t you have headed home before dark?¡±


    ¡°Oh wow, are you for real? I¡¯m eighteen, and I can handle myself. Seriously, did my dad tell you to keep


    an eye on me?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not someone¡¯s babysitter.¡± I retort at her using tone.


    ¡°Good, because if I find out, then I will-¡±


    I close the gap between us, ring down at her. ¡°Or you will what? Respect Rossi¡­ I¡¯m not asking for


    it, I¡¯m demanding it or you will be punished.¡± I see the beginning of a smirk and narrow my eyes. "And it


    won¡¯t be the type you like.¡± I finish menacingly.


    She pouts, turning her back on me as she shrugs, stretching like a sexy little nymph before she ces


    a hand on her ass. ¡°Such a prude¡­ this ass likes a bit of pain¡­ or a lot.¡± She winks at me before she


    struts off, making me exhale in frustration and I pinch the bridge of my nose.


    That woman¡­


    I break into a jog again, but it¡¯s barely been a few minutes when I hear footsteps.


    ¡°I thought you said the basketball court.¡± Aleric¡¯s voicees.


    I turn to see him crossing the pitch. ¡°Yeah, I did. You¡¯re early,¡± I say, brushing past him as I lead the


    way¡­


    He smirks. ¡°I underestimated her.¡± He winks and I know exactly what he means, but I¡¯m not interested


    in knowing who he¡¯s talking about or what he¡¯s up to. I¡¯m here to get one answer.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±

 10. Our Incentives

    10. Our Incentives


    ALERIC.


    ¡°I just wanted to say wee.¡± The pretty little blond says as she holds out the hamper filled with


    choctes, wine and a mug with my initials.


    How thoughtful¡­ but I¡¯m a little busier admiring her breasts.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± I say with a smile as I reach over and take the hamper from her. She smells good,


    expensive perfume and, of course, her own scent is pleasant enough.


    She blushes and bites her lips as I ce it down on my desk. Despite there being a shared teachers¡¯


    lounge, I am an Arden and so of course thates with perks. After all, our father is one of the ones


    who made this all possible.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ oh wait you meant the hamper, yes thank you I made it!¡± She gushes and I smirk, leaning


    against my desk.


    ¡°I actually did mean you.¡± I say softly.


    So fickle.


    She tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear as she looks up at me with eyes that hold lust.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She says, no longer as coy as she was. ¡°If you do need anything or want anything¡­ I¡¯m


    always here.¡±


    I stand up and close the gap between us. ¡°Stop by once you''re done with work.¡± I say, tucking a strand


    of her hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Absolutely.¡± She says, ¡°I¡¯m Martha.¡±


    Ugly name.


    She suits something far better.


    ¡°Beautiful name.¡± I lie smoothly. ¡°For professional reasons, let¡¯s keep this a secret.¡±


    ¡°Oh absolutely.¡± She says, biting her plump little lips. I motion to the door with my head and she walks


    off, sashaying her hips. She¡¯s got a sexy figure and in that pencil skirt and sheer tights she looks rather


    fine¡­


    I smirk to myself once the door shuts, walking around my desk to my chair and taking a seat. I slip my


    two phones out of my pocket, cing one on the table and switch the other on, frowning as I look at the


    messages on the screen. Irritation flits through me and I toss it onto the table.


    Despite what I did¡­ why was the scent of him when he returned the other night so much like hers¡­


    did he end up meeting her at the club or is it just me being paranoid¡­ the smell of sex was far more


    overpowering from him¡­ Was it all in my mind?


    He¡¯s so careless¡­ so stupid.


    I open myptop and log on, opening the file on Alejandro¡¯s daughter. She¡¯s a pretty one, both of his


    daughters are, but the other one is far too innocent. Although I think she would have been an easier


    target, it just would feel wrong. This one though¡­ she¡¯s a little rebel, and she¡¯s no newbie to sex and


    sin.


    I smirk as I skim through her likes and dislikes¡­ I¡¯ve done some extensive research, and then, of


    course, all the intel that came directly from her¡­ how careless.


    I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be able to make my way into that mind of hers and break her into submission. I always like


    a challenge and this one will prove no less of one.


    I nce at the clock on the opposite wall. Lunch soon¡­


    Time to make my second move¡­ or should I say third?


    -----


    I enter the dinner hall, and it doesn¡¯t take long for me to spot her, she¡¯s all in ck, carrying a tray of


    food out into the grounds. Perfect. I get my own lunch and head outside. She¡¯s sitting on one of the


    benches, ying with her food. Her vibrant green eyes snap to me and I give her a smile.


    ¡°Afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Afternoon.¡± She responds, ncing down at her te as she continues to eat.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be in the best of moods. Anything I can help with?¡± I ask, taking the seat opposite


    her.


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡± She says.


    ¡°We all say that. It¡¯s irritating when someone keeps asking if you are alright isn¡¯t it?¡± I sigh, picking up


    my fork and taking the lid off my pasta.


    I¡¯m d the food is of the best quality at least, although the stic tubs are not to my liking.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    I nce up at her, feeling her watching me, and she looks away. ¡°Sometimes.¡± She shrugs.


    ¡°Of course, harder when people love to jump the gun. I heard that you¡¯re quite the strong one. If you


    ever want some personal training alone, I would be more than happy to help you. I can assure you, I¡¯d


    enjoy it.¡±


    She cocks a brow. ¡°Hmm¡­ You¡¯re different¡­¡± she muses.


    ¡°Than Royce?¡± I ask, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± She says with a smirk. ¡°Tell me, are you the fun brother?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about the fun one, but I¡¯m definitely the one with his head screwed on straight.¡± I wink,


    rewarded with her smirk growing.


    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s got a butt plug or something stuck up his ass. That¡¯s gotten lost up there or something.¡±


    I chuckle. ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more.¡±


    ¡°Why did you want to meet me?¡± She asks quietly.


    ¡°Actually, I wanted to ask about Malevolent. I hope her leg is ok?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ it is. Did I mention her name to you?¡± She asks, frowning.


    ¡°You were talking to her when we were at yours. It¡¯s not a name I¡¯ll forget.¡± I say, opening my water


    bottle.


    ¡°Hm, so what¡¯s your other reason for wanting to meet me?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that enough? I smile.


    ¡°Not really, everyone has motives¡­ is it my father? Because if you think sucking up to me will get you


    into his good books, you¡¯re wrong. Or maybe, which I doubt, it¡¯s something else.¡± She sits forward, and


    I have to admit, she is stunning¡­ her dark hair is a gorgeous contrast to her vibrant eyes.


    She¡¯s my type¡­ maybe a lot more daring than most women in terms of personality and dressing than


    others, but still I can get used to her. She has a body made to sin¡­


    I sit forward too, resting my elbows on the table on either side of my tray.


    ¡°Your smart and maybe you are right¡­ but I assure you I have no ill intentions¡­¡± I cast a nce


    around before I tilt my head. ¡°I was concerned for your cat, and I do want to help with your training, but


    I will not deny that you intrigue me. Or is that wrong just because I¡¯m supposed to be your teacher?¡± I


    murmur quietly.


    Her gaze dips to my lips and I run my tongue alone between them slowly, knowing exactly how that


    works. ¡°I love doing things I shouldn¡¯t,¡± she smirks. ¡°I don¡¯t mind breaking the rules.¡±


    ¡°Makes two of us¡­¡± Our eyes meet, and I see a glimmer of confusion in her eyes, and I swiftly change


    the topic. ¡°However, on a serious note, if you do need help with training or controlling your abilities, I


    can help. Growing up, my brother and I were expected to be in control all the time, it gets hard. The


    expectations, the judgement, even the self-doubt, so I understand and so the offer stands.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll consider it, but I¡¯m certain you will regret it if I did end up agreeing.¡± She says, admiring her


    nails.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting to be proven otherwise.¡± I counter, as I dig into my food.


    I think that went well¡­


    ----


    ¡°Just like that.¡± I purr huskily, tightening my grip on her blond locks. She¡¯s on her knees under my table


    as she blows me. The sound of her slurping and gagging fills the room, mixed with the smell of her


    arousal. I¡¯m close, sitting at the edge of my seat, as I m my cock down her throat.


    ¡®Aleric, I need to talk to you. Now.¡¯


    His voice is full of anger, and I frown slightly as pleasure ripples through me.


    ¡®Ok brother, calm down¡¯ I reply, guess he heard about me suggesting training Sk.


    ¡®Meet me on the Basketball court.¡¯


    ¡®Sure, just give me fifteen or twenty minutes. I¡¯m just a little busy.¡¯ I reply through the link as I look at


    Martha, yanking her back.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done, Alpha.¡± She looks disappointed.


    ¡°I have somewhere to be, and I don¡¯t want to leave ady hanging.¡± I say, tugging her up and turning


    her. I push her down onto my desk. Yanking her skirt up, I tear her tights from her ass and push aside


    her panties.


    ¡°Oh my!¡± She giggles.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t be more of a gentleman today.¡± I whisper in her ear, kissing her neck. She turns her


    head, wanting to kiss me but I¡¯d rather not. I lean back, my hand still fisted in her hair as I m into her


    and begin fucking her fast.


    Pleasure rushes through me as she screams underneath me in a very notdy-like manner and it


    doesn¡¯t take long before shees. Her juices trickle down her legs, and I spank her ass hard making


    her cry out. I cock a brow; she was far more turned on than I thought.


    She gasps as I pull out and yank her back, pushing her down onto her knees.


    ¡°Open wide.¡± I murmur and she obeys, wrapping her hand around my cock and taking it into her mouth


    as she tries to recover from her orgasm, her legs giving way beneath her and she grabs onto my desk


    for support.


    Annoying.


    She whimpers in pleasure as she continues to blow me until I¡¯m almost near. I let out a groan as I tip


    over the edge and shoot my load into her mouth. She gags, and I tug her off.


    I¡¯m done.


    I tuck my cock back into my pants, breathing hard from the release.


    ¡°Please do clean up this mess before you leave, I wouldn¡¯t want anyone to know what happened¡­¡± I


    say before I crouch down in front of her where she¡¯s still gasping for breath and pinch her chin, forcing


    her to look up. A soft smile lingers on her lips, her cheeks flushed.


    Ah, a picture of a womanpletely satiated¡­


    ¡°I will, Alpha Aleric.¡±


    ¡°Good girl.¡± I respond, before my smile fades. ¡°And one more thing¡­. No one is to know what happens


    between us. Understood?¡± I ask, letting my alphamand roll off me. I may not be her pack Alpha,


    but being a powerful one, it will have some effect on her.


    ¡°Oh, not at all Alpha.¡± She mewls.


    I smirk.


    ¡°Perfect, same time tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    She nces at my lips and instead I peck her forehead before standing up, I don¡¯t bother looking back


    as I exit to go find my dear brother.


    It¡¯s not long before I find him on the football pitch, running around the perimeter, and I make my way


    over to him.


    ¡°I thought you said the basketball court.¡±


    He turns and looks at me. ¡°Yeah, I did. You¡¯re early,¡± He responds, shoving past me.


    ¡°I underestimated her.¡± I say. He nces back at me, and I wink.


    He looks away, clearly not interested.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    ¡°You did say that.¡± I say as I shove my hands into my pockets. ¡°I see Colton had a word with you, but


    rest assured, Sk didn¡¯t seem to mind the suggestion.¡±


    He clenches his jaw,ing to a stop and turns to me. ¡°Because I came here to do my job, I¡¯m pissed.


    I don¡¯t need you to do it for me, Aleric!¡± He snarls.


    I tilt my head, wondering when we became so far apart¡­ I miss the brother who looked up to me¡­


    even if I¡¯m only a little older¡­


    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m here for a reason, and I don¡¯t care if it means I¡¯m stepping over the line¡­ If dad knew


    you have the chance and you¡¯re not working on it¡­ you know what he will do.¡±


    He clenches his jaw and shakes his head. ¡°Maybe¡­ but we both know she¡¯s struggling¡­ Why are you


    trying to take advantage of that?¡±


    ¡°Struggling? I don¡¯t think so¡­ she knows what she wants.¡± I reply, cocking a brow. ¡°Or is it that


    somehow you have feelings for her? Why so defensive Royce?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know what she wants. Just like you, Aleric, you don¡¯t know what you want from life. You


    want Dad¡¯s title? Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s yours. I¡¯m happy to go to America.¡±


    ¡°Oh? The thing is¡­ Dad thinks you¡¯re the one he needs to keep in line. He wants you here.¡± I respond


    lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll refuse him, but don¡¯t try topete with me on this one. Don¡¯t bring her into this game that should


    stay between our fathers.¡±


    He cares¡­


    I feel bitter. I know he¡¯ll try to thwart my goal¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay out of your way¡­ you stay out of mine¡­ we¡¯ll see what happens when the timees.¡± I say


    quietly.


    ¡°This is not a game. Don¡¯t lose the person you once were, Aleric.¡± There¡¯s disappointment in his eyes


    and I look away, staring at the ground. The frost that clung to the ground was disappearing from


    beneath my feet.


    ¡°You are delusional Royce. I¡¯m not the one who has changed, you have. Why do you think Jade left


    you?¡± Touchy subject, but I¡¯m not here to y.


    His eyes sh, and he clenches his jaw. ¡°We no longer clicked. You¡¯re blinded Aleric and when that


    truth hits you, you¡¯re going to realise it¡¯s toote. Remember that.¡± His voice is as cold as his eyes -


    cold as his power. ¡°I¡¯m done with this conversation Aleric, if you n to hurt her¡­ I will not back down


    either.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not make it out that I am the viin here¡­ it¡¯s you. You see¡­ the hero will sacrifice everything for


    the world¡­ You, my foolish brother, will sacrifice the world for the girl? You know who we are, our


    legacy, our birthright. For your own mere selfish beliefs, you will cast it all aside?¡±


    ¡°I will never do what I feel is wrong and if that makes me an enemy to the court of Sria¡­ then so be


    it.¡± With those words, he walks off, his power radiating off him in waves.


    But the words he spoke have ignited a wave of anger within me and all I can do is watch him walk


    away as I try to stop myself from burning everything in my wake.

 11. A Sisters Wish

    11. A Sister''s Wish


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s hot! Careful!¡± Kataleya scolds as she swats my hand away gently from the sizzling grill that sits


    in front of me.


    ¡°Does it matter? I will heal.¡± I remind her, sucking my finger clean. We are down at Kayoko¡¯s Grill,


    grilling our own meat. It¡¯s sizzling hot and damn delicious. We used toe here with Song and Azura,


    have some sake and enjoy chatting about boys, life, and stuff in general, but both of them have


    graduated. In fact, Azura has a cute little three-month-old baby now!


    ¡°Missing them?¡± Kataleya asks knowingly.


    I nod. ¡°Yeah, you know the four of us were pretty wild.¡± I wink at her.


    Her smile falters and she nods. ¡°You and Zu were, but yes¡­ it¡¯s not the same. It¡¯s still nice, me and


    you¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is¡­ What is it, Kat?¡± I ask. There¡¯s more¡­ she¡¯s not telling me, but something is on her mind.


    She tilts her head, her long sandy brown hair falling over her shoulder then her dark eyes stare at the


    sizzling cubes of meat on the grill. ¡°I¡­ I won¡¯t be here for graduation¡­ I¡¯m going to leave Sky.¡± Her


    words are barely above a whisper, but they strike something inside. I suddenly feel like I can¡¯t breathe


    and suddenly there is a prickly feeling in my eyes as I look at her, trying not to show how those words


    hurt.


    ¡°Leave?¡± I ask, not knowing why I feel so upset.


    I knew it wasing, but I swear I thought I¡¯ll have her by my side until graduation.


    ¡°Oh wow, really?!¡± I say, jumping forward and knocking my elbow into the pot of chilli sauce, making it


    stter everywhere. It flicks across my face, and I flinch as it gets into my eyes. ¡°Oh, shit.¡±


    ¡°Oh no Sky, are you ok!¡± She¡¯s by my side in minutes as the tears I am unable to hold back well up in


    my eyes.


    She¡¯s leaving.


    ¡°Fuck, yeah I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m so damn clumsy.¡± I re at the chilli pot as she quickly dampens a corner of a


    tissue with some water. ¡°I got it thanks.¡± I try to take it from her, but she refuses.


    She smiles sadly at me, and I smile back as she begins cleaning it up.


    I¡¯m fine.


    A waitresses soon and clears the spilt sauce from the table and Kataleya returns to her seat.


    She¡¯s leaving¡­


    ¡°So, you¡¯re leaving so soon? Is Dad cool with that?¡± I ask nonchntly.


    She blushes and nods. ¡°I¡¯m not going abroad immediately¡­ but he¡¯s ok, reluctant, but he¡¯s happy for


    me to go. Of course, I have to have two guards with me. With my gradesst year being perfect for the


    exams I sat, I don¡¯t really need to re-sit them this year. I don¡¯t want to waste any more time Sky¡­ I


    need to do this.¡±


    She wants to go to the boy who helped her as a child, a boy who lost his hand for helping her¡­ a boy


    whose picture she wears around her neck¡­ She¡¯s been waiting for the time she could leave¡­ 12


    years¡­ I want to scream and beg her to stay, at least until graduation but she¡¯s been waiting longer. I


    can¡¯t be selfish.


    ¡°Leo may have the answer Sky¡­ you know the machinery he used to keep himself alive? It was able to


    handle the change and waspatible with his wolf to an extent when he shifted¡­ He thinks he can


    make a bionic-engineered limb with the same concept¡­ Azura asked him. He said he¡¯ll also be willing


    to take me on as a student for a year as I want to learn too¡­¡± Her eyes are full of tears and I can¡¯t help


    but fight my own back.


    For years she¡¯s looked for some solution but there is nothing that advanced that will transform when he


    shifts that could handle a full-on run or battle. She¡¯s trying to create him the perfect limb for what is


    gone, and Leo may just be the one to be able to help her. More than my own happiness, I want her to


    be happy.


    Soon¡­ she¡¯s leaving so soon¡­


    But even then, I want her to do this. I want her happy. I reach over and cup her face. My angel.


    ¡°You need to go! I¡¯m so ecstatic for you! Don¡¯t hesitate! You have worked so hard to learn about bionic


    engineering and if Leo is willing to teach you, go pick those brains. He stole far more from the Rossi


    gene pool than his fair share anyway!¡± I say, as she reaches over, wiping my stray tears away. She


    smiles sadly as I reach over and wipe hers away too.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for leaving you Sky, so soon¡­ Will you be ok?¡± She asks softly, moving back. I begin


    removing the meat from the grill and add some more.


    I nod, giving her my best smirk, making myself believe it so she doesn¡¯t see through me. ¡°Obviously,


    yes, I¡¯m having issues with control, but hey I¡¯ll be getting some training to help work with that. So when


    exactly are you leaving?¡±


    ¡°I just need to gather some of my reports and stuff, but I shouldn¡¯t be here longer than a week.¡±


    So soon¡­


    ¡°Great! How about Ie and crash at Azura¡¯s next hols?¡±


    ¡°That would be amazing!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m just jealous you¡¯ll get to see that little minion! I just want to gobble her up.¡± I say, thinking of my


    cute little cousin? Niece? Urgh, this entire family tree is a confusing mess.


    ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t wait to spend time with her, plus, now that Uncle is with his mate, maybe they¡¯ll have babies


    soon.¡±


    I scrunch my face up. ¡°Ah yeah, the pretty blonde. I like blondes¡­¡± I grumble, my mind turning to the


    Ardens¡­ both brothers seemed to have their attention on me¡­ both were off limits but somehow that


    made it all the more fun, although Royce ying hard to get is more appealing¡­ Aleric seems to rte


    to me somewhat.


    ¡°Oh, did you see the new teachers? They are both blonde.¡± She giggles innocently.


    Did I see them? Girl, I stripped in front of one of them. ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re extremely handsome.¡± I say with a


    smirk. And fuckable.


    She nods her agreement as she innocently flips the meat on the tter. I pick up my phone, staring at


    the chat between me and Reign. Not one message since he cancelled on me... I had texted him once,


    asking for an exnation, but nothing. Nothing at all¡­ He just left me, like everyone else.


    I slip my phone into my pocket as I look around the groups of people sitting at the tables, chatting,


    ambience of the restaurant. I raise my hand.


    ¡°More meat please!¡± I call.


    Tonight, I will eat andugh with my sister, because every moment should be cherished¡­ who knows


    when the next person will leave me?


    -----


    I stare at the red light on the digital clock on the bedside table.


    02.59am


    I sigh as I roll onto my back. I¡¯ve been tossing and turning all night. Even Malevolent got fed up and is


    now sleeping on the pillow next to me. I sit up, remembering Kataleya¡¯s concern as I dropped her at the


    academy.


    Are you sure you¡¯re ok Sky? Please talk to me¡­ I¡¯m perfectly fine, Kat, I promise you. I am¡­ Ok, I¡¯m


    d, I am worried about you Sky¡­ Don¡¯t, I¡¯m the devil herself, I¡¯m perfectly fine¡­


    Lies¡­


    I wrap my arms around my knees and pick up my phone, unable to stop myself from messaging him.


    LuciferessX: I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m being this ridiculous, but I¡¯m messaging you first, although you fucked


    me up. I¡¯m sorry if I did something, but I swear if you keep ignoring me I¡¯ll find you and trust me, I can. I


    have a cousin who is the world¡¯s best hacker! Asshat.


    There. Technically I didn¡¯t lie, Leo can. He¡¯s Alpha of the Sangue Pack and trust me, he¡¯s as smart as


    Kat thinks he is. In fact, I¡¯ve heard Dad say he¡¯s be a prominent member of the council without


    even participating in the meetings in person.


    I sigh, staring at my phone. He isn¡¯t going to be online, he¡¯s probably asleep.


    Scrolling through my phone, I stare at Mama¡¯s messages.


    ¡®Are you eating? Please call me, darling.¡¯


    ¡®How was your first day? You missed my call.¡¯


    There¡¯s more but I just feel guilty¡­ I don¡¯t want to talk to her because she knows when I¡¯m not ok¡­


    And I¡¯m not ok.


    I look at Dad¡¯s next. There¡¯s far more.


    ¡®I¡¯m still waiting for a fucking call.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m giving you a fucking week, or I¡¯ming down.¡¯


    ¡®Call me Sk, I¡¯m fucking pissed.¡¯


    Fifteen pounds there, Dad.


    I sigh as I switch to the group chat with Kataleya, Azura and Song. I drop a message or two there


    before climbing out of bed. I walk through the small hallway to the front door and, opening it, I sit down


    on the front step. Resting my head against the door frame, I stare at the moon.


    Why did you make me a Lycan? I ask her bitterly.


    I don¡¯t want to be different¡­


    Yet she¡¯s just¡­ not there.


    I look down at my phone, noticing that Dad¡¯s online¡­ he must be working as Mama hasn¡¯t been on in


    hours. Sighing, I hit call and ce the phone to my ear. He picks up instantly.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I say, remembering ourst conversation.


    ¡°Hey,¡± His voice is thick with sleep, and I frown.


    I miss his voice¡­


    ¡°I saw you online. Why are you awake?¡± I ask.


    ¡°They say the devil¡¯s hour is around three or some shit, so I thought you¡¯d be online.¡± His replyes


    and I frown, looking around, wait, has he got someone watching me?


    ¡°Dad, please tell me someone isn¡¯t watching me?¡±


    ¡°Sky, no, I fucking don¡¯t have anyone watching you. Chill the fuck out.¡±


    I sigh. ¡°Fine, just making sure, alright.¡± I growl back.


    ¡°Good, so what made you remember your old man tonight?¡± He asks, and I hear the rustle of the


    sheets and the sound of a peck.


    Their love¡­ it¡¯s beautiful¡­


    ¡°So what¡¯s keeping you up?¡± He asks.


    ¡°I just¡­ how do you learn, Dad¡­ When does it get easier?¡± I ask, cursing inwardly as I feel choked up.


    ¡°It¡¯s always a struggle¡­ the beasts within us¡­ they always look for a chance to take over. Controlling


    your emotions helps¡­ and of course¡­ when you find someone who bes that tether for you¡­ that


    calmness that you need, it then bes easier¡­ as your mom is to me. Are you struggling?¡± There¡¯s


    concern in his deep rugged voice.


    ¡°No¡­ I mean I got angry this morning, but no one was hurt¡­ like bad anyway, just a few scratches¡­


    on the gym teacher.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± To my surprise, Dad snickers and I hear him light a cigarette.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re amused?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, seems like Ken-fucking-Arden¡¯s son isn¡¯t up to par with my girl.¡±


    Mm, I¡¯m not so sure¡­


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s powerful, but he underestimated me.¡± I sigh.


    ¡°Oh yeah? They are a powerful pack. I¡¯ve talked to Rivers. You¡¯ll work with one of those blond Ken


    Dolls on some one-to-one lessons. It may not help with control, but you can at least keep up with your


    training.¡±


    Ken Dolls?


    I snicker before I mull over Dad¡¯s words. ¡°Yeah, one of them offered¡­ but yeah, I¡¯ll try my best.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the girl I know.¡± He replies as he takes a drag on his cigarette.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, you love me regardless of if I piss you off.¡± I say.


    I want to tell him I love him, but it just doesn¡¯te out easy¡­ I¡¯m not Kat¡­


    ¡°Of course I fucking do, and you know I¡¯m always here for you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, obviously, that¡¯s what parents are for.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, fucking good ones, so appreciate us.¡±


    I smirk. ¡°Sure Dad, anyway, I¡¯ll see. Bye Dad, get some sleep. I¡¯m sure Mama will wake up soon if she


    realises you''re missing.¡± I tease.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking mind her waking up.¡± I can hear the smirk in his voice.


    ¡°Yuck ee gross! Dad! Bye!¡± I hear him chuckling as I hang up and smile down at my phone.


    Thanks, Dad¡­


    I inhale slowly before exhaling as I stare at the sky, feeling a little better.


    I should head inside¡­ but I feel at ease out here, even if the weather is windy. I rest my head against


    the door frame again and close my eyes. The sound of the wind howling in the trees, and the rustling of


    the branches mix with the asional sound of an animal or two out in the woods.


    So soothing¡­


    I¡¯m drifting off when a chilling feeling suddenly ovees me and my eyes snap open, scanning the


    surrounding area. There¡¯s something out there¡­


    My heart¡¯s thudding as I sit up slowly, my eyes zing as I scan the trees that surround the cottage,


    and that¡¯s when I see it¡­


    Something so dark I can¡¯t even make out its body, but what I can see are the two glowing plum eyes


    that are staring right back at me¡­

 12. An Attack

    12. An Attack


    SKYLA.


    I don¡¯t move, the first rule of survival¡­ stay calm¡­ I keep my breathing steady, my eyes zing plum


    purple, the exact colour of whatever or whoever that is¡­ we¡¯re pretty far but those eyes look almost¡­


    reptilian¡­ I¡¯m notpletely sure as I¡¯m not close enough¡­ and then again, there shouldn¡¯t be


    snakes out here¡­ this is Ennd, not Australia.


    I briefly wonder if I actually ended up falling asleep and dreamt that I¡¯m in thend down under. I finally


    get why they call it that. That ce must be hell with the number of things trying to kill you over there.


    Focus Sky.


    The smell of the earth and the crisp air are enough to tell me that I¡¯m definitely wide awake.


    Neither of us moves for several seconds and I slowly rise to my feet, eyeing the reptilian or whatever it


    is. Wait, maybe it¡¯s a snake shifter! Do they exist? Hell, anything can exist, I mean, I¡¯m a Lycan.


    Despite how calm I am, that sense of foreboding is only growing, and my gut is telling me that I should


    assess the situation and start by getting inside¡­ but before I can, I hear Malevolent meow from behind


    me.


    ¡°Go inside.¡± I say, terrified for her life as those purple eyes turn towards her.


    ¡°Meow?¡± Malevolent tilts her head, looking at me. She¡¯s on edge. I can see the way her fur is standing


    on end as she stares into the darkness. I don¡¯t think she can see it, but she knows something isn¡¯t right.


    ¡°Go inside. Shoo.¡± I mutter as I begin edging towards her; wrong move.


    I hear a sinister hiss and then that thing is darting straight towards us. It¡¯s incredibly fast, so fast for


    some reason, I¡¯m unable to see it. There¡¯s a darkness surrounding it and at times I swear it feels like it


    disappears, but I don¡¯t stop to ponder, darting towards Malevolent as I shift into my Lycan form.


    I tower nearly 7 feet tall. My pure white fur stands out in the darkness, sadly - unlike Dad, I don¡¯t really


    blend into the night. I sh out at the thing as I block the doorway to the cottage. No one touches my


    kitty!


    I growl menacingly, as the darkness surrounding it seems to flicker and then it seems to materialise


    fully. I see the body of what looks like a huge snake, its thick body covered in shimmery ck scales


    that hold a dark plum hue to them. It¡¯s gorgeous I give it that¡­ why couldn¡¯t my fur be that colour?


    But I don¡¯t have long to ponder over it, as I realise how terrifyingly huge it is. I may be 7 feet tall, but


    this thing is way, way, way, bigger.


    Fuck!


    It spins around, its tail catching my right nk and throwing me to the ground. The impact knocks the


    breath from me as pain rushes up my side. I¡¯m d that it no longer cares about Malevolent. Its


    menacing eyes turn on me as I jump to my feet,unching myself at it. I manage to throw it off bnce


    for a few seconds, taking the chance to try to rip into it but my ws don¡¯t even manage to dent it. The


    scales are damn imprable.


    What¡¯s the point of being a damn Lycan if I can¡¯t even damage a pretty-looking death noodle?


    Focus girl!


    It hisses, showing off its fucking huge fangs. Those things can go right through me¡­ but what makes


    my eyes widen is when he opens his mouth and spits. Out of instinct, I roll out of the way, my eyes


    widening as I see the cobbled stone path darken under what I¡¯m assuming is poison. Jumping to my


    feet, I run at it. This time I manage to wrap my arms around it, but no matter how strong I am, it doesn¡¯t


    even budge. I¡¯m not even able to throw it to the ground. It ils around but I hold on, trying to sink my


    teeth into it.


    Don¡¯t you belong somewhere where it¡¯s normal to have huge-ass snakes?


    Grunting, I use all my force, but I realise I¡¯m not going to win this. I hate backing away from a fight, but


    I¡¯m running out of options. The smartest thing would be to get inside or at least grab a sword or


    something! I need to channel my inner Hercules like how he faced the hydra!


    I shake my head, pushing that stupid thought away. I swear if we start getting some creepy spiders, I¡¯m


    moving to the city or better yet, Antarctica and burning this ce down. Yes, I¡¯m living in the middle of


    the woods and I can cope with spiders to an extent, but anything oversized like this, just nope! It¡¯s


    pretty much a secret, but the one thing that gets to me is spiders and crying babies. Both terrify me


    equally.


    Its tail thrashes into me, knocking me away, and I¡¯m thrown against the side of the cottage. I gasp as


    pain shoots through me, and he darts at me. I catch its mouth, feeling its sheer power as I force its


    mouth open, my arms screaming in agony as it tries to bite down on me. Fuck, these fangs are so


    big¡­ I push it in the other direction just in case it uses that poison it spat, hissing when its fang digs


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    into the side of my breast. My eyes sh and I use my legs to kick it off me, just as a little ball of soft


    ck furunches itself at me, nudging my face as I stumble back.


    Malevolent¡­


    I wrap my arms around her as I¡¯m forced to shift back. The smell of blood overpowering everything


    else, I struggle to my feet, clutching Malevolent to my chest when I hear another hiss; I turn to see his


    long, forked tongue slipping out, his sharp fangs gleaming sinisterly promising the bite of death, but


    before I can make a mad dash inside, he¡¯s lunging at me.


    I dart around the house, fuck I need to shift! But I¡¯m bleeding far too much. I stagger around the side of


    the house, hearing it slither behind me. Is it just me or is it getting colder?


    No¡­ I¡¯m right¡­ the floor is literally iced up¡­ I didn¡¯t even realise the temperature has dropped so


    much¡­


    ¡°Malevolent, you need to protect yourself.¡± I mutter as she nuzzles against me. ¡°I know you want to


    protect me¡­ but that¡¯s not a spider¡­¡± I trail off as she blinks up at me with those piercing green eyes.


    Aww, she is soo cute! And she¡¯s always there for me¡­ she was only trying to help.


    My heart¡¯s racing as the huge snake is struggling to get through the trees and I take the chance to scan


    the area. I look at the cottage and m my elbow into the small bathroom window, shattering it. I can


    hear the rustling of the snake-like beast rushing closer.


    I quickly ce Malevolent inside before I hurriedly pull out therge shards of ss and drag myself


    through the tiny window. I bite my lip when the ss scrapes my stomach. It¡¯s getting closer and I grab


    Malevolent, trying to calm my pounding heart, backing away towards the tub in the corner. It¡¯s on the


    same wall as the window and I¡¯m praying it keeps us out of sight.


    Time seems to still as I edge towards the tub¡­

 13. In the Middle of the Night

    13. In the Middle of the Night


    SKYLA.


    I see its shadow loom in the tiny window, which is far too small for it to fit through. Heck, I just about


    managed to fit! Thank god I¡¯m not blessed with Mama¡¯s curves or my ass wouldn¡¯t have fitted through


    that damn window and that snake would have had my ass for dinner. Can you just imagine me walking


    around with my ass bitten off? I''ll probably be dead soon after.


    Silently I climb into the bathtub, shuddering at the thought. I can feel that chilling aura grow, and I can


    hear its breathing outside. Silently I ce my hand over Malevolent¡¯s mouth, steadying my breathing as


    I lie down in the bath, not wanting to be seen¡­


    Go away¡­


    I hear a distant, powerful growl that makes my heart soar. Is someone out there? I hear a hiss before


    something huge ms into the side of the cottage, not once, but twice.


    Fuck!


    I flinch, praying the walls hold, and I¡¯m about to run from the bathroom, but suddenly there¡¯s silence.


    Exhaling deeply, I wait for a few moments about to get up when I hear footsteps.


    Human footsteps¡­


    Control¡­ I can feel my Lycan wanting to burst forward, but its anger won¡¯t help. I can¡¯t let anyone know


    what I am¡­ I close my eyes before the footsteps fade away and I quietly sit up. ncing towards the


    window, I slowly pad to the door and rush out to the main hall. Running to the front door, I quickly shut


    it, locking it.


    I need to block up the back window. I run my fingers through my hair, letting out a shaky breath.


    I stare down at myself. It¡¯s so cold I can feel it in my bones, and I can see the wound that I had gotten


    when its fang had managed to scrape me is still bleeding. I frown, looking at the side of my breast that


    isn¡¯t seeming to heel. That¡¯s where it¡¯s fang got me¡­


    ¡°Meow?¡± Malevolent watches me.


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s ok my little minion, it¡¯s just a scratch¡­ and we can¡¯t tell Dad or he¡¯ll be cing me in a bloody


    cage made of gold or something.¡± I shiver, damn why do I feel so cold?


    She jumps from my arm, nudging my ankles as she brushes against me.


    I frown as I stagger to the kitchen to grab the first aid box. I¡¯m exhausted. I drop onto the chair, opening


    the box with shaking hands. Hopefully, it¡¯s not poison. I apply some cleansing herbs, although thebel


    says it¡¯s more for wolfsbane and silver. I clean away all the blood. Ah well, it¡¯ll be fine. I ce a square


    bandage on the side of my breast when there¡¯s a knock on the door, making me freeze.


    Who the hell would be here at this time? Maybe it¡¯s one of Prescott¡¯s guards. I did hear that growl


    earlier. My heart thuds trying to figure out a story as I rush to the bedroom and grab one of my satin


    nightgowns. I put it on, tie the belt and spray a good amount of perfume on top to get rid of any


    lingering smell of blood and head to the door, I pause ncing in the small mirror that hangs on the


    wall and practice my most sleepy face.


    Perfect.


    I walk to the door and pull it open keeping my eyes half hooded as I look at the man standing there, all


    fake sleep vanishes when they fly open staring sharply at none other than Royce, crouching on the


    step, holding my phone that I must have dropped earlier.


    ¡°Sk?¡± He says, clearly as shocked as I am. My heart thuds and I wonder what he¡¯s doing here¡­ I


    get that Prescott was allied with the Shadow Wolves Pack but this ce isn¡¯t too far from his actual


    pack grounds, it¡¯s still his territory was it ok to be on it past midnight? ¡°You live here¡­¡± Royce murmurs


    as he stands up.


    I don¡¯t reply, making the mistake of looking him over the moment I realise he¡¯s shirtless.


    Oh, fuck me now¡­ He has the hottest body I have ever fucking seen and trust me, I¡¯ve seen a lot¡­


    defined abs, a sharp cut V, tan sexy skin and every single ridge of his body is made to be devoured. I¡¯d


    happilyther him with whipped cream and lick him clean.


    A familiar ache settles in my core and I find my gaze dipping to the front of those grey sweats that


    match the colour of his stormy eyes¡­ The very clear shape of his package tells me he isn¡¯t wearing


    any boxers underneath.


    My gaze flicks up just in time to see his gaze lingering on my breasts. I wonder if he likes my pierced


    nips¡­ With just the thin green satin clinging to me; they are clearly emphasised. I smirk, but he looks


    away, scanning the grounds. What is he looking for?


    ¡°Did you hear anything just now? There was something out here and I wasn¡¯t too far¡­ so I thought I¡¯ll


    check it out.¡± He says, crossing his arms, still holding my phone.


    I shake my head, taking my phone from him and cing it on the table beside the door. ¡°Nope, nothing.


    I did hear somemotion, but I was fast asleep.¡± I lie,


    ¡°Oh?¡± He says, his eyes boring into me, and for a second, I wonder if I should have told the truth.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Then you won¡¯t mind meing inside and taking a look around, because whatever I was chasing


    vanished around here.¡±


    ¡°This is a little cottage. There¡¯s nowhere anyone can hide. By any chance, are you insinuating I¡¯m


    hiding something?¡± I ask sharply.


    ¡°Not at all, but if you keep being stubborn, I might start to question why¡­ Now let mee inside and


    have a look around.¡± He persists.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need toe inside unless, of course, you meanting inside me, that I won¡¯t mind.¡± I


    smirk crossing my arms. He rolls his eyes, stepping forward, and looks down at me, leaning closer. His


    scent fills my nose as his lips almost touch my ear and I wee the heat of his body that shields me


    from the cold outside¡­


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not interested.¡± He whispers in my ear before moving back and looking me in the


    eyes.


    Well, as long as he isn¡¯t scanning the cottage¡­ ¡°Are you sure? No one will need to know.¡± I whisper,


    running my nail down his chest.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± He growls, pinning my wrist against the wall behind me. I gasp at the sudden force, flinching as


    pain shoots through my injury and I feel blood spreading across the bandage. His eyes widen slightly,


    and he looks down at me. ¡°You¡¯re hurt.¡±


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± I deny, narrowing my eyes.


    He doesn¡¯t bother replying as he yanks my gown off my shoulder, revealing my bandaged breast, but in


    the process, the gown slips open fully, exposing me entirely to him.


    His eyes widen, but it¡¯s the sh of hunger that coats them as they ze a brilliant blue that makes my


    pussy clench, and the moment his eyes dip down, I smirk victoriously, my own eyes fixed on his


    package as his dick hardens in his pants¡­.

 14. Our Differences

    14. Our Differences


    SKYLA.


    Now that I wasn¡¯t expecting and I can¡¯t help but smirk at his struggle, he growls in frustration, letting go


    of me and turning his back on me. I chuckle, sliding my gown up over my shoulder.


    ¡°You really are so boring.¡± I tut, pushing past him, not bothering to tie my gown as I shamelessly turn


    and stop in front of him. ¡°You¡¯re not my teacher right now.¡±


    ¡°No thanks. How did you get hurt?¡± He asks icily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really like to share my secrets.¡± I reply icily, ¡°Now, do you want to join me or do you n to


    leave?¡±


    He¡¯s refusing to look at me and my stomach twists when his gaze falls on the bathroom door. The


    broken ss¡­ I see his gaze go to the ground, his frown deepening. There are bits of dirt but I hope


    the dark wood flooring disguises it somewhat¡­ He seems to be thinking something over before he


    looks at me sharply, clenching his jaw as he reaches down and yanks my gown together.


    ¡°Have a little respect for yourself.¡± He says coldly, his words making irritation sh through me.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I say, not missing the anger in his eyes as he ties the gown sash tightly. I gasp as the


    belt digs into my waist.


    ¡°You heard me. Do you have a habit of throwing yourself at any bloody man that you see?¡±


    I clench my jaws, my own anger rising. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t forget the women. You have no right to question my


    self-respect, if I want to go fuck ten men right now, that¡¯s my choice, and it doesn¡¯t take away from my


    self-respect just because we don¡¯t fit into the mould that you men have made for us.¡± I growl.


    His eyes flicker to the bathroom door again, but those cold eyes are on me again within seconds.


    ¡°Then please, go find those men. I really don¡¯t care.¡± He says. ¡°But if you think I¡¯m going to be one of


    your games¡­ you are sorely mistaken, love.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to put a ring on my damn finger, and it¡¯s not like you don¡¯t want this.¡± I say, looking


    pointedly at the impressive shaft in his pants.


    ¡°I already made it clear that from this day forth we¡¯re teacher and student. I am not about to break the


    trust one has in that position, no matter what, no matter how much either of us wants to.¡±


    Clearly you don¡¯t want it as much as I do.


    Scoffing, I nod. ¡°Yeah, who are you trying to please, my Daddy?¡± I mock. ¡°Nothing else new there.¡±


    His eyes sh and I knew I had hit a nerve. ¡°Not everyone cares for the King¡¯s acknowledgement,


    especially not someone like me. I don¡¯t see you as his daughter, I-¡° He turns away with irritation and for


    a second I think he¡¯s about to punch the wall, instead he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. ¡°I


    see you as someone entrusted to me¡­ I¡¯m in a position of trust. I¡¯m not about to break that, no matter


    who wants me to¡­¡±


    Can someone really be so¡­ decent? Well, yeah I guess we have a few respectful men in the family,


    but most of them are arrogant and were definitely fuck boys until they met their mates¡­ it¡¯s different to


    same time it stings that he values his position and ethics so damn much.


    ¡°Wow, did Selene drown you in a bucket of righteousness and good before dunking you on earth


    golden boy?¡± I ask. ¡°You know I¡¯m not asking for your virginity¡­ Wait, are you a virgin? Is that why you


    are so-¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± He growls.


    ¡°Great, then I don¡¯t get it, and Dad wouldn¡¯t say anything. I mean he can¡¯t, he was entrusted to look


    after Mama, with 16 years between them might I add and he knocked her up, so.¡± I shrug.


    Why am I holding on? I mean, now I¡¯m sounding desperate. There¡¯s plenty of men out there¡­ or was it


    the fact I liked to be refused and then getting that man was so much more satisfying?


    ¡°Karma? So you''re saying I should do the same simply because he didn¡¯t make the best of choices and


    that he deserves it?¡±


    Not exactly¡­ kinda? I nod, folding my arms and looking at him defiantly.


    He shakes his head and I think I see the faintest of emotions in his cold eyes. ¡°They say a man should


    be the kind of person that he would want his daughters to be with¡­ that is the idealism I will stand by,


    because when that dayes, I¡¯ll proudly be able to tell my kids that I treated others right, so whether


    it suits you or not I really don¡¯t care, but I¡¯m not changing my stance.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what to say, for a strange crazy moment he reminds me of Reign, the sweetness and that


    mentality¡­ I hate that it makes my heart flutter strangely¡­ It¡¯s rare to find a man who actually won¡¯t


    take advantage of someone, especially one he clearly desires¡­


    He¡¯s about to walk out when something on my face seems to make him hesitate. To my surprise, he


    reaches over, brushing his fingers through my hair, and I can¡¯t help but close my eyes as his touch


    makes tingles dance across my skin.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to be harsh. I am a man and regardless of what I believe, it does get hard for me, too. I¡¯m


    only saying you¡¯re worth more than a one-night hook-up.¡± My green eyes stare into his grey ones and


    N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    for once I¡¯m nk. I can¡¯t think straight¡­


    How do you respond to that?


    He doesn¡¯t wait for a reply and swiftly turns, heading to the open door, about to step out, when a


    shadow appears in the door.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Royce growls.


    My eyes widen as I find myself looking at none other than Aleric, like Royce he¡¯s only in a pair of


    sweatpants, his are ck, his long hair falls messily around his shoulders and I can¡¯t help but


    appreciate his body. He¡¯s not as bulky as his brother but he is equally toned¡­ there¡¯s a gracefulness to


    the way his body glistens with that perfect tan and side by side I realise despite them both being blond


    and tanned Aleric¡¯s skin held a gold hue whilst Royce¡¯s is more cool.


    ¡°Is everything alright.¡± Aleric asks, looking at his brother questioningly.


    ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s nothing here to see.¡± Royce says quietly.


    Aleric nods as he observes his brother before he notices his hard shaft, which makes him smirk in


    amusement, his eyes twinkling as he looks at me. ¡°Well, it sure is cold here tonight¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head out Ric.¡± Royce says quietly.


    ¡°You go, I¡¯ll catch up.¡± Aleric replies, looking at his brother. Royce nces back at me before giving a


    cut nod and jogs off. He doesn¡¯t shift until he¡¯s hidden away in the bushes, and I think I see light


    coloured fur, but then he¡¯s gone pretty fast.


    I frown as Aleric sighs, ¡°Is everything ok?¡± He asks, running his fingers through his hair before he


    crouches down and beckons Malevolent over. He smiles at her and she looks up at me before she trots


    over to him and I can¡¯t help but smile as he strokes her.


    Somehow Royce¡¯s words have still shaken me, and I just feel¡­ awful.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I heard something but it¡¯s fine.¡± I shrug, trying to focus on anything but his words.


    He smiles and nods, ¡°Worried that your father will find out you were in danger and might pull you from


    here?¡±


    My heart thuds and I freeze, making him chuckle.


    ¡°I was a teen once.¡± He says with a wink as he stands up and Malevolent trots back to me.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s the reason, maybe not, but I do enjoy my own ce.¡±


    He steps closer and to my surprise I can feel the heat radiating off him. Damn someone¡¯s hot, in every


    aspect.


    ¡°You can tell me; I won¡¯t mention it. You can trust me.¡± He says firmly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see it properly. It looked like a huge snake¡­ or something¡­¡±


    He frowns, looking at me sharply, and I wish I didn¡¯t speak. He genuinely looks shocked. ¡°A snake? Did


    you actually see something?¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you two out here hunting it?¡± I ask uneasily.


    ¡°Yes¡­ but we didn¡¯t see it, it got away¡­¡± He says, trailing off as he steps back and closes the front


    door. ¡°Would you be ok to tell me exactly what you saw, so when I report back, I can make it appear


    that I¡¯m the one who saw it?¡±


    I''m was about to refuse, but his words rx me, and I nod. ¡°Sure, I can do that.¡±


    ¡°Perfect, how about we discuss it over something to drink, if you don¡¯t mind me shamelessly inviting


    myself in.¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°Well, since you already have invited yourself in, we can do that,¡± I say, ncing


    down at his sexy body, it¡¯s crazy how sexy he looks right now. He really is¡­ beautiful. I look up into


    those grey eyes and his lips curl into a sexy smile before they dip to my breasts.


    ¡°You might want to go change¡­ or this wolf might just want to devour you.¡±


    I smirk, although a part of me wonders why both brothers have such an effect on me, but hey since one


    has clearly said no, I can enjoy this one. ¡°Good n¡­ mind helping me with my sash. Your annoying


    brother tied it a little too tight.¡± I reply seductively, stepping closer to him.


    I need a distraction, and this was the perfect one.


    ¡°Then I really should help rectify his mistake.¡± He replies huskily. My core clenches when his eyes glow


    a gorgeous amber gold. They burn brighter than any I¡¯ve ever seen¡­ like the sun itself¡­ I¡¯m forced to


    look away, gasping.


    He closes the gap between us, his fingers slipping into my belt as he tugs me closer, my breath hitches


    when his eyes remain locked with mine as he caresses my stomach with the back of his fingers. They


    glide along the belt, the fabric is between us but still it makes tingles rush through me. He tugs firmly on


    the end of the sash, freeing me from the tight binding. I let out a breath, feeling the silk sash slip from


    his fingers.


    ¡°I apologise on his behalf; I hope you¡¯ll ept this sincere apology.¡± He says with a glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Depends exactly how you n to apologise.¡± I whisper back, my heart''s thumping as my gown slips


    open.


    A smile curls across those kissable lips as his hands slip under my gown, his fingers gently rubbing my


    skin where the belt had dug into me. The feel of his touch sends delicious tingles through me, and I


    can¡¯t help but lean into his touch.


    ¡°Allow me to show you.¡± He murmurs softly, and I slowly look up into those gorgeous eyes. One hand


    leaves my waist as he cups the side of my face, leaning in as his gaze lowers to my lips before he


    presses his against them.


    My breath hitches as pleasure rushes through me, his scent invades my senses and those soft lips


    caress mine so painstakingly slowly that I feel my senses heighten. And when he begins kissing me, I


    forget everything else, locking my arms around his neck and deepening the kiss¡­

 15. Heat & Passion

    15. Heat & Passion


    ALERIC.


    She¡¯s¡­ I don¡¯t kiss women on the lips. There¡¯s something about it that disgusts me, but when I saw her


    standing there, clearly upset with whatever Royce had said to her, I was unable to stop myself.


    Perhaps I knew if I wanted to make this look as genuine as possible, I would need to. I¡¯m not a hundred


    percent certain¡­ Either way, I am notining. I wrap my arms around her waist. Her scent is


    alluring and as much as I¡¯m enjoying her confidence, I like to be in control.


    I smile against her lips. This isn¡¯t so hard¡­


    ¡°Patience Sweetheart,¡± I murmur against her lips as I grip the side of her face tighter and tease the tip


    of her tongue. She tastes just like Pear Drops¡­ I explore her mouth, feeling pleasure rush south,


    running my hands up her waist until I reach the sides of her breasts. So perfectly moulded into my


    hands.


    ¡®I¡¯m waiting, Aleric.¡¯ Royce¡¯s sharp voicees into my mind.


    ¡®You should carry on. We¡¯re about to have a drink and maybe more.¡¯ I reply jokingly, if only he knew


    how serious I am right now.


    I run my hand up over the apex of her boobs, my finger rubbing over her nipples. I move back to get a


    better look, feeling the little jewels under my fingertips.


    ¡®Right¡­ Don¡¯t hurt her, Aleric.¡¯ His voice is cold but I¡¯m his brother after all. I know when he¡¯s troubled.


    The thing is¡­ as much as I want to taunt him that she¡¯s as sweet as our favourite childhood sweets, I


    know he¡¯lle back and disrupt us¡­


    ¡®Oh, I don¡¯t n to. We¡¯re just discussing the thing she saw. Didn¡¯t she tell you about it?¡¯


    Silence follows. I admire her breasts, her nipples are a soft dusky pink, and those little gold rings with


    emerald jewels only bring out the beautiful shade of her eyes¡­


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± I murmur.


    ¡®No, she didn¡¯t.¡¯ His replyes.


    ¡®Then I¡¯ll fill you in tomorrow.¡¯ I reply before cutting the link and pulling her against me, turning I push


    her against the wall, lifting her legs around my waist as I kiss her harder. A moan leaves her lips, and I


    cut it off by pressing my lips back against hers.


    The scent of her arousal perfumes the air and I feel the hunger of my wolf growing in my mind.


    Pleasure courses through me, and I harden, wanting nothing more than to have more of her. I kiss her


    neck, sucking hard, and she lets out a sigh of blissful pleasure as she presses herself against me. I can


    tell she¡¯s in a hurry, her hunger clear in her bodynguage.


    ¡°Which way to the bedroom?¡± I ask, as I suck on the tip of her ear, her ears are pierced several times


    and I flick my tongue along the tip, making her shiver as she moves from my touch.


    ¡°Second door down behind you.¡± She murmurs, her lips meeting my neck, sucking hard. I usually don¡¯t


    allow women to touch me unless I say¡­ but there¡¯s something about her¡­


    A little growl leaves my lips and I trail kisses down her neck and shoulders as I turn and carry her to the


    door she has pointed out. Opening it I step inside, carrying her to the bed. I sit on the bed leaning back


    against the cushions as I im her lips again. She kisses me back hungrily as she grinds against my


    cock.


    ¡°You really are an impatient one.¡± I purr. As I slide the gown off her shoulders, my gaze falls to the


    square bandage she has on the side of her breast.


    ¡°Ignore it, it¡¯s just a scratch.¡± She whispers, her hands raking down my chest, before she begins kissing


    me down my chest. Fast yet sensual, I brush her hair off her face, watching her, her eyes are a brilliant


    plum colour¡­ just like the monster¡­.


    Curiosity fills me, but the pleasure I feel is stronger. I bite back a groan as her body brushes down


    against my cock as she goes lower.


    She runs her tongue along my Adonis belt, her fingers slipping under the band of my sweatpants, and


    she slides them down. Her heart thumps and I ce my free arm behind my head. ¡°Like what you see,


    Darling?¡±


    ¡°Oh, absolutely¡­¡± she replies, running her hand up my thighs and along myrge shaft.


    I can see the hunger in her eyes as she licks those plush lips and I tug her forward. Now I want to see


    how those pretty lips are around my cock. She doesn¡¯t disappoint, as she ces her tongue against


    the base of my shaft and runs it along the entire length. Pleasure runs through me and when she takes


    me into her mouth, as she starts to bob back and forward with both her hands wrapped around what


    doesn¡¯t fit in her mouth, I can¡¯t help but groan.


    ¡°Ah fuck that¡¯s it.¡± I murmur. Oh, she¡¯s good¡­ really good¡­ her tongue twirls around my cock as she


    sucks in her cheeks, wrapping her mouth against my cock thoroughly. She¡¯s taking more and more into


    her mouth, and it¡¯s not long before I¡¯m hitting the back of her throat, the pleasant sound of me fucking


    her pretty little mouth fills the room. The pressure builds, and I¡¯m almost at the height of euphoria. My


    mind darkens. ¡°I¡¯m close¡­ you can stop¡­¡± I murmur, only for her hands to cup my balls and pick up


    speed. Her moans drive me crazy with carnal lust.


    No? By all means princess, you can have whatever you want¡­


    I pull her head down on my cock, thrusting faster into her mouth. Pleasure erupts within me like a


    fucking explosion, and she sucks harder, gagging as I release my load down her throat.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I growl. Her heart is thumping as she finally moves back gasping for air.


    I let out a sigh, enjoying the aftermath of my release that runs through me. I can see the lust clearing in


    her eyes, her heart pounding as she licks her lips, but I don¡¯t n to let her slip from my fingers¡­


    Sitting up I pull her close, kissing her neck before pulling the gown that hung on her wrists off


    ¡°My turn.¡± I whisper, and I don¡¯t wait for a reply as I begin kissing her down her neck.


    I squeeze her breast, making sure not to caress the other one that¡¯s wounded, before taking her nipple


    in my mouth. She sighs in pleasure, and I suck on the hard bud before teasing her other one equally. I


    squeeze them, making her gasp, continuing my path down her toned stomach.


    Her abdomen is firm, and I find myself taking a second to admire her light abs, just the right amount on


    a woman¡­ I go lower, taking another moment to admire her pussy, she¡¯spletely smooth, save for


    the thin strip of light ck hair.


    Beautiful¡­


    I ce my tongue at the start of her slit, running my tongue along her hair. Her back arches, gasping as


    she tangles her hands into my hair as I slowly run my tongue down, sliding it into her parted pussy.


    She cries out and I know I have her exactly where I want her¡­ I push her legs wider, and she lithely


    parts them with ease, she¡¯s pretty flexible¡­ slipping a finger inside of her, I begin sucking and licking


    her clit, as I tease her with my fingers. Relishing in the sounds of pleasure that fall from her lips as she


    nears.


    ¡°Fuck Aleric¡­ Oh yeah¡­ right there¡­¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    She¡¯s close and I pull back, making her eyes sh. ¡°Get onto all fours like a good little girl.¡± I whisper,


    cupping her face and kissing her softly on the corner of her mouth. Her fingers weave into my hair and


    she yanks my head back with impressive strength.


    ¡°Fuck me hard, I¡¯m no princess.¡± She growls, running her tongue up my neck. I throb hard as she lets


    go and turns getting into the position I asked her to, on all fours.


    I get off the bed, yanking her to the edge of it as I position myself behind her. Delivering a few strokes


    to my cock, I guide it to her entrance, squeezing her ass with the other hand before I m into her.


    She¡¯s tight and feels incredible.


    I can¡¯t help but smile slightly as I fuck her. The King¡¯s daughter really wasn¡¯t that hard to get to¡­ and


    she is definitely worth it¡­ I massage her hips, fucking her hard and fast just as she asked.


    The bed beneath her creaks at the force of my pounding and leaning down I grab her wrists, pinning


    them behind her back, making her groan as I tug her back by the hair with the other hand, mming


    into her harder.


    She cries out, pleasure running through us both, her ass jiggling as I drive into her roughly, my own


    release is near and when her orgasm hits her, coating my dick with her juices, her legs almost buckle


    but I hold her up, pulling out only to drive into her again.


    ¡°Fuck Aleric!¡± She gasps, and I let go of her hair, allowing her to drop forward.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done with you yet, sweetheart. Do note until I tell you to¡± I purr.


    ¡°Fuck! Good¡­! That¡¯s it¡­¡± she gasps as I keep fucking her roughly. I deliver a sharp p to her ass,


    making her whimper. A sound pretty gentle for the feisty woman she usually is. But her words are


    anything but gentle, begging me to fuck her. ¡°Fuck right there, that¡¯s it - harder!¡± She screams.


    I drop onto the bed beside her, turning her onto her side and slipping my arm under her neck as I


    squeeze her uninjured breast hard, hooking my other hand under her thigh, and lifting it as I drive into


    her pussy from behind.


    She gasps, her tiny body stretched as she screams in pleasure, she¡¯s near and I¡¯m close too. I look


    down at her, burying my face in her neck as I m into her.


    ¡°Come for me, sweetheart,¡± I whisper huskily. Her back arches, her ass pressed against me as I fuck


    her senseless.


    She lets go, her orgasm rips through her, her entire body trembling, and with a few more rough thrusts,


    I find my own release, emptying my load into her.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± I murmur, groaning in pleasure. I hold her tightly as we both catch our breath.


    Now that was not how I was expecting the night to end¡­ but I had to admit it was far more satisfactory


    than the trash I¡¯ve been having the majority of the time. If nothing else, I can at least say she¡¯s a good


    fuck.


    ¡°Oookay¡­¡± She says breathlessly, pulling from my hold, and rolling onto her back as she turns and


    looks at me. ¡°That was¡­ satisfying, but I don¡¯t cuddle.¡±


    ¡°Good to know¡­ and fair enough, I hope I didn¡¯t cross a line¡­¡± I reply, feigning concern. She shakes


    those gorgeous locks, although I¡¯m certain they¡¯d look so much better longer¡­


    ¡°It was just the line I wanted you to cross.¡± She says, leaning over, cing one arm sexily over her


    breasts. ¡°I¡¯ll go shower, then I¡¯ll go make those hot drinks.¡±


    ¡°How about you rest for a bit? I¡¯ll go shower first.¡± I suggest.


    She nods and I get up, picking up my pants. I don¡¯t know how I feel about what just happened aside


    from the fact it was an excellent release but this is the part I walk out or kick them out¡­ and I was


    going to have to y as if I care¡­ I¡¯ll start with washing her touch from me, strangely enough, it¡¯s not


    as repulsive as usual¡­


    I frown, leaving the bedroom and the cat runs inside to her mistress. I¡¯m about to open the bathroom


    door when I hear running.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    I turn to look at her standing therepletely naked and what intrigues me most is she¡¯s still walking


    pretty steadily¡­. I¡¯m impressed¡­ next time I¡¯ll just turn up the roughness.


    I cock a brow. ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s broken ss in there.¡± She says.


    I smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I already know there is¡­


    I step inside and close the door behind me and lock it. I walk over to the mirror, not caring about the


    ss that bites into my feet.


    Tilting my head, I smirk slightly, as I stare at my glowing golden eyes in the mirror. The first step into the


    closed circle of the Lycan King himself starts here, and what better way than to im the heart of his


    daughter?


    It¡¯s time they learn the true power of the Sris bloodline.

 16. A Brothers Rage

    16. A Brother''s Rage


    ALERIC.


    An hourter she¡¯s finished describing what she saw, and I am intrigued, because all we have ever


    seen is the plum eyes. It¡¯s always so fast¡­


    ¡°Sounds like a huge snake¡­ only there¡¯s no snake of that calibre.¡± I muse, she¡¯s proved helpful, and


    she¡¯s intelligent. I like that.


    ¡°Yeah, and my ws didn¡¯t make a dent.¡± She says, a frown on her face as she sits opposite me


    holding a mug of hot chocte. I had settled for tea since she had limited options. I still do not know


    how she is staying out here in the middle of nowhere.


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡±


    ¡°So does Dad know about this?¡± She asks, her sharp eyes observing me.


    And there we have it, always thinking the king needs to know it all. He isn¡¯t the only one who''s been


    protecting this country. ¡°Yes, he does, as does the council, however, all we are seeing are people being


    killed by something that leaves no traces. Neither Arden Corporation nor Leo Rossi were able to


    identify the cause of death. Aside from the few who have been mauled. Even the witches have not


    found a source. It¡¯s a bit of a mystery¡­¡±


    She frowns. ¡°I see¡­ how long have these attacks been happening?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a few weeks, but we are trying and I¡¯m certain this description you¡¯ve given me will help


    greatly.¡±


    ¡°Will you make sure my name stays out of it?¡± She says, frowning slightly.


    ¡°You have my word, Princess.¡± I wink at her, and she smirks slightly, nodding. She¡¯s wearing that green


    satin gown again but this time she did put on some panties¡­ Her corbones jut out, her breasts that


    are the perfect size for her build are rising and falling, the cleavage teasing me from the gap.


    She clears her throat and I smirk. ¡°Now that I know exactly what you offer, it¡¯s rather hard to keep my


    eyes off you, do forgive me.¡±


    She tilts her head. ¡°Nothing to forgive. I wouldn¡¯t mind doing this again sometime¡­ no strings


    attached.¡±


    No strings attached¡­ that¡¯s not the aim¡­ but it¡¯s a starting point¡­


    ¡°I like the sound of that.¡± I say, standing up, ¡°Your number?¡±


    ¡°Want me to write it down for you, or will you remember it?¡± She questions teasingly as she stands up


    and approaches me. She¡¯s seductive. The way she¡¯s watching me now makes me want to pull her


    closer and maybe fuck her once more before I leave¡­ but I think that¡¯s enough for one night.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty good at remembering things, and when the number belongs to such a pretty girl, there¡¯s no


    way that I will forget it.¡± I say.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s 076¡­¡± She repeats her number, my gaze on those plump lips of hers as I just about


    register the eleven digits.


    ¡°Perfect.¡± I reply.


    ¡°Make sure you get someone to fix that window up first thing in the morning. I¡¯ll head out now.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± She replies, running her fingers through her hair.


    ¡°And get that checked out, too.¡± I say, ncing at the side of her breast. I had offered, but she had


    refused.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at school tomorrow.¡± I say before I take my leave. She waits for a few seconds before she


    closes the door and I break into a run, shifting into my huge golden wolf when I¡¯m out of sight of the


    cottage¡­


    -


    I return to the mansion and I had already minded linked ahead to have someone bring me some


    trousers. I pull them on before I enter.


    ¡°Wee home, Master Aleric.¡± Charles says, bowing his head.


    ¡°Is Royce back?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master Aleric, he is in the gym hall.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Charles. I like the zer.¡± I give him a smile as he thanks me and I make my way to the far


    end of the mansion.


    ¡°Aleric.¡± I stop in my tracks, turning to see Mother walk towards me. She¡¯s wearing a floor-length silver


    nightgown, her brown hair open, and her blue eyes, which contain flecks of brown, are full of concern.


    ¡°Is everything alright? Royce came home and Charlotte upset him, and he ended up shouting at her¡­


    did something happen?¡±


    I sigh, pulling her into my arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry on his behalf for causing you concern, Mother. I¡¯ll have a


    word with him. There¡¯s nothing you need to worry your pretty head over.¡±


    ¡°Please, if your father hears of this, it will only stress him even more. Royce listens to you.¡± She says,


    looking up at me.


    Does he? Not entirely, not anymore.


    ¡°I will, I¡¯ll go have a word with him now.¡± I say, nting a soft kiss on her forehead.


    She smiles, tilting her head, and I¡¯m certain she¡¯s caught Sk¡¯s scent. I¡¯m d I at least showered¡­


    I simply give her a warm smile before I head towards the gym. Charlotte isn¡¯t a concern here, since she


    loves to annoy him, knowing he¡¯ll give her a reaction. But she is also the princess of this family. Being


    the youngest, she has been kept protected and always treated like an orchid, one you should always


    treat and handle with care.


    I push the door open to the gym hall, the sleek floors and the countless machinery line the sides. I can


    hear his grunts as he duels it out with one of the punch bags, one of many, each one reinforced to


    withstand extreme impact, but even then¡­ the floor is covered with the contents of three bags that


    have given way under his anger.


    ¡°Royce.¡± He has his earphones in but I know he can hear me, but still, he chooses to ignore me.


    ¡°Alright, why are you so angry that you upset Charlotte?¡±


    He stops, turning towards me with eyes that are raging with a burning anger. ¡°She¡¯s not a child and if


    she¡¯s going to act like a brat, I¡¯m going to tell her off. I warned her I¡¯m not in the mood, end of


    discussion.¡±


    I tilt my head and sigh. I wish he understood that it¡¯s not that easy. All our lives I¡¯ve been trying to take


    the force of our father¡¯s demands, just so he doesn¡¯t have to do what he clearly doesn¡¯t want to. Sure, I


    haven¡¯t always seeded in aplishing that, and he still has a lot of pressure on him, but I try my


    best because unlike him my moralpass isn¡¯t as powerful as his¡­ I can turn a blind eye to what is


    right to appease matters, especially if it means it¡¯ll make it easier for others.


    ¡°Mother was awake. She doesn¡¯t need the extra stress, Royce.¡± I say quietly.


    He clenches his jaw, looking me over. ¡°What took you so long?¡± He replies, ignoring my previous


    remark.


    This is why he¡¯s so angry.


    ¡°We were getting to know each other.¡± I reply. He clenches his jaw, turning away. ¡°You need not worry; I


    know how to please a woman. I can assure you when the timees and I im her, she will be


    happy. You know I can protect her.¡±


    ¡°In a rtionship, you n to build based upon lies?¡± He counters. ¡°Leave me the hell alone.¡±


    He shoves past me, and I don¡¯t push it. There¡¯s nothing more to say. We aren¡¯t seeing eye to eye


    anymore¡­ there is nothing I have ever hidden from my brother, but somehow, I don¡¯t want to tell him I


    had been intimate with Sk.


    Slipping my hands into my pockets, I turn and leave, heading upstairs. Unlocking my door with my


    thumbprint, I step inside my room. I head to the bedside and open the bottom drawer and take out my


    additional phone.


    Unlocking it, I stare at thest messages she has sent¡­ hmm, she¡¯ll easily wee me back¡­


    Time to put the next part of my n into action¡­ Alright¡­ here I go¡­


    Reign707: Hey stranger, I¡¯m sorry, but I had somethinge up, and I had a big argument that really


    bloody angered me. I ran into some issues and then couldn¡¯t get into my ount long story short. But


    I¡¯ve created a new ount to be on the safe side and will stop using this one. I¡¯ll send you a message


    from there. I am sorry and I promise I¡¯ll make it up to you¡­ If you have it in you to forgive me, I really


    do want to meet up with you and I think once you agree, you¡¯ll understand. I¡¯ll wait for your reply.


    Goodnight.


    There I sound like him¡­


    The message changes to ¡®Seen¡¯ but she doesn¡¯t reply. I switch to the new ount I made and send


    her a second message.


    Reign2.0: This is my new one. I¡¯m looking forward to hearing from you.


    I can¡¯t help but smirk when the message goes onto ¡®Seen¡¯


    She¡¯lle around sooner orter, and with the work that Royce has already done unknowingly on my


    behalf, I¡¯ll have her eating out of the palm of my hand very soon.


    -----


    ROYCE.


    I stare down at my phone. The temptation to message her is there¡­ but knowing who she is¡­ I can¡¯t,


    can I?


    Fuck, I hate this. I don¡¯t trust Aleric around her and maybe I¡¯m overthinking it, but why do I feel like


    something happened?


    Shouldn¡¯t be my problem¡­


    I sigh, as Royce - no it doesn¡¯t sting, but as Reign¡­ it does¡­ I had a connection with her, or so I


    thought.


    Sighing, I focus on what I need to do for her training. I¡¯m going to have to set a regime up and a n


    for her.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I take out myptop, checking the file that Colton had forwarded to me. There is no way to get out of


    this, or away from her and I¡¯m the one who offered, so I better bloody suck it up before Aleric steps in


    and happily takes over.


    I click on the report of what happenedst year and skim through it. She got into a physical fight with a


    student and lost control to the point she almost ripped his heart out, her sister had managed to stop her


    from killing him, and the queen had teleported with the hybrid Luna of the ck Storm Pack and had


    managed to heal him¡­


    I frown, my mind returning to a conversation I had with Lil Lucifer a while ago.


    ¡®I lost control of my temper and almost¡­ hurt someone - badly. They could have died because I lost


    control¡­ I didn¡¯t mean for it to get out of hand¡­ he targeted someone I love, and I couldn¡¯t stop


    myself¡­ I¡¯m kinda¡­ I¡¯m kinda worried I¡¯ll do it again. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m not trying¡­¡¯


    From the files, it says she showed little to no remorse for her actions¡­ but did they even look past that


    defiance in her eyes?


    Should I attempt to talk to her father, Dad was against the idea of either Aleric or I talking to him,


    preferring us to stay away from him. He had gotten bloody pissed when I told the Sangue Alpha - Leo


    Rossi, some information regarding a grave. Father''s first rule was nothinges for free in life. I know


    that, but withholding information from someone when they desperately needed it? That¡¯s low. I¡¯m not


    about to ask for something in return at such a critical time.


    I sit back, mulling over the files. She¡¯s faster than all the Alphas in the academy¡­ stronger¡­ yeah that


    part I know¡­ What exactly is she? There¡¯s no recorded information about her wolf either¡­


    I¡¯m not sure, but one thing I am certain of is that I n to figure something out that will help her. I¡¯ve


    always liked a challenge.


    I hesitate for a moment, staring at the contact information of the Lycan king at the bottom. Should I


    contact him¡­


    I mull over it for a few minutes before I make up my mind. Clicking on his email, I begin writing a quick


    to the point message.


    ¡®Dear Alpha Alejandro,


    I am writing in regard to your daughter, Miss Sk Rossi. As you may know, I Royce Arden am


    currently the trainer for the senior sses at Midnight Academy. I have discussed the situation with


    Headmaster Rivers, and we have agreed that Miss Sk Rossi would continue to attend the lessons


    with her peers, however, I have determined that she does need additional training as you yourself have


    agreed to and these sses will begin soon.


    This brings me to my question, if there is anything you can help me with regarding her struggles, her


    abilities, or anything that can help me teach her focus and control, this would be greatly appreciated.


    Sincerely ¨C Royce Arden of the Shadow Wolves Pack¡¯


    I hit send and sit back, right that¡¯s done. I might just shower and head to bed- I¡¯m about to stand up


    when my email dings. I cock a brow.


    The King¡¯s awake at this time? Seems like Dad¡¯s the only one who goes to bed early¡­.


    I click on the message.


    ¡®Finally, Keh is no longer trying to keep you both hidden away like princesses in fucking towers. A


    pleasure to hear from you, Royce.¡¯


    My eyebrows go further up. Princesses? Seriously, this is Aleric¡¯s fault. He¡¯s the one who looks like a


    damn girl.


    I frown as I continue reading.


    ¡®Sk isplex, and I''d rather talk to you in person. I¡¯ll actually being down to the Academy in a


    couple of days since my other daughter is leaving and there¡¯s some paperwork I need to handle. Let¡¯s


    meet, I¡¯m a good judge of character ¨C Looking forward to seeing you then.


    Alejandro Rossi¡¯


    I snap myptop shut, thinking - great. Now I¡¯m meeting the Lycan King himself. Everything should be


    ok. As long as he doesn¡¯t find out, I had a run-in with her at the club that involved me having my tongue


    down her throat and my fingers up her pussy.


    I run my hand through my hair, sighing again.


    A couple of days¡­


    Great.

 17. My Demons

    17. My Demons


    SKYLA.


    As the door shuts behind him, my small smirk fades away, and I look around the cottage. That cosy


    touch feels empty¡­ My stomach drops, guilt filling me, followed by a void, one so deep it almost hurts


    to breathe. This is the part I hate the most; I know my ws¡­ I know when I¡¯m fucking up but it doesn¡¯t


    stop me from self-sabotaging everything. Even then, it¡¯s easier to identify my ws and another thing


    entirely trying to move away from them.


    Breaking a cycle that, for a fleeting moment, fills that emptiness, is hard. I live in those moments¡­ It


    offers me temporary relief, a distraction I really need from the constant war that wages in my mind. But


    it alwayses to an end and then it all sinks in, knowing I fucked up. But deep down I know I¡¯ll do it


    all over again, because I need that, those small moments of reprieve they offer me.


    Picking up my phone, I unlock it and click on the chat app. It¡¯s instinctual, another bad habit of mine


    that I¡¯ve picked up recently. It has be a part of my routine¡­ One I always knew would probably


    end in disappointment, yet still, I check my messages anyway.


    Still nothing.


    Sighing heavily, I stare unseeingly at the screen.


    I can still feel his touch on my body, and I don¡¯t know how to feel about it. In the moment everything


    feels good, but then¡­ now, I feel hollow. Moving toward the front door, I can still smell his scent


    clinging to me, to this ce¡­.


    Locking the door, I sigh, resting my forehead against the wood before I slowly turn and head to the


    bedroom. A ce that still smells of him and sex¡­ It¡¯s like I can¡¯t escape him, escape what I did. I


    messed up and once Royce finds out¡­


    I sigh heavily, feeling sick with guilt and I turn away, shutting the door, hoping his scent won¡¯t linger too


    long.


    ¡°Meow?¡±


    Malevolent¡¯s whine draws my attention to her, and I smile softly as I crouch down and scoop her into


    my arms. ¡°Come on, little one.¡± I whisper, nuzzling my nose into her neck. She¡¯s my forever one.


    Nothing helps, nothing ever helps.


    Royce¡¯s words fill my mind. ¡®You¡¯re worth more than a one-night hook-up¡­¡¯ Why do those words sting


    so much more now?


    I shake my head; he just doesn¡¯t know me¡­


    Knowing I won¡¯t be able to go back to the bedroom, I head to the lounge and drop onto the sofa,


    cradling Malevolent to my chest. I curl up, staring at the ceiling, and watch the shadowy patterns of the


    rustling leaves outside the window reflect. I¡¯m in the dark, and the curtains are open, but I have no


    energy to get up and close them.


    Why did I do it?


    Sure, casual hook-ups aren¡¯t umon for me, but with someone who I know and is a teacher at the


    school? Usually, I am not that foolish, nothing good wille of this.


    Sure, I know I wanted Royce, and his refusal was getting to me¡­ Yeah, I¡¯m not making sense. Was I


    trying to prove something?


    Yes, I was, and I know it makes me a bitch, but if I couldn¡¯t have Royce, then I¡¯ll settle for his brother.


    Nicely yed Sky¡­


    Shame fills me. If Royce finds out, I bet he¡¯ll be disgusted that I bounced from one brother to the other


    so easily¡­


    Nice work.


    Rolling onto my side, I run my fingers through my hair, breathing deeply, wanting nothing more than to


    hurt something, anything. I want to scream, and cry, the guilt and hollowness seeping deeper inside


    me.


    Stupid, how can I always be so fucking stupid? People think I¡¯m a fucking badass just because I¡¯m


    tough and I¡¯ll jump to protect you with everything I have¡­ but no one sees the fucked up shit inside my


    head¡­


    Sucking in a deep breath, I flex my fingers, trying to rid the horrid feeling eating away at me and


    creating a void so big I may just slip into it and never return. That maddening state where you want to


    scream and cry, both threatening to take over, the urge to wreak havoc and destroy everything around


    me, or even¡­ destroy myself¡­


    I just want to feel something other than empty, angry or out of control...


    My lip quivers and I stare at the backrest of the sofa, trying to regain myself. Even if I agreed to a


    casual thing, I can¡¯t let it happen again even if he was pretty good in bed or if he gave me an incredible


    orgasm¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ not with him. It¡¯s wrong on so many levels.


    But¡­ it is momentary¡­ deep down, I know I¡¯ll fuck up again. I always do.


    I stare at my phone. Reign¡­


    I feel sick, feeling as if I¡¯m betraying him, but he¡¯s the one refusing to talk to me¡­ but does it even


    matter? It¡¯s not like we are a couple-


    His ex. Fuck!


    I jolt upright, my heart thundering, and I wonder if something happened and they¡¯re together again.


    The thought hurts, but I should be happy for him. That doesn¡¯t mean he needed to cut it off with me¡­


    and stop talking to me.


    N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    You¡¯re overthinking Sky, chill.


    I can feel my anger and frustration rising, and my ws elongate.


    Fuck calm down¡­


    Malevolent meows, but even she knows to move away when I lose control. My heart thunders and right


    now, I can¡¯t lose control. I hate how I have empty nks in my memory whenever Ipletely spiral.


    What if I do something I regret?


    Standing up, I run to the bedroom. Pulling open my top chest drawer, I scramble around, dropping my


    phone in the process; it hits the floor, but I don¡¯t care. I can feel myself losing control, feel the beast


    within raging toe forward.


    I grab one of the vials of serum with shaking hands and bite off the lid, my eyes zing, my aura raging


    around me so powerfully that even the spells Delsanra and Raihana, two of the most powerful witches


    of our time have put on me to mask my aura, are not enough right now.


    I growl as my Lycan tries to stop me from taking it, but I win and gulp it down. Pain rips through me and


    I scream in agony as it cripples me, making me fall to my knees. The poison bleeding through me,


    setting my blood on fire, as it eats away at the monster within me.


    My eyes sting and it feels like my head will burst as I grab onto the chest of drawers, my nails splinter


    the wood but I can¡¯t hold on and tumble forward, my head hits the ground, my heart beating violently as


    my body tries to fight the poison. My vision blurs and I feel the anger fade away¡­


    Pain and sex¡­ they help¡­ I prefer thetter¡­ I hate having to resort to this¡­


    My eyelids flutter shut, only the pounding of my heart is violently beating in my ears, my breath


    shuddering and I feel Malevolent brush against my hands, but I can¡¯t move¡­


    Dad¡­ Mama¡­ everyone has tried to help me control it¡­ but only I can¡­ no one can do it for me¡­


    and I¡¯m failing, I always fail¡­


    I feel¡­


    My mind bes blurry, hazy even.


    Peace¡­


    My mind feels at ease and Iy there for a while until the beeping of my phone makes me open my


    eyes and I slowly reach over for it.


    Who would text me at this time?


    I gasp when I see the notification, my eyes flying open.


    Reign!


    I force myself to sit up, my entire body feeling so much heavier, as I somehow unlock my phone and


    stare at the message. It takes me several moments to read it as my visiones in and out of focus.


    Reign707: Hey stranger, I¡¯m sorry, but I had somethinge up, and I had a big argument that really


    bloody angered me. I ran into some issues and then couldn¡¯t get into my ount long story short. But


    I¡¯ve created a new ount to be on the safe side and will stop using this one. I¡¯ll send you a message


    from there. I am sorry and I promise I¡¯ll make it up to you¡­ if you have it in you to forgive me, I really


    do want to meet up with you and I think once you agree, you¡¯ll understand. I¡¯ll wait for your reply.


    Goodnight.


    My stomach drops as I stare at his message, reading it again.


    What? He didn¡¯t mean to nk me? It¡¯s too much to focus on when my head is pounding. Another


    message pops up and I read it through my blurred vision.


    Reign2.0: This is my new one. I¡¯m looking forward to hearing from you.


    I don¡¯t know what to make of it and I drop onto my side, closing my eyes. For now¡­ I just want to


    forget it all¡­


    Now I really feel like I betrayed Reign¡­ I couldn¡¯t even wait and think it over with a level mind¡­ I let


    my emotions win once again¡­


    As always. I failed.


    A/N: Hello everyone! Firstly Happy Valentines! My Alpha was fully satisfied with the day so I managed


    this chapter in XD on a serious note, I know many people aren''t liking the book but I always stick to


    n, Sk will make decisions which might make you hate her, or you find it sick, but this is her story,


    and we are going to see it through every step, until the end. There will be things you won''t like but I


    never deviate from the n. So when you need a break from the story, please take it. :)

 18. A Friends Warning

    18. A Friend''s Warning


    SKYLA.


    The following day dawned grey and gloomy, but I felt better. Well, at least the ce wasn¡¯t wrecked, no


    one was dead and I can try to put the night behind me¡­ but can I do that when I¡¯ll be seeing him at


    school?


    Do I have any science lessons today? I mean, we just had a physical science lessonst night. Maybe I


    can bail¡­


    I sigh as I slip on my ckce cropped corset, followed by fis tights and torn denim pants on top


    that showed off my tights through the ripped patches. I grab a leather jacket and some heeled boots


    before putting them on.


    ¡°Want to go with me, Malevolent?¡± I ask lifting her up.


    ¡°Meow.¡± She rubs against my chest, and I smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going then, just make sure no one spots you on academy grounds.¡± I smirk as I pop her into


    the passenger seat as I get in and drive out. It takes a while to get to school, and with the heavy fog


    and the icy paths I drive much slower. Better to be safe than sorry, especially that Malevolent is with


    me. Her life is far more fragile than mine.


    ¡°Well, my little subordinate let¡¯s go face the spawns of all things gross.¡± I round the corner, the gates of


    the school looming before me and they swing open as I approach.


    I drive through feeling the magic on the entrance


    Another day¡­ let¡¯s just make it to the end of the day.


    -


    The first lesson passed by, and I didn¡¯t mind it as much as Kataleya and I are in the same ss and


    sitting next to her whilst mind linking her and trying to distract her is pretty fun. Plus, I can ward off the


    perves gawking at her breasts.


    I hate school.


    ¡°I¡¯ll catch youter?¡± Kataleya says as she bundles up her books once the bell rings.


    ¡°You are such a geek.¡± I say smirking. I remember her forcing Azura and me to do our homework, and


    although I would do mine and get it over with Azura was the one who¡¯d cause shit and not bother with


    her homework. Ah, I miss the Westwood Devil¡­


    Speaking of devils, aren¡¯t those Westwood spawns around? Maybe I¡¯ll go find one of them to annoy,


    preferably Theo or Jayce.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Kataleya asks suspiciously.


    ¡°Why?¡± I ask, pouting as I grab my books.


    ¡°That smile.¡± She watches me observantly.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go find my beautiful overgrown troll-like cousins.¡± I say.


    ¡°The quints? Tell them hi.¡± She smiles and I smirk, see? Even she knows who I am talking about.


    ¡°I''ll tell them.¡± I say. We part ways and I trudge to the younger grades. The school ranges from 12 to


    19-year-olds and due to the vast size, you won¡¯t often run into those who are far younger. Well, it


    doesn''t mean we can¡¯t go find the little poisonous Westwood weeds.


    I¡¯m halfway down the hall, deciding if I should get some itchy herbs or something to douse the


    cockroaches in when someone steps in front of me. My breath catches in my throat as I¡¯m hit with that


    delicious scent of winter and spice¡­


    Royce.


    I look up at him. He¡¯s in a white button-down shirt, and light blue jeans, and his hair is tied back. God,


    he¡¯s handsome¡­


    An image of Aleric shes through my mind and I push that thought away.


    ¡°You¡¯re in my way.¡± I state icily.


    ¡°First period after lunch, meet me in the Storm training room. We¡¯re going to start on your training.¡± He


    says, crossing his arms.


    Storm, one of the several training halls across the academy.


    Training¡­


    ¡°I didn¡¯t agree to it.¡± I say, frowning.


    He tilts his head as if I am wasting his time. ¡°I¡¯m here to overlook your training, whether you like it or


    not. Besides, you don¡¯t really have a say in the matter.¡±


    I frown. Here for me? If that is the case, then why would Aleric offer¡­


    ¡°Well, if I find time, I¡¯lle.¡± I shrug, side stepping him, only for him to take hold of my arm and pull


    me back in front of him.


    I hate that he¡¯s strong.


    ring up at him I try to yank free, but he doesn¡¯t budge, a strand of his hair falls in front of his eyes


    and for a second I find myself admiring those grey eyes, those soft pink lips¡­ my fingers itching to


    touch his hair¡­


    ¡°If you want to disobey me, sure, no problem. But I will be reporting back to your dad, and since you


    already think I¡¯m in this to get some Daddy points, this might work in my favour.¡± He replies arrogantly. I


    clench my jaw, my eyes shing.


    I have a huge list of choice words to use on him, but I know him enough to know he¡¯ll follow up on his


    threats. A sudden thought urs to me, and I smirk deviously.


    ¡°You know¡­ I can tell Dad about our run in at the club.¡± I whisper.


    ¡°Go for it. I wonder if it¡¯ll help your case.¡± He counters, unmoved. I frown, my anger rising, and I scoff.


    ¡°Please, I don¡¯t care at all.¡± I say coldly. ¡°So that won¡¯t work on me. Sir.¡± I add mockingly.


    ¡°Perfect then. I¡¯ll see you after lunch.¡± He walks off and I clench my jaw.


    Dickhead.


    -----


    I don¡¯t manage to find the Westwood spawn, Jayce has football practice, and Theo is in detention. As


    for the other three, I only saw Renji and even I¡¯m not evil enough to torture him.


    I sigh, pushing the door open to exit the building when I hear a tut.


    ¡°Seniors aren¡¯t allowed in here without a pass.¡± A voicees.


    I turn to look at the woman, a peach blouse, white pants, ck hair, and light brown eyes. Masking my


    shock, I stare at none other than Leo Rossi¡¯s ex-girlfriend. Leo - as in the Alpha of the Sangue pack.


    Urgh, why is she here?


    ¡°I don¡¯t take orders from anyone. Nikki.¡± I roll my eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s Miss Demiko to you.¡± She retorts.


    ¡°Oh yeah? What subject are you teaching?¡± I ask mockingly.


    She frowns. ¡°I¡¯m part of the admin team.¡± She purses her lips.


    ¡°Ok cool¡­ Miss Dumiko.¡±


    ¡°Demiko.¡± She frowns.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I said, Dum-ee-ko.¡± I raise my eyebrows and she frowns before shaking her head.


    ¡°Fine, whatever, you have a weird ent.¡±


    ¡°Ah, same babe, same.¡± I say before I turn and saunter off. Why the fuck is she even here?


    Argh!


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I grab lunch before I sniff out Malevolent. It¡¯s not the easiest thing to do, but I manage to find her.


    Bundling her under my jacket, I head to the bleachers at the football pitch. Hiding under them, I ce


    Malevolent down and scrape all the tuna from my sandwich.


    ¡°There ya go.¡± I pat her head, leaning back against the stand and take my phone out, looking at Reign¡¯s


    messages.


    Should I reply?


    I desperately want to, but after everything, I don¡¯t know if I want to meet him. I don¡¯t need to throw


    another man into this mess I¡¯ve already made, things are already messy.


    Unlocking my phone, I ring Azura. I just need someone to talk to.


    ¡°Hey, girl.¡± Her voicees and I smile.


    ¡°Hey. How''s Phoenix?¡± I ask. It¡¯s good to hear her voice.


    ¡°Great, ying with her grandad.¡± Azura says. ¡°So, what¡¯s on your mind and I don¡¯t want any lies?¡±


    I sigh. ¡°Well, Dad has one of those Arden''s training me.¡±


    ¡°What? You mean just you? Why would Alejandro even allow that? He doesn¡¯t trust Keh¡­¡±


    ¡°Your guess is as good as mine, babe. I have no fucking idea. And the worst part is¡­¡± I nce around


    before lowering my voice. ¡°I may or may not have fucked one and made out with the other?¡±


    I can just picture those eyes widening like saucers. ¡°You did what!?¡±


    ¡°You heard me, or do you want me to go grab a microphone?¡± I remark.


    She takes a deep breath and I know she¡¯s trying to organise her thoughts.


    ¡°Wow¡­ did you know who they were?¡±


    I sigh heavily and quickly fill her in on how Royce was a random guy in the club and Aleric was not.


    ¡°Ok my opinion, I like Royce better, I think he¡¯s the one who helped Leo too¡­ as for Aleric¡­ be


    careful¡­ for him to make a move on you, Sky. That makes me worried. Tread carefully.¡± She replies.


    ¡°Yeah, I will try to¡­ so I saw Leo¡¯s damn ex here. Call me Miss Dumiko, or I¡¯m going to cry.¡± I mimic


    her irritating tone, making Azura snicker.


    ¡°Sounds just like her, damn I¡¯m sorry you have to deal with her, but remember if you need me to get


    any voodoo dolls out and ready. I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ Well, I have training with Royce now. I sure as hell ain¡¯t calling him sir.¡± I grumble.


    ¡°Yeah, sounds kinky.¡± She snickers. ¡°So, are they as posh as their dad?¡±


    I smirk, ¡°Oh yeah, and they¡¯re so blond and the way they talk, so damn posh, man.¡± I reply, snickering.


    ¡°I swear they''re like proper princes, especially Aleric.¡±


    ¡°So, are they your type?¡± Azura teases.


    ¡°Blond yes, sexy yes,plicated¡­ yes. Yeah, I guess so, but I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Just be careful, and don¡¯t go around making reckless decisions, ok?¡±


    ¡°Alright. Although thating from you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah I know, but still, these are the Ardens¡­ I don¡¯t know, they¡¯re a mystery.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get it. I better go try to kick his sexy princely ass.¡± I snicker as I stroke Malevolent¡¯s fur just as


    the bell rings.


    ¡°As long as he¡¯s eye candy, training will be a lot more fun. Go get him and try to sneak me a picture.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try, no promises. Give Phoenix a big smooch from me and give Leo a kick in the behind or you can


    spank him or whatever you prefer. Bye.¡± I say, making herugh. She promises to do so before saying


    goodbye and I hang up, sighing.


    Training¡­


    I change into some sweatpants and a sports bra in the adjoining changing room and after cing my


    stuff in the locker; I step out, only to see Royce standing there. He¡¯s changed too, now in a white T-shirt


    and grey sweats. He¡¯s on the phone and I can hear a female voice.


    ¡°Alright, ok. I won¡¯t forget¡­ love you.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± The unhappy voicees.


    I frown, wondering who it is. I doubt it¡¯s a girlfriend because with his so-called morals; I doubt he¡¯d have


    got with me in the club if he had someone. I hear a very quiet sigh, which I wouldn¡¯t have if it wasn¡¯t for


    my Lycan hearing. He hangs up and ces his phone to the side.


    ¡°Alright. Warm-up.¡± He says, his gaze dips to the side of my breast, but although it¡¯s not fully healed, it¡¯s


    getting there. You can see the small bandage peeping out, but I¡¯m fine. Due to the poison I tookst


    night, my healing is slower¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to; I jogged all the way here.¡± I reply, crossing my arms.


    He cocks a brow, crossing his arms. ¡°Do you like to disobey me, Sk, or are you generally a


    disobedient person?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m a bitch. Got a problem with that?¡± I ask, doing a cartwheel and stopping in front of him.


    ¡°No, warm up.¡± He counters arrogantly.


    I clench my jaw, and my eyes sh. ¡°I don¡¯t like being told what to do.¡± I state, turning my back on him.


    I¡¯m about to do some stretches for the damn sake of it, when I sense him behind me.


    Spinning around, I move to push him away, when he grabs my arm and twists it painfully, yanking me


    against him. I struggle, my anger rising when I realise he¡¯s using just one hand.


    Why is he so fucking strong?!


    ¡°Unhand me!¡± I snarl.


    ¡°Are you going to warm up?¡± He asks coldly.


    I clench my jaw, my heart thundering as I stare back at him defiantly. I can feel my anger ready to burst


    inside of me once more. A part of me wants to say fine and pull away, but another part of me wants to


    see him snap - to lose control, so I have an excuse to do the same.


    I¡¯m doing it again, but even though I know that, I won¡¯t back down.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not.¡±

 19. First Lesson

    19. First Lesson


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    His words surprise me, and he takes a step back. He¡¯s backing down?


    ¡°Alright?¡± I ask, unable to hide the surprise from my voice.


    He raises an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t want to listen then fine; we¡¯ll move on. You might be a werewolf, but


    we can get muscle cramps, even if it''s momentarily, warming up is ideal, but it¡¯s your call.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t expecting that¡­ I step back, wondering how hebatted his ego.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you backed down.¡±


    ¡°Is it that surprising?¡± He asks, a hand to his chin as he observes me.


    ¡°Yeah, since you¡¯re an Alpha¡­¡± I say trying not to pay attention to his Adam¡¯s apple.


    He raises one of those eyebrows of his, his smouldering eyes burning into me.


    ¡°Being an Alpha doesn¡¯t only mean walking around and disying arrogance, there¡¯s far more to being


    an Alpha¡­ Above all an Alpha¡¯s duty is to protect. I genuinely want to help you to attain control.¡±


    My heart thuds as I stare at him, he¡¯s getting under my skin again and as much as I want tosh out so


    he doesn¡¯t see that side, a part of me wonders what would happen if he actually finds a way?


    I don¡¯t know, I mean everyone has tried¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be able to help me.¡± I say quietly, dropping onto the floor and doing a few stretches. I


    can feel him watching me and so I lift my legs straight up and hold the position for a few seconds, so he


    can¡¯t see my face.


    ¡°What makes you say that? We haven¡¯t even tried.¡± He asks as he drops to the floor, heck even that


    looks sexy, and does a few stretches himself. I look up at him, and a few strands that have escaped his


    hair tie fall in front of his eyes.


    ¡°No one has seeded, not Mama, not Dad, my brother¡­¡±


    Ok, I didn¡¯t even let Dante try, because I hate how he hits too close to home, I hate that he probably


    knows what I¡¯m feeling inside. Avoiding any serious conversation with Dante is my favourite pastime,


    well that and annoying the heck out of him.


    ¡®Face your demons Sky, and everything else will fall into ce.¡¯


    That was enough to shut him out.


    I don¡¯t want to face my issues, I always fail¡­


    ¡°Maybe because they are family, and you don¡¯t want to share what¡¯s going on deep inside or the


    expectations¡­ I get how it is when you¡¯re not the perfect child. There are things that trigger you Sk,


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    we just need to get to the bottom of what they are.¡±


    ¡°And what makes you think I¡¯ll be telling you Golden Boy- I mean sir.¡± I smirk, but I can¡¯t deny his words


    are getting to me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t force you, but what you do tell me won¡¯t go past me Sk. Regardless of what they are.¡± He


    says quietly as he stands up and I find my gaze dipping to his package.


    I look away smoothly, thinking I tried to open up to one person¡­ but even he just suddenly bailed. Sure


    he messaged now¡­ but still.


    I stand up and cross my arms, as he observes me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± I say simply.


    ¡°Usually when you fight, you start off in control, it¡¯s when things begin gettingpetitive that you


    begin to lose control, correct?¡±


    My eyes sh and I see that sharp look in his eyes again. Why does he look at me like that? It makes


    me uneasy.


    He¡¯s waiting for an answer, and so I shrug.


    ¡°I just get angry.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Are you a councellor?¡± I shoot back.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just trying to figure you out.¡± He replies.


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± I say quietly, turning away when he takes hold of my elbow, his grip is firm but it¡¯s not a rough


    hold.


    ¡°Why not?¡± He asks quietly.


    I look over my shoulder at him, hating the direction this conversation is going and I hate that I don¡¯t


    have an answer.


    ¡°Because you won¡¯t be able to figure me out, Royce Arden¡­ Someone like you will never get it.¡± I say


    quietly, looking into his grey eyes. He¡¯s frowning as he holds my gaze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t judge me without even knowing me.¡± He responds quietly.


    Without even knowing me¡­


    I¡¯m used to being judged, but I hated letting anyone close. I¡¯m not going to let anyone in. I can¡¯t.


    ¡°I¡¯m not judging, just saying you¡¯re never going to know-¡±


    ¡°The real Sk Rossi? Don¡¯t challenge me, Love, you¡¯ll be pleasantly surprised.¡± He counters


    confidently.


    My heart skips a beat, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over me, but I push it away.


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    ¡°Well, how about we spar, when you feel like it¡¯s getting too much and your anger starts to get the


    better of you, we call time out, alright?¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± I agree, shaking my head. Fine, I can try to do this. I nce around. The ce is entirely


    deserted. Something I did notice when I came but I expected others toe in. After all, the ce is


    damn huge. ¡°Howe it¡¯s empty?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need spectators. During our sessions, no one will be allowed to enter.¡± He says as he falls


    into his stance.


    ¡°Mm, sounds pretty ideal, for a lot of stuff.¡± I wink at him, but he simply cocks a brow. ¡°Do you not know


    how to take a joke?¡±


    ¡°Inappropriate ones by my student? No.¡± He says.


    So, with others, you¡¯re ok to joke.


    For some reason, that just makes me feel a pang of jealousy.


    I decide not to answer and instead I make the first move, aiming a low kick to his shins, but he blocks


    smoothly, taking his own swipe and I block him.


    ¡°You''re fast.¡± He remarks.


    ¡°So are you. Does it hurt, knowing a woman is pretty much as strong as you?¡± I remark mockingly.


    Someone has got to break that icy fa?ade¡­


    ¡°Beat me first, boastter.¡± He replies, his hand connecting with my stomach, and I gasp at the impact


    that knocks me back, but he held back. I felt it. He could have hurt me a lot harder.


    Flipping over, I grab his shoulders, but instead of pulling him down I flip myself up, swinging my legs


    onto his shoulders, my legs locked against his chest and try to bring him face down, into the ground.


    But to my surprise, it doesn¡¯t work.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growl and I think I hear him scoff, his stance is too damn strong and even when I try to snap


    his head or try to gain leverage, just wanting to knock his sexy ass onto the ground.


    ¡°Not struggling are you, Love?¡± He mocks, grabbing me by the elbows and yanking me off his


    shoulders.


    I let out a shriek, cringing that that horrifying sound came from my lips as I¡¯m ready to kiss the damn


    ground. But instead, he simply dumps me gently on my ass. I feel my cheeks burn, feeling so damn


    useless. He just handled me like a rag doll!


    ¡°Get up.¡± He says, looking down at me. My eyes sh and I jump to my feet.


    He¡¯s mocking me, I lunge at him, and I can feel my anger rising, that irritation inside of me growing.


    My heart thunders and I can feel my head squeeze, feeling the anger rising from within me.


    He¡¯s mocking me, taunting me.


    ¡°Stop.¡± He says, blocking another kick, but I can¡¯t.


    I attack again, but he grabs my arm and twists me around. My back ms into his front and his strong


    arms wrap around my waist. I tense, feeling a wave of coolness wash through me.


    I falter, calming as I try to focus.


    What was that?


    My heart thumps as we both remain like that for a few seconds, and his scent invades my senses.


    So soothing¡­.


    He lets go of me sooner than I like, and he steps in front of me, a small frown on his face.


    ¡°Humiliation or embarrassment. They trigger you.¡±


    I re at him. ¡°No, they¡­¡± I kind of messed up, it was obvious that they do¡­ ¡°Yeah, I get angry


    quickly,¡± I state defensively.


    ¡°And there¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡± He says pulling the hair tie from his hair and shaking his curls out


    before he re-ties his hair.


    Damn, this guy is sexy¡­ everything he does is fucking fine¡­


    I look away, focusing on his words instead.


    Nothing wrong with having a temper¡­ I always saw it as an issue.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough for today, besides you seem to have someone waiting for you.¡± He says.


    I look up, ncing at the doors. They don¡¯t have a window¡­


    ¡°Who?¡± I ask.


    He jerks his head towards the windows on the far end and my eyes widen when I see my little minion


    meowing silently. The soundproof windows blocking out the sound.


    ¡°My baby!¡± I say, hurrying over and opening the window.


    ¡°Meow.¡± She leaps into my arms.


    ¡°Who shouldn¡¯t actually be here? You can get in trouble for that.¡± He reminds me and I roll my eyes,


    scooping her into my arms.


    ¡°Did someone hurt you?¡± I ask, stroking her as I cuddle her to my chest before I narrow my eyes at


    Royce.


    ¡°School rules. I didn¡¯t make them.¡± He says with a shrug.


    ¡°Well, just don¡¯t tell anyone you saw her then. I mean, I can¡¯t leave her home alone.¡± I say stroking her.


    The poor thing looks upset.


    ¡°The list of secrets to keep is growing¡­ I¡¯ll consider it depending on if the reason is good enough. Why


    can¡¯t she stay at home?¡± He asks, crossing his arms.


    ¡°Well, I have a trauma¡­¡± I say, trying to put on a sad face, but he isn¡¯t buying it.


    ¡°And what trauma is that that involves bringing your cat to school?¡± He asks sceptically.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± I sigh dramatically, turning away. Time to throw Dad under the bus, and this isn¡¯t actually a lie.


    I did hear Dad say this¡­ ¡°Well, when I was a wee child, barely out of diapers¡­¡± ok I¡¯m exaggerating. I


    got Malevolent when I was like six, but hey, he doesn¡¯t need to know.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± He pushes, as I turn back towards him.


    ¡°Well, I heard my dad talking to my mama¡­ He said, let the kids head out to school and then I¡¯m going


    to eat that pussy! He was going to eat my kitty!¡± I exim.


    A smirk breaks out across his face, one he¡¯s trying to suppress before a throaty chuckle escapes him.


    Showing off two perfect dimples in his cheeks¡­ alongside a sound that makes my stomach flutter


    strangely¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± He shakes his head. ¡°Ten points for creativity, but you do know that has nothing to do with


    your cat, so that¡¯s not trauma.¡±


    ¡°Buzzkill¡­ well, it traumatised me as a child, trauma stays!¡±


    He chuckles again and I can¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Fine, this time I won¡¯t mention it, as long as you promise


    me Malevolent stays home from now on.¡±


    ¡°Meow?¡± Malevolent says, but I don¡¯t reply, pressing my lips together, displeased.


    ¡°Tomorrow, same ce, after school, since you don¡¯t have any period during the day.¡± He says,


    heading to the door. He stops on the side, grabbing his phone before he exits, and I frown.


    ¡°Meow?¡± Malevolent looks up at me, but I¡¯m staring at his back, and I frown as the door swings shut.


    Malevolent¡­


    When did I tell Royce her name?

 20. Her Father

    20. Her Father


    ROYCE.


    It''s two dayster and the day the Lycan King himself ising to the school. I''m sitting in my office


    mulling over yesterday¡¯s session.


    Training with Sk has been a little easier. Starting with her warming up withoutining.


    She''s been quieter too, and I wonder what is on her mind¡­ but again; I have to remember there is a


    boundary I need to keep in ce.


    I have my own questions that I wish I had answers to¡­ irrelevant to her training.


    Does she ever think of Reign?


    She seems to be doing fine, and doesn''t seem to be worried about anything¡­ but I know that the truth


    is she¡¯s got a lot more going on than she pretends to have and although I know some of her issues, I


    want her to tell me, as Royce. To trust me as she did Reign¡­


    She has a lot of emotions that she just doesn¡¯t seem to be able to get control of. I don¡¯t exactly know


    what she is, but I know she¡¯s not a werewolf, or not fully.


    She just¡­ the two training sessions I have had with her¡­ There¡¯s definitely something there that is not


    mentioned in her files, or the king simply doesn¡¯t want anyone to know. Either way, there¡¯s more to her.


    Much like us, the Rossis are powerful, and it only makes sense they keep their true powers on the


    down low, just like Dante Rossi, who is extremely powerful. Delsanra Diana Rossi, the mate of Rayhan


    Rossi, is a hybrid demon witch.


    There are others, like the Deimos prince, and many things they¡¯ll keep quiet, but I don¡¯t fault them on


    that. Knowledge is power, and for others to attain that information¡­ can be dangerous.


    A knock on the door of my office makes me look up, and I sit forward.


    ¡°Enter.¡± The door opens and I¡¯m instantly hit with a powerful aura. Even if I hadn¡¯t ever seen him before


    I would know who this is.


    He¡¯s muscr and tall, with tan skin, oozing power and dominance. He¡¯s wearing ck pants, a white


    button down and a suit jacket. Salt and pepper hair is brushed back with short back and sides and he


    has a small beard that is neatly groomed. He wears a dagger earring which hangs in one ear that glints


    when the weak sunlight from outside hits it. Tattoos cover his neck and, from what you can see from


    the buttons left open of his shirt, over his chest. They cover his hands, where he¡¯s also wearing a few


    rings, loosely holding a cigarette between two fingers.


    The Lycan king himself ¨C Alejandro Rossi¡­


    I stand up, we¡¯re about the same height, and I can feel my wolf¡¯s restlessness, urging me to show my


    own aura, but I hold it back.


    ¡°Alpha Alejandro.¡± I say, extending my hand.


    A cold smirk crosses his face, and his dark eyes which look almost fully ck watch me intently,


    glinting dangerously.


    ¡°Arden.¡± He says, epting my outstretched hand, and takes a drag on his cigarette at the same time.


    We exchange a firm shake before I step back, motioning for him to take a seat.


    ¡°Please take a seat.¡±


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    He¡¯s watching me intently, and I know he¡¯s sizing me up. Well, I didn¡¯t dress to impress, I¡¯m in a white


    button, grey jeans, a belt and trainers. My hair is open and my sleeves are pushed up. I don¡¯t like to put


    on appearances; I am who I am, and I won¡¯t change for anyone.


    I¡¯m not sure taking a seat behind the desk when the king is here, is deemed respectful¡­ So instead, I


    decide to lean against my desk as the king takes a seat.


    He holds vast power, and that power radiates from him, demanding respect. And when I hold his gaze,


    I can feel it.


    A small smirk quirks the corner of his lips before he takes another drag on his cigarette. ¡°I got to admit,


    you ain¡¯t what I fucking pictured.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m honoured you were picturing me, but I do hope you weren¡¯t expecting me in ruffles and silk.¡± I


    reply lightly, considering he called me and Aleric princesses.


    ¡°I fucking might have been, so you¡¯re Royce.¡± He¡¯s scrutinising me again, and I cross my arms, nodding


    curtly.


    ¡°If you have any questions ask away,¡± I say emotionlessly, wondering what exactly he¡¯s trying to figure


    out.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who helped Leo out a couple months back, you answered your old man¡¯s phone.¡± He


    states and I give a small nod.


    Seems like it¡¯s not only Dad who¡¯s not going to forget that¡­


    I don¡¯t really want to discuss it, what¡¯s there to discuss, anyway?


    ¡°When there was a discussion regarding the position of the older years trainer and I was pushing for


    something that seemed pretty impossible by wanting an Alpha¡­ You offered... Why did you agree?


    Youe from one of the most powerful families in the country.¡±


    You have no idea¡­


    I turn my attention back to the question he just asked me and frown slightly. I know why I wanted it¡­ to


    get away from Dad¡­ but I genuinely liked the sound of trying something different for a while.


    ¡°I thought the change of pace might be ideal.¡± I reply.


    ¡°Hm, yet you spent several fucking years in the states. Still got sick of your old man that fast?¡± He


    smirks.


    ¡°I had far too much time on my hands, and it sounded like something I thought I could help with.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t reply, watching me intently and I hold his gaze, waiting patiently for the next question.


    I¡¯m not much of a talker nor am I a people person¡­ should I tell him I genuinely want to help her? But


    then he could ask why, and even though I did want to help her, before I even knew who she was, I don¡¯t


    need him probing further.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± He seems to be done with that scrutinising stare and seems to rx in his seat.


    I¡¯ve been observed and watched for years by Dad, and something I learned from that was how to mask


    my emotions entirely¡­


    ¡°As I mentioned in my email, I was wondering if there¡¯s anything that you can tell me that might help


    Sk. I¡¯ve had two sessions with her and I¡¯m picking up on certain things but at the same time I feel


    she¡¯s dealing with a lot more than she lets on.¡±


    I don¡¯t n to tell him much, but I need to offer him something so he can offer me something back.


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s my daughter, she¡¯s bound to be powerful, and sometimes that power gets hard to control.


    She¡­ doesn¡¯t know her own strength, and she doesn¡¯t really like to acknowledge that or face whatever


    is troubling her internally. Trust me, I¡¯ve fucking been there, but she doesn¡¯t like to talk about it to me or


    her mother or anyone much for that matter.¡±


    Yeah, I know¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable¡­ I saw the report on what happenedst year, or what little was mentioned.


    How did she cope with that?¡±


    ¡°Cope?¡± He cocks a brow before sighing and sitting forward. ¡°She obviously acted like she was fine


    when I know she did feel guilty for it, she regretted her actions even if no one fucking saw that or


    believed that shit, but the one who felt the worst about it was her. I know my daughter.¡±


    He sounds defensive, and the confidence behind his words is crystal clear. I see the concern he¡¯s


    trying to mask, no matter who they are¡­ a father will always worry for his child¡­


    He knows his daughter, she just doesn¡¯t let him in¡­

 21. A Discussion

    21. A Discussion


    ROYCE.


    I know the way it was portrayed by members of staff who mentioned it in passing just yesterday in the


    teachers¡¯ lounge. They all were pretty clear on the fact that she didn¡¯t really seem to show remorse.


    ¡°We all know she haspassion towards others, that¡¯s clear by the affection she shows towards her


    cat.¡± I say, remembering her excuse about her childhood trauma. I try not to smirk at that, especially


    with the man in question is sitting right here.


    He cocks a brow. ¡°And where the fuck have you seen her around her cat?¡± He asks sharply.


    ¡°Well, due to her childhood trauma, she brought her to school with her, but it was a one off-¡±


    ¡°What fucking trauma involves Malevolent?¡± Alejandro frowns.


    Damn.


    ¡°I don¡¯t actually know.¡± I reply smoothly.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Well, don¡¯t believe everything that Lucifer incarnate says.¡±


    Lucifer¡­


    I smile faintly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try not to.¡± I reply, still hiding my amusement.


    It¡¯s clear he doesn¡¯t want to share anything more about her, and without any insight, I don¡¯t really know


    the best way to help her¡­ I¡¯ll try once more.


    ¡°Does Sk have any additional abilities that might contribute to herck of control?¡±


    He tilts his head. ¡°What? Not going to put her losing control, down to her having a fucking attitude?¡±


    ¡°Like everyone else? No. We both know there¡¯s more, I just don¡¯t know what it is¡­ but if that is


    information you want to withhold, I respect that. A yes or no will suffice.¡± I reply quietly.


    Our eyes meet and his flicker red, I can feel his aura surging around us, filling the room. Trying to


    weigh down on me, is he trying to show me who he is? Suddenly I realise that even a powerful Alpha


    would have looked away by now and I smoothly break our stare down, looking away.


    His eyes burn into me, and I nce up to see they¡¯re still zing red when there¡¯s a sharp knock on


    the door and he reins it in a little.


    Thank the goddess for the interruption.


    ¡°Enter.¡± I say, the door opens, and her scent hits me first.


    As intoxicating as ever¡­


    She¡¯s dressed in a sexy little pleated leather mini skirt which makes her long toned legs that are damn


    fine look even longer. Paired with over-the-knee boots with killer heels and an emerald, green silk Cami


    that¡¯s tucked into her skirt, she looks incredible.


    That is a colour that makes her eyes stand out even more. It takes every inch of self-restraint not to


    check her out thoroughly, forcing my eyes away after the initial nce.


    ¡°Dad.¡± She says looking between us suspiciously.


    ¡°The fuck you wearing?¡± Alejandro asks her frowning, ncing at her tiny skirt.


    ¡°Clothes? And they¡¯re no shorter than what Mama wears and used to wear so you don¡¯t really have an


    arguement.¡± She saunters in, not even sparing me a nce before stopping in front of her father,


    blocking me from his line of view as she turns sharply towards him, her back to me, and giving me the


    perfect view of that sexy ass and legs once more.


    Fuck.


    A rivet of pleasure rushes through me, and my eyes sh.


    I¡¯m about to look away, not wanting to have a semi-hard-on right now, but then, she bends down, giving


    him a kiss.


    For a damn few seconds my mind goes nk, and all I can focus on is her ass. Her tiny skirt barely


    covers anything when she bent over, showing off the bottom of that sexy peach and I see a sh of her


    greence panties before I look away and she stands up straight and turns towards me. I nce back


    at her, and she smirks.


    She knew exactly what she did.


    Her smirk only grows as she drops into the seat beside her father and crosses her legs.


    ¡°You called?¡± She asks him, sounding bored.


    ¡°Yeah, I fucking heard you had Malevolent on campus, and your excuse was some trauma or some


    shit. Care to fucking share?¡± Alejandro asked.


    The way he talks is¡­ interesting. Dad has mentioned it a few times but hearing it in person is an


    entirely different thing. Each to their own, I guess.


    But I don¡¯t mull on it for long when her piercing eyes turn on me usingly. ¡°I thought that wasn¡¯t going


    to be mentioned.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯tin about it, I mean support animals are prettymon.¡± I counter smoothly.


    He¡¯s watching us, judging my every move, and right now all I can think of is how good she felt wrapped


    around my fingers and that ass.


    Her eyes flick to mine and for a moment I¡¯m lost in their green, that mischievous glint in them


    illuminating her face. I raise an eyebrow, looking away, knowing that Alejandro¡¯s intense gaze is fixed


    on me once again.


    I swallow, trying to push that image of her away, as she pouts, huffing slightly, turning back to her


    father. ¡°Dad, trust me you don¡¯t want to hear it.¡±


    ¡°I actually fucking do.¡± Alejandro says, sitting back and taking a drag on his cigarette. ¡°I have all fucking


    day.¡±


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I don¡¯t think you want to hear this¡­


    But Lil Lucifer has her own ns. She grins, her popping red lips only adding to her devilish


    expression. ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s your fault.¡± She says sceptically.


    Do I want to be here for this conversation?


    No. I don¡¯t really think so¡­ but then, there¡¯s a part of me that is already trying to stop my mouth from


    twitching upwards. To hide my amusement at what¡¯sing at the king¡¯s expense.


    ¡°I¡¯m all fucking ears.¡± Alejandro growls.


    She rolls those gorgeous eyes of hers that hold so much life, despite the shit she hides inside¡­


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯ll actually say it.


    ¡°When I was younger, I heard you telling Mama that you were going to eat that pussy once we left, and


    since then I¡¯ve been terrified for my poor little pussycat.¡±


    Yep, she just did.

 22. This Pull Between Us

    22. This Pull Between Us


    SKYLA.


    I hear Royce stifle a chuckle, letting out a small cough instead as he tries to hide his smile, and is it just


    me or does he look drop-dead gorgeous when he¡¯s trying to keep up that broody front. He¡¯s gorgeous,


    but when he gives you that rare breath-taking smile, damn, it does something to me. When I had told


    him this story originally, I had seen it and I don¡¯t think I will get that image out of my mind¡­


    ¡°That shit did not happen around you.¡± Dad growls.


    Oops, did I ruffle some Lycan fur?


    ¡°It obviously did happen, and I heard it. You traumatised me as a child!¡± I dere defiantly, trying not to


    snicker at Dad¡¯s expense.


    His frown only deepens. ¡°That fucking shit didn¡¯t happen. You were the only one who was fucking


    traumatising others.¡±


    I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow. ¡°Not true, you talking about eating pussy gave me nightmares.¡±


    ¡°You know exactly what the fuck I meant. That shit is no fucking excuse to bring the damn cat to


    school.¡± Dad frowns.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Obviously, I know, but that still gives me nightmares. I don¡¯t want to have that gross image in my


    mind.¡± I smirk as I fake gag.


    He narrows his eyes. ¡°Sky¡­¡± He growls.


    ¡°What? Do you expect me not to know anything about sex?¡±


    ¡°Quit it and learn to put a filter on that damn mouth.¡± Dad growls, taking a rather long drag on his


    cigarette. I can sense his obvious irritation.


    ¡°Just like you, Daddy Bear, just like you¡­¡± I mutter, as I lean back in my seat and cross my arms.


    Grumpy old man.


    I¡¯mpletely enjoying watching him, trying to remain as unbothered as ever, although I can sense his


    annoyance.


    Damn, what I would give to be able to read Dad¡¯s mind right now, he¡¯s acting like he doesn¡¯t give a shit,


    but I bet you fifty pounds it annoyed him that I said that in front of an Arden.


    Hehe.


    As Grandad says, Karma is a bitch.


    I snicker, earning another scathing re from Dad before my gaze flickers to Royce. He has one hand


    under his chin as he leans against his desk, trying to remain as passive as ever.


    This guy and that desk¡­ I can imagine a few things I¡¯d let him do to me in here, mainly including me in


    this tiny skirt, that belt of his and, of course, the desk¡­


    ¡®How¡¯s he as a teacher?¡¯ Dad asks through the mind link, still sounding annoyed as he snaps me back


    to the present.


    As a teacher?


    ¡®Annoying, but tolerable. He¡¯s strong though.¡¯ I reply to Dad.


    But as a man¡­ damn, he¡¯s sexy.


    ¡®Yeah? Do me a favour, and keep an eye on him. The fucker has not once been intimidated by my


    aura¡­ That shit ain¡¯t normal. I want to know what Ken-fucking-Arden is hiding. And trust me, he kept


    these two out of the public eye for years.¡¯


    ¡®You¡¯re telling me to spy on my teacher?¡¯


    Does it involve spying on him when he¡¯s showering? I wouldn¡¯t mind that show¡­


    Remembering Aleric, I feel a sliver of guilt. I¡¯ve had one brother. I need to stop thinking of Royce like


    this.


    Focus girl.


    ¡®Just keep an eye on him.¡¯


    ¡®Do you think he isn¡¯t trustworthy?¡¯ I ask.


    I know Royce can tell that we are mind-linking, but he doesn¡¯t seem to really show what he¡¯s thinking


    as he simply looks down at something on his desk, giving me a chance to drool over that side profile of


    his.


    ¡®He doesn¡¯t give off the same vibes as his father.¡¯ Dad says, I know Keh is on the council, but it¡¯s a


    more political move than one of trust.


    ¡®That¡¯s good I guess.¡¯ I say. ¡®What if he figures out what I am¡­¡¯


    ¡®He¡¯s already suspicious of you, princess.¡¯ Dad replies, his gaze fixed on Royce once more. ¡®I¡¯m going


    to leave that to you to decide¡­ if you feel you can trust him, and want to tell him, then you can go


    ahead. I will trust your judgement on it.¡¯


    But the fact he said that means he doesn¡¯t mind Royce¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go and finish off with Rivers. You know that Kat¡¯s leaving don¡¯t you?¡± Dad asks me out


    loud.


    It hurts to think she¡¯ll actually be going. We¡¯re twins, we have always been close to each other¡­


    I nod carelessly. ¡°Yup, I do, which means we need to party tonight.¡± I wink.


    ¡°You have school tomorrow don¡¯t go out on a fucking school night.¡± Dad replies as he stands up.


    Royce stands too, and it intrigues me how he doesn¡¯t seem phased by Dad¡¯s aura at all, just like Dad


    had pointed out¡­


    ¡°Thank you for your time, Alpha Alejandro.¡± He says.


    Goody two shoes.


    I roll my eyes, crossing my arms as I stand up too. Dad takes his hand, giving it a shake before he


    takes out his card.


    ¡°My personal number is on there, if you ever need to call¡­¡± Dad says, before ncing at me. ¡°No


    fucking partying. I¡¯ll take you and Kat out for dinner instead.¡±


    ¡°Sure, that might actually work out better. Since you owe me a lot of money, we can settle it over


    dinner. And maybe I will still party after?¡± I smirk.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll fucking see about that. I¡¯m in town until tomorrow. I¡¯ll be tending to a few matters anyway,


    and I¡¯ll be watching you.¡± He says, his dark eyes piercing into me.


    Annoying¡­ d he gave me the heads up though. I¡¯ll behave for tonight¡­


    I nod begrudgingly, and he gives Royce a nod before walking to the door. He opens it, ncing back at


    me.


    ¡°Are you fuckinging?¡± He asks.


    ¡°I need to discuss something with sir,¡± I say smoothly.


    Sir, that sounds so damn fake.


    Dad looks between us, a small frown on his face before he nods. ¡°Don¡¯t bete for ss¡­¡±


    Our eyes meet and I nod. My heart skips a beat under Dad¡¯s intense gaze, but Royce doesn¡¯t react at


    all.


    The moment the door shuts, I turn to him and frown.


    ¡°I thought you said you¡¯ll keep Malevolent being at school a secret.¡± I hiss, knowing that Dad¡¯s hearing


    was impressive and if it¡¯s anything like mine, even soundproof doors won¡¯t keep everything out.


    Royce raises an eyebrow. ¡°I was making a point, and it came up, but I don¡¯t think your father¡¯s going to


    care or do anything about it. You two are always attached at the hip anyway- I mean, checking your


    past records that cat has been in the school pretty often.¡± He responds confidently, leaning against his


    desk once again.


    He looks down as he moves a few of the files to the side, his hair falling in front of his face.


    ¡°Why did hee to meet you?¡± I ask, wanting to know exactly what they had discussed.


    I don¡¯t like people talking about me. I hate when I¡¯m treated like a matter of concern or a troubled kid.


    ¡°I actually asked him to.¡± He says, running his fingers through his hair, brushing it back.


    ¡°Why? There isn¡¯t any reason for it, I was behaving in training.¡± I frown.


    ¡°I just thought he could give me some pointers to what might help you.¡±


    My irritation is getting the better of me, wondering what else he had told Dad. I know I¡¯m overreacting,


    but I don¡¯t like it.


    ¡°Stop treating me like I¡¯m some sort of- just stop treating me like a child.¡± I growl, my eyes sh and I¡¯m


    about to turn and walk off when he grabs hold of my elbow, stopping me from leaving, as he forcefully


    turns me to face him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t assume, when you don¡¯t know what was said.¡± He says quietly.


    What angers this guy? He¡¯s always so¡­


    In control.


    My heart thuds as I realise this is what gets to me.


    His self-control.


    The way that he is so good at keeping himself in check when I can¡¯t help but act on my emotions.


    How did he have it all figured out?


    Our eyes meet and once again I can¡¯t make out anything in those beautiful grey eyes.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I say, trying to focus on the conversation.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t really say anything anyway. Seems like he was only here to figure me out.¡±


    I think I see a glimmer of disappointment in his eyes, but it¡¯s gone faster than I can blink, so I¡¯m not


    sure¡­


    My own anger is dissipating, and I¡¯m far too aware of his hand still wrapped around my elbow.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing for him to say¡­ If there was, don¡¯t you think I¡¯d have been able to figure this out?


    Heck, no matter what I do, I lose my shit.¡± I find myself replying quietly. I don¡¯t know why I feel the need


    to reassure him.


    Our eyes meet, and that crazy pull I feel seems toe alive, my heart races and my stomach flutters


    like a dumb schoolgirl, ok I am still in school, but I don¡¯t get butterflies, ever¡­ this feeling was only ever


    ignited by one other¡­ Reign¡­


    Reign¡­ I¡¯ll message him tonight, I miss him. Maybe that¡¯s what I need, toe clean to him so I can


    stop getting distracted by these Arden twins.


    ¡°By the way, you owe me another ten.¡± I whisper, trying to push those thoughts away. I don¡¯t want to


    drown in his gaze or feel this way.


    ¡°Ten?¡± He quirks an eyebrow, letting go of me and crossing his arms.


    I smirk as I step closer and bend down slightly, cing one hand on his desk, and leaning in to whisper


    in his ear.


    ¡°For checking out my ass, don¡¯t deny it.¡± I murmur seductively.


    I feel him tense, hear him swallow and I let his scent envelop me.


    Fuck, I can get used to this¡­


    He turns his head, just as I do mine, only to find myself far too close¡­ Our noses are almost touching,


    our breath mingling before he leans back slightly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that counts when you willingly gave me that view.¡± He replies cockily, his voice as low as


    mine, before cing two fingers just below my neck and pushing me away gently yet firmly and


    crossing his arms.


    I¡¯m about to argue when the door suddenly opens and Dad¡¯s standing there. My heart skips a beat,


    imagining how things could have been if he came in a moment or two earlier.


    ¡°I was just speaking to Rivers, but Royce, join us for dinner tonight. I¡¯ll be expecting you there.¡± Dad


    says, looking between us. His eyes are cold and calcting as ever and I wonder why he wants him at


    dinner¡­ I feel a little uneasy but remain smooth.


    ¡°I-Sure,¡± Royce says with a nod, clearly changing his mind on whatever he was about to say, before he


    turns to me. ¡°I¡¯ll see you for training,st period.¡±


    So damn smooth.


    ¡°Come on Sk.¡± Dad says and I feel uneasy. Sure, we were whispering but had he heard?

 23. A Clash of Fire and Ice

    23. A sh of Fire and Ice


    ALERIC.


    The school day is almost over, and I couldn¡¯t have been more ted today, and it is not because the


    day is done, but because of some good news. It was shortly after lunch when I had received a


    message, one I now look down at again. A message from Sk- or should I say LuciferessX.


    I scan the messages we exchanged with a smug smile on my face.


    LuciferessX: Fine. Let¡¯s meet. I hope you''re ready to make it up to me, because I¡¯m still angry, Reign.


    Reign2.0: Absolutely. Name the time and ce and I¡¯ll be there.


    LuciferessX: There¡¯s a grill house in town, Kayoko¡¯s. Meet me there this Sunday, at 7pm. Don¡¯t bete.


    It¡¯s yourst chance¡­


    Reign2.0: I won¡¯t bete. I promise.


    I turn the phone off and slip it back into my pocket as I make my way to River¡¯s office. Unlike Royce,


    I¡¯m far more careful with my phone and I can¡¯t risk anyone seeing it.


    Well, I¡¯m d that Royce was so careless. If I hadn¡¯t spotted the message notification on her phone


    that day at her cottage¡­ and recognised the name as Royce¡¯s, this wouldn¡¯t have been possible.


    I head to his office door after the ugly secretary with good boobs announces me and step inside.


    ¡°You wanted to discuss something with me?¡± I ask as I shut the door behind me and take a seat


    opposite him.


    He nods, closing the file he was viewing and joins his hands together in front of him.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°Ah, I do apologise for calling you at the end of the day. I wanted to discuss the uing field trip for


    the seniors. The king was here for the morning, so I had to cancel our lunch meeting due to that.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow. The king hade here?


    ¡°The king was here? Today?¡± I ask smoothly.


    How did I not know?


    Rivers nods. ¡°Yes, he wanted to talk to your brother and was there a while. He hade to finish some


    paperwork regarding Kataleya Rossi, anyway since you are one of the ones who will be chaperoning


    the trip, I was thinking¡­.¡±


    I zone him out as he bbers on, while I try to mask my festering rage towards Royce. He must have


    known the king would stop to see him¡­ or by now he should have told father. He could have notified


    me! I could have had the chance to talk to the king myself and leave an impression.


    He always seems to have it easier¡­


    ¡°Is that alright?¡± Rivers draws me back to the present and I nod, smiling smoothly, although I have no


    idea what the twit was saying.


    ¡°That¡¯spletely fine. Send me an email too and I¡¯ll organise everything we need to handle.¡± I say,


    not really having listened to anything he was spouting.


    ¡°Oh, thank you. I think that would be absolutely ideal. Kataleya Rossi was always an excellent help on


    these matters. However, since she will be gone, do take on another student to help you. I will have a


    meeting on Monday with the other teachers who will be going on the trip.¡±


    ¡°Of course, that will be perfect.¡± I say as I stand up, not wanting to spend any further time with him than


    was necessary.


    ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    I give him a nod and a smile before I leave swiftly.


    ¡®Royce, where are you?¡¯ I ask, trying to keep the irritation from my voice.


    ¡®In Storm training room¡­ why?¡¯ He replies.


    STORM. That¡¯s where he trains Sk, blistering jealousy rushes through me and I speed up.


    ¡®Just needed to have a word with you. I¡¯ll be there in a few minutes.¡¯


    Silence.


    I¡¯m going there now; he doesn¡¯t have an option, anyway.


    My eyes sh golden amber as I stride down the corridors. It¡¯s pretty silent in this area, as most of the


    students have retreated outside or to the dorm houses of the academy. I head further away.


    He had chosen the most deserted part of the building for their training... Then he says he doesn¡¯t want


    to get close to her. Why else choose such an isted ce?


    I reach the training hall and push the door open, my eyes zing. I¡¯m instantly hit with Sk¡¯s scent


    and look around the room. Royce is sporting a few cuts, and he¡¯s coated in a thinyer of sweat. She¡¯s


    gone, but it¡¯s clear I barely missed her.


    ¡°What is the rush?¡± He asks, pulling his shirt off and wiping the sweat from his neck with it.


    I step inside, letting the door m shut behind me. ¡°I heard the king was here.¡± I say smoothly, masking


    the anger within me, wanting to hear what he has to say for himself.


    He nods. ¡°Yeah, I heard.¡±


    I almost scoff, shaking my head. ¡°You heard? You knew he wasing, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Who said I did?¡± He counters, his grey eyes meeting mine.


    His impassive attitude is grating on my nerves. He gets under my skin at times, like no other ever can.


    ¡°Rivers said he had wanted a word with you. That he did have a word with you, in fact, and you¡¯re


    going to act like that didn¡¯t happen? Complete fucking bollocks!¡± I snarl, trying not to let my voice rise.


    He slings his shirt over his shoulder and crosses his arms.


    ¡°He did.¡±


    I step closer. ¡°And what did he say?¡±


    ¡°None of your goddamn business now, is it? So, stop putting on a shit show.¡±


    My eyes sh, and I step closer, shoving him. ¡°Don¡¯t test me, Royce, you know how vital it is that I


    speak to him!¡± I snarl.


    He didn¡¯t even move from his spot, watching me with that same unreadable expression.


    I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m holding onto. I don¡¯t know the man before me. I honestly don¡¯t know why I try to


    protect him when he¡¯s nothing but selfish.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it would have been ideal. He would have seen right through you.¡± He says quietly.


    He doesn¡¯t know me.


    ¡°You¡¯re disobeying father.¡± I say, swallowing hard as my heart thunders in my ears. ¡°I told you, if you


    can¡¯t do it do not block my path! Let me fulfil father¡¯s wishes.¡±


    He nces at his watch. ¡°Are you done? I need to shower and head out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m talking to you Royce!¡± I growl. My aura zes around me and mes spread from beneath my feet.


    I know I am risking it, but I can¡¯t seem to control the festering rage that is bubbling inside of me.


    ¡°And I¡¯m not going to listen to this rubbish. I already told you, I won¡¯t get in your way, but if you try to get


    in mine¡­ I won¡¯t tolerate it Aleric.¡± He warns quietly.


    He¡¯s calm and in control, but I can see the fury in his dazzling blue eyes. I nce at the ground seeing


    the ice that is circling my fire, stopping it from spreading any further. Suffocating it, as he suffocates


    me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to show me your powers, remember I¡¯m the firstborn!¡± I hiss.


    He simply scoffs, a faint smile on his lips. ¡°No. You¡¯re the second born, and there¡¯s no order that states


    who shall be the most powerful, Aleric.¡±


    He¡¯s antagonising me and I force slightly more strength into my mes, but I have to be careful not to


    destroy the entire ce in the process. My anger only rises as he doesn¡¯t even bat an eyelid as his


    power grows to amodate mine, trying to squash it out.


    How dare he question my rank!


    ¡°I am the first-born Royce! If you¡¯re talking about our dead sister, she was stillborn. She was never born


    to be called the first. She was meant to die!¡± I sneer.


    ¡°That depends on how you see it¡­ she was still living within our mother¡­ I¡¯m just saying¡­ even the


    Lycan King was the third-born, not the first. Don¡¯t use your position to act like you are all-powerful.¡± He


    tilts his head, and I can¡¯t stand that unmoving expression of his.


    It¡¯s the final straw.


    I lunge at him, raising my fist and punching him. mes wrap around my arm and fist. He blocks, his


    eyes shing darkly as he counters, but he isn¡¯t aiming to attack. I hate how he isn¡¯t using his powers;


    my mes never touch him¡­ never harm him because he can walk through fire and survive.


    We are a blur as I throw hit after hit. A few do touch him, but not once does he attack me, simply


    blocking.


    The only power he is using is to contain my mes. I know if father saw us now, he would lose it, but I


    know Royce, he will never rat me out.


    He¡¯s too much of a loser to. He will never reach heights.


    This is why he never gets anywhere in life, because the ones who are selfless always finishst.


    I sneer as I aim a kick to his stomach, but this time I decide to arm myself with words, words I know


    that are going to hit him harder than any punch.


    ¡°Did I mention how good she was in bed the other night after you left?¡±


    I smirk victoriously as he¡¯s thrown off, my words making his eyes widen in shock. My foot connects with


    his stomach, and he¡¯s thrown across the room, mming into the wall near the benches.


    I can¡¯t help but smirk as I hear something crack before his body hits the floor and the satisfying smell of


    blood fills my nose.


    ¡°Oh sorry, I didn¡¯t realise it would hurt so much.¡± I smirk as I advance on him. His hair curtains his face,


    but even though he doesn¡¯t speak, his beating heart gives him away.


    He really does have some pathetic feelings for her.


    I crouch down in front of him and tilt my head. ¡°You know Royce, don¡¯t worry too much, she enjoyed it


    as much as I did and I assure you¡­ she¡¯s good at a lot more than moaning in pleasure.¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡± He growls, shoving me back as he gets to his feet.


    I see blood on his left nk and notice he had fallen against the rungs on the wall behind him. The


    metal sheets are dented, and he grabs his shoulder, cracking it back into ce. Not once does his face


    show pain, but my words hurt enough.


    ¡°Stop what? All I¡¯m saying is you don¡¯t need to worry; she wants me enough to give me her number


    and wants to do it again.¡± I taunt, smirking slightly.


    I don¡¯t miss the glimmer of hurt in his eyes, and it satisfies me. It feels good to have something that he


    wants instead of the other way around.


    ¡°Stop disrespecting her. If you both enjoyed it so much, then what¡¯s the need to tell me? At least give


    her a little respect by keeping those memories to yourself.¡± He snarls icily. He swallows hard as he


    res at me.


    ¡°Ah yes¡­ I can¡¯t have people knowing how good she is at giving head.¡± I sigh, feigning agreement.


    His eyes sh and the next thing I know, his hand is around my neck. He turns us, mming me into


    the wall. Pain erupts in my head as I feel the blistering cold enter me.


    He was far too fast¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t push me, Aleric.¡± He warns. There¡¯s no warmth in his eyes that hold uncontroble fury that he is


    trying to contain.


    Ah¡­ I think I will stop, because I need him to keep ignoring her, I need to make sure she never learns


    that he is Reign¡­ I will be her everything and when she does be mine¡­ I¡¯ll unt her like


    the trophy she is¡­


    The daughter of the king will be mine.

 24. A Dance

    24. A Dance


    SKYLA.


    Night has fallen, and I am getting dressed for dinner with Dad, Kat, and Royce. I don¡¯t know why Dad


    invited him, but it makes me wonder if he ended up hearing us in the office earlier. I hadn¡¯t heard his


    footsteps; I had been far too distracted¡­ plus his hearing is better than mine¡­ but there¡¯s a high


    chance he didn¡¯t hear.


    I sigh as I pull on a fresh pair of panties, my mind returning to our earlier training session. I had ended


    up hurting him again in the first half of the session.


    Why do I always lose it?


    He wants me to calm myself when I begin to get riled up¡­ and today he hadn¡¯t defended himself, in


    hopes I¡¯d be able to stop myself, but I didn¡¯t ¨C I couldn¡¯t.


    He had had to step back at thest moment, and if he hadn¡¯t, I would have scarred that sexy body of


    his permanently.


    Great¡­


    I put on some earrings, unable to stop myself from thinking about the second half of our session. The


    guilt and panic had almost made me tell him my truth and my heart skips a beat as the memory reys


    in my mind¡­


    (FLASHBACK ¨C TRAINING EARLIER)


    ¡°I¡­ I should go. This is a mistake. You can¡¯t help me. I¡¯m just going to hurt you.¡± I say, turning away,


    but I don¡¯t get far, only for him to spin me around.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, rx. I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re doing great.¡± He says calmly.


    Is he for real? I¡¯m fucking messing it all up!


    ¡°Am I?¡± I scoff in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re delusional, or in stupid.¡±


    ¡°Tell me Sk, do you spar to win?¡± Royce says as he lets go of me and picks up his phone.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, as he switches on some music and sets the volume low - loud enough so we can hear it,


    but not loud enough to give me a headache.


    I like this song.


    I look at him, seeing the sweat that coats his body, the blood tainting the air¡­ I have just cut him open,


    and he¡¯spletely unphased.


    ¡°I asked if you spar to win? Do you aim to win?¡± He repeats.


    I cock a brow, crossing my arms. ¡°Obviously. So, stop holding back and just fight. I can handle broken


    bones. Give me your best.¡±


    He crosses his arms, mirroring my stance as he tilts his head and cocks a brow. ¡°The aim isn¡¯t to break


    bones but to learn control. Why not try to consider sparring as a dance.¡±


    ¡°A dance?¡± I question, sceptically.


    ¡°Yes, have you ever watched two martial artistspete? A dance of perfection¡­ fluid moves,


    calcted attacks, smooth reflexes and above all, you can see the art that it is.¡± He says.


    ¡°We fight to survive, fight to kill and fight to protect, not for fun.¡± I counter, as he circles me.


    ¡°We do¡­ but it is also an art, and only the ones who have perfected it, will get far¡­ Those who act in


    anger will lose more¡­ I know that in a real battle, it¡¯s the survival and rage that fuels one¡­ but in many


    cases, you need to think with your mind, act with control¡­ Just once, I want you to treat this as a


    N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    dance.¡± He says, stopping behind me as he leans closer. ¡°Tell me, can the Rossi Princess dance?¡±


    My heart skips a beat and I remember something Reign said about the Alpha Gen X games back when


    we first got talking in that chat room. Debating over who will win.


    ¡®Fighting is a dance of art. Let the games begin.¡¯


    He had been right. The one who fought with skill won.


    ¡°I can.¡± I reply softly, turning and looking into his eyes. I remember saying to Reign that I wanted to spar


    with him someday¡­ He had said absolutely, as long as it was in the rain, and I was in something sexy.


    I can¡¯t help but smile, missing our light flirting¡­ I look at Royce and make up my mind. I¡¯ll imagine


    Royce is Reign¡­


    ¡°Then shall we?¡± He asks, I can feel the heat of his body behind me and I turn my head forward,


    breaking eye contact. I give a nod and his hand snakes around my waist, brushing my stomach.


    Tingles erupt across my skin as his finger curls around my waist. He sure has big hands¡­


    ¡°The aim is to enjoy it, counter, assess, and act¡­ but remember this is not apetition¡­¡± He


    murmurs, his hair tickling the side of my face before he suddenly lets go of me, grabbing my elbow as


    he spins me out and let''s go.


    ¡°Let¡¯s dance then.¡± I say, tossing my hair back as I run at him.


    This is not a match; the aim is not to win; I have to remember that important part. Try to enjoy it¡­


    We exchange blows and I focus on his moves. The aim is to block and counter in rhythm¡­


    He catches my fist in his hand, twisting my arm as he tries to pin my arm behind my back, but I turn


    myself, ducking as I free myself and try to swipe his legs from under him.


    He jumps back and I lunge forward, aiming a punch. He ducks, and I flip over, grabbing his shoulder.


    Only for him to grip my wrist and flip me over his shoulders and into his arms.


    I frown, feeling my anger rising until I look into those grey eyes. There¡¯s no hostility or arrogance in


    them, and I find myself calming down.


    It¡¯s just for fun¡­ He isn¡¯t mocking me¡­


    I slide out of his arms, elbowing him in his stomach, before I spin as fast as I can, hooking my leg


    around his and pulling it from under him.


    ¡°Shoot!¡± He curses as he stumbles.


    ¡°Nice dancing.¡± I tease, as I yank his ankle.


    ¡°Well, if I¡¯m going down, love, so are you!¡± He counters, swiping my legs from under me, as he hits the


    floor.


    I jump, stumbling, but he manages to grab my ankle and yanks me back. I turn, and he grunts when my


    knee hits his chest. I can¡¯t help but chuckle.


    ¡°I forgot how strong you are.¡± He adds, grabbing my thighs with hisrge hands and holding me back.


    A jolt of pleasure goes straight to my core, and for a second, I¡¯m distracted, giving him the upper hand,


    and he takes it, trying to throw me onto the ground over his head, but I grab a fistful of his hair,


    mming his head between my knees and mping my thighs around it as I pin his head to the


    ground.


    ¡°Forfeit or I snap your neck, Arden.¡± I growl breathlessly, as he grabs the back of my thighs, only for us


    both to tense. Only then realising we are in a prettypromising position¡­


    ¡°Try me.¡± He challenges huskily. His eyes sh blue as he reaches up and grabs my neck.


    Fuck, don¡¯t say that¡­ because you know I want to try you¡­


    His hand tightens around my neck, and I smirk.


    ¡°Forfeit, or I¡¯ll crush this pretty neck.¡± He growls huskily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind a little pain. Choke me all you want.¡± I whisper back, looking down at his face that sits right


    between my thighs. I hear the change in his heartbeat, the amusement from his eyes vanishing as our


    eyes meet. Then I see it, that dark hunger that he tries to hold back, tries to hide away, and refuses to


    give in to¡­


    ¡°Good to know¡­¡± He whispers, his hand tightening on my throat, the fingers of his other hand


    skimming up my thigh ever so lightly and I¡¯m reminded of that night. His touch does things to me that I


    can¡¯t exin¡­


    My core throbs in pleasure and suddenly we¡¯re flipped over, and I¡¯m pinned to the ground with him on


    top of me.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growl, realising he had yed me. ¡°You yed dirty.¡±


    ¡°A little dirty dancing goes a long way.¡± He murmurs, ¡°I think I win.¡±


    I re up at him, trying to get up, but the guy is damn big and strong. His muscr thighs are pinning


    my thighs firmly together, restricting my movement.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a match to win, though, correct?¡± I frown, my breasts heaving.


    A faint smile crosses his lips, and he shakes his head. ¡°No¡­ but you actually are the winner.¡±


    I cock a brow and I¡¯m disappointed when he gets up. I was enjoying being pinned beneath him¡­ He


    lifts me to my feet before releasing me.


    ¡°How did I win? I mean, I lost¡­¡± I say breathlessly, adjusting the band of my pants.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t lose control. That¡¯s a victory for us both.¡± He says. ¡°You did great today.¡±


    I¡¯m not expecting that, and I realise I enjoyed the match too¡­


    Somehow, he had managed to bring that enjoyment I had as a preteen into sparring¡­ without the fear


    of unleashing the beast.


    Our eyes meet and I¡¯m lost for words.


    ¡°You can give yourself a pat on the back now.¡± He whispers teasingly, reaching over and brushing a few


    strands of my hair back. His fingers graze my skin, making my heart beat faster¡­

 25. Dinner in Blue

    25. Dinner in Blue


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Shame I don¡¯t get a treat from the teacher.¡± I whisper back before I can even stop myself.


    Our eyes meet, both of us still breathing hard¡­ and then his gaze flickers to my lips. A faint frown


    creases his forehead, before he looks away, breaking the moment, and moves back. ¡°Well done¡­ let¡¯s


    stop there for today.¡±


    He turns his back on me and I shake my head, unable to focus on what had just happened¡­


    ¡°Sure.¡± I say, turning I grab my stuff and jog out, needing some space.


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    I look in the mirror, as I put on the royal blue shirt dress. It has buttons down to the waist and I leave


    them open. I skipped a bra for tonight and I tie a chunky ck and gold belt around my waist. Paired


    with some heeled ck boots and smoky eyes. I definitely look good.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to make sure Dad doesn¡¯t think there¡¯s anything between us. I still feel uneasy...¡± I say to


    Malevolent as I give her a cuddle and kiss. I finish off with nude peach lipstick and then I grab my bag.


    ¡°Come on Malevolent¡­ pop inside.¡±


    ¡°Meow.¡± She jumps into my tote bag and I stroke her.


    ¡°Now behave, ok? I don¡¯t think we are allowed pets at the restaurant.¡± I pat my bag as she purrs and I


    head out. Dad will be here to collect me soon¡­


    -


    Thirty minutester, we reach the restaurant and I tuck Malevolent back into the bag.


    ¡°Seems he¡¯s on time.¡± Dad says, ncing out the window, and I spot the white sleek supercar that is


    parked in a spot a few cars down.


    Dad turns back to me, and I don¡¯t react, simply nodding lightly as Kat gets out from the back and I slip


    out from the front seat.


    ¡°I¡¯m so hungry.¡± She whispers to me, smiling as she brushes her hair back. She looks all pretty in a


    pale mint dress.


    ¡°Me too, I could eat a whole wolf.¡± I say, it¡¯s damn cold and I wish I had brought a jacket. Although we


    don¡¯t really feel cold often, it¡¯s really cold tonight, and I can feel it biting into me.


    Damn¡­


    Even the ground is icy.


    Kataleya giggles bringing me back to the present as she links her arm with me as she waits for Dad to


    lead the way inside, I turn as a familiar crisp scent reaches me and see Royce approaching us, he¡¯s in


    blue jeans and a dark blue button-down shirt that has the sleeves pushed up.


    ¡°Never knew we were fucking coordinating,¡± Dad remarks, ncing between us, and I roll my eyes.


    ¡°You made it.¡± Dad adds as Royce and him exchange a handshake and I try not to admire how good he


    looks.


    I can¡¯t believe we are in the same damn colour. Now Dad will just be suspicious.


    ¡°I did.¡± Royce replies to Dad, his voice emotionless. His gaze then turns toward me and Kat, but he


    doesn¡¯t look at me, instead gives Kataleya a nod before turning his attention back to Dad.


    Dad leads the way inside, with Royce a step behind, both men oozing power.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡®He¡¯s strong.¡¯ Kataleya says through the link. ¡®Extremely strong¡­ He isn¡¯t an average Alpha.¡¯


    Kataleya had inherited some of Mama¡¯s sixth sense alongside being able to mask her scent and


    heartbeat. She had a few other neat tricks up her sleeve.


    ¡®Yeah he is, I figured that in training.¡¯ I say, pulling a face.


    Stepping inside the restaurant, we are led to the table Dad has reserved in the back. It¡¯s a semi-private


    booth and I smile, satisfied that no one will see Malevolent. People watch us and even though I know


    we all have our aura reigned in, Dad and Royce are not the type of guys you will miss. Even humans


    can sense their power. Although I bet they¡¯d just think they are some bad guys, like Mafia or something.


    Dad could definitely pass as a mafia boss or something.


    I find myselfparing them. They¡¯re opposites in every way. Dad is dark, with his tats and aura, whilst


    Royce is blond, and¡­ light. It¡¯s how I would describe him.


    Kat nudges me, and she raises her eyebrows questioningly. I shake my head, knowing she¡¯s


    observant. We reach the table and Dad slides in sitting in the middle of the curved couch.


    Royce takes one end and Kataleya slides in next to Dad, and I sit next to Kat, opposite Royce, who is


    not even sparing me a nce.


    Observing him, I notice there¡¯s a slight frown on his face and his aura almost feels¡­ icy¡­


    Is this because of what happened earlier?


    ¡°Shall I order a bit of everything?¡± Kat asks gently, scanning the menu.


    Food choosing was always Kat¡¯s forte, or her and Mama¡¯s if they are together.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Dad says, giving her a small smirk before he nces at Royce. ¡°Alcohol, or a soft drink?¡±


    ¡°Water is fine.¡± Royce replies.


    I¡¯m not imagining it, something is up¡­


    I frown slightly and feel Dad¡¯s gaze shift to me.


    ¡°How was training today?¡± He asks, sitting back, his cunning eyes fixed on me.


    ¡°It was good.¡± I say and Royce nods, not even looking at me.


    ¡°There¡¯s progress.¡± He says seriously, ncing at Dad.


    ¡°Yeah, I think I¡¯m doing ok.¡± I agree with a nod, only for Royce to finally turn his gaze on me, but there¡¯s


    only coldness in them.


    ¡°Yeah, you sure are.¡± He says, his voice is as emotionless as ever, but there¡¯s a biting cold in it that


    stings. And those eyes¡­ when they meet mine, I can see the rage and anger that he¡¯s trying to hide.


    I don¡¯t know what I did wrong, but whatever it is, has pissed him off. Big time.


    Dad nods slowly before cocking a brow.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Then anyone want to fucking exin why the fucking atmosphere is thick with tension or


    some shit?¡±

 26. An Awkward Dinner

    26. An Awkward Dinner


    SKYLA.


    I want to know too¡­


    I raise an eyebrow as Royce nces away, his gaze flicking to Dad.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s been a rough evening.¡± Royce says to him just as a waiter ces our drinks down. It irks


    me how she¡¯s eyeing them both up.


    I should tell Mama, it¡¯s pretty fun to see her try to hide her jealousy when ites to Dad.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kataleya says to her with a small smile.


    No need to smile at the little perve. Yes, I¡¯m a total hypocrite. I can perve at Magic Fingers all I want¡­


    My gaze falls to his hands. I like the fact that he has big manly hands¡­


    ¡°The food will be here soon. Enjoy.¡± She smiles, and Royce gives her a nod as Kataleya smiles at her.


    No one speaks until she leaves, and Kataleya slides her drink closer to herself.


    I turn my attention back to Royce.


    I wonder what happened¡­ considering he waspletely fine at training.


    Dad cocks a brow. ¡°I hope this dinner doesn¡¯t fucking impose on you if you¡¯re not in the best of fucking


    moods. I don¡¯t want Keh saying I tortured his son by forcing him toe out to dinner.¡± He replies,


    picking up his ss.


    A glimmer of a smile crosses Royce¡¯s lips.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to know where I am. Besides, I¡¯m not the type to bail on someone when I promise


    them I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    I frown slightly, a sting in my chest as my mind drifts to Reign¡­ I wish he didn¡¯t bail on me that night.


    This entire mess with the Ardens would have been avoided.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Dad says.


    Dad rarely misses anything.


    ¡®Sky?¡¯ Kataleya¡¯s voice pulls me from my thoughts and I give her a smile as I pick up my ss.


    ¡®Sorry I got distracted.¡¯ I reply.


    She tilts her head, observing me with concern. I know I¡¯m quieter than normal and I need to fix that.


    ¡°So, Dad, shall we settle our debt?¡± I ask, looking over at him.


    ¡°You ain¡¯t getting shit from me.¡±


    I frown, ¡°You owe me. I¡¯m counting at 250.¡±


    ¡°How the fuck did you get that number? I ain¡¯t even fucking seen you for long today.¡± Dad growls.


    I smirk, ¡°Oh, by the time the evening is over, you¡¯ll owe me that much or more.¡± I say confidently,


    reaching for my ss. Just as Royce reaches for his, we pause and our eyes meet before he looks


    away first.


    I hate that my heart thuds and I can feel Dad¡¯s eyes on me.


    I swiftly pick up my ss and take a gulp.


    Come on, Sky, do not fuck this up.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The food arrives, and Dad¡¯s back to observing Royce. My mouth waters as I stare down at the


    incredible food porn in front of me.


    Oh, it smells so good¡­


    Kataleya takes a picture of the food and smiles politely at Royce, who moved back, almost as if he


    didn¡¯t want to get caught in the picture.


    ¡°Sorry, I wasn¡¯t taking a picture of you.¡± Kataleya says apologetically.


    ¡°Not at all. I just assumed that I¡¯m ruining the aesthetic. My sister takes pictures of everything


    religiously and hates when we ruin her photos.¡±


    Oh, baby, you can ruin a lot more than my photos.


    I shake my head, pushing that thought away.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s ok!¡± Kataleya blushes as she smiles at him. ¡°I was just getting the food in.¡±


    ¡°You have a sister?¡± I ask curiously.


    Royce¡¯s gaze snaps to mine and there¡¯s a slight shift in his eyes but it¡¯s very subtle. Maybe I¡¯m being


    paranoid¡­


    ¡°Yes, I have a sixteen-year-old sister who takes so many pictures that if she¡¯s ever kidnapped, we


    would find her because of all the photos she leaves in her wake.¡± He says lightly.


    Kataleya¡¯s smile falters, and I know what¡¯s going through her mind. The same thing that has crossed


    mine. Although it happened a long time ago, the trauma of being kidnapped doesn¡¯t leave a person¡­


    Royce frowns slightly at the change in her expression, but I don¡¯t think he knows.


    Kataleya was kidnapped a long time ago, and it took years for her to stop having those nightmares¡­


    that¡¯s when I started being the strong one, trying not to bother anyone with my emotions and troubles


    because she¡¯s been through a lot more than I ever have.


    ¡°That¡¯s good then,¡± Kataleya says, still holding her gentle smile strongly. ¡°What¡¯s her name? Does she


    attend one of the academies?¡±


    ¡°Charlotte, and no, she does not. Our father wasn¡¯t keen on the idea.¡± Royce says as he begins eating


    and I observe him.


    Although he eats as gracefully as his brother, there¡¯s a firmness to him, an attitude which gives him that


    slightly more masculine edge than Aleric.


    ¡®Are you going to fucking stare at him all evening?¡¯ Dad¡¯s cold voicees in my head, making me


    freeze as my eyes flicker towards him.


    ¡®He is rather handsome, actually. I¡¯m just bored with all the typical Rossi men I¡¯m forced to see day in


    and day fucking out. He¡¯s a pleasant change and if you ask me, he looks way better than you Rossis


    put together.¡¯ I shoot back smugly.


    I¡¯ve never been shy to admit I find someone handsome and although I was about to deny it, doing so


    would only make Dad more suspicious.


    ¡®Too fucking pretty if you ask me.¡¯


    I smirk. ¡®Oh? So, you at least admit he¡¯s pretty. Besides, I don¡¯t mind pretty.¡¯


    Dad frowns at me, and I¡¯m secretly relieved when he turns back to Royce.


    ¡°You don¡¯t talk much, unlike your old man.¡± He says as he cuts into his steak.


    See? Dad is totally un-charming and to the damn point.


    ¡°I¡¯m not really like him. That would be Aleric.¡±


    This time I don¡¯t think anyone misses the way his eyes sh blue, or the hint of irritation in his voice


    before he blinks, and they return to their usually stormy grey. He takes a bite of his steak, a stray curl


    falling over his eye.


    Ah, damn him for being so tempting.


    ¡°Oh yeah? He¡¯s at the academy too, isn¡¯t he?¡± Dad asks, ncing at the three of us.


    Kataleya nods. ¡°Yes, he is.¡±


    Royce doesn¡¯t bother replying and I¡¯m certain something happened between him and Aleric because


    the way he spoke made that pretty obvious.


    Suddenly I feel uneasy.


    He is angry at me too¡­ did he somehow find out that I slept with Aleric?


    Just the thought makes my stomach twist and any appetite that I had, vanishes.


    Why do I feel like that¡¯s a possibility?


    I hope not¡­


    Dad engages Royce in mundane questions, mostly regarding his time in the States, but I¡¯m no longer


    able to focus, simply trying to force the food down my throat. The only problem is I have no appetite


    anymore.


    I can barely taste the food, my mind spinning with doubts.


    ¡°I saw the report that your brother put in regarding the attack the other night. Finally, a breakthrough


    after weeks. I should have invited him too, would have been helpful to get his insight.¡± Dad says


    thoughtfully.


    Royce doesn¡¯t reply, simply giving a small nod.


    ¡°You were both there that night. Did you see anything else? There was no report submitted from your


    side.¡± Dad¡¯s voice is low and although we are in a human restaurant, better to be safe than sorry.


    Royce frowns, clenching his jaw. ¡°Yes, I was. However, he said everything we needed to. I have


    nothing to add. He saw far more than I did.¡±


    His anger is back, and it only cements my assumption that he knows.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a fucking people pleaser, are you?¡± Dad says, observing him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t aim to please.¡± Royce says. ¡°I do apologise if I came off rude, but I¡¯m afraid I had nothing to


    add.¡±


    Rude? Doesn¡¯t he realise he¡¯s in Dad¡¯s presence? The dude is the definition of rude.


    Royce looks down at his te and Dad nods.


    ¡°No fucking worries, you aint rude or shit. But it¡¯s a lead and I don¡¯t care who fucking saw it. It¡¯ll help us


    get some answers. Since no one has seen shit and at least now we know its form. That can help us


    nail something down.¡± Dad frowns.


    Oh?


    ¡°Yeah, I personally have not once seen anything, but its eyes. It¡¯s fast and powerful¡­¡± Royce murmurs.


    ¡°Plum-coloured eyes, correct?¡± Dad frowns.


    Royce nods.


    ¡°So, what exactly is it?¡± I ask curiously. It looked like a snake to me, but it was far bigger¡­ far far


    bigger. ¡°Does anyone know what it actually is, Dad?¡±


    Dad shakes his head. ¡°No one¡¯s seen the likes of the fucker.¡±


    We fall silent, mulling over the beast.


    ¡°I wish we knew what it was though, sounds interesting.¡± I murmur thoughtfully.


    I feel the magical aura radiate off Kataleya beside me, and I turn to her sharply, my heart thumping.


    She¡¯s seeing something.

 27. A Vision

    27. A Vision


    SKYLA.


    The next few seconds feel like minutes as we wait for her to speak.


    ¡°A servant of Apophis...¡± Kataleya whispers. All three of us stare at her as she gazes unblinkingly at the


    centre of the table, her eyes zed a dreamy pink.


    Dad frowns, his heart beating a little louder than normal as he watches her intently.


    I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s because of what she said or if it¡¯s because she disyed her gift in front of an Arden.


    ¡°Kat.¡± Dad¡¯s voice is low, but I can hear the tension he is trying to mask in it and I don¡¯t me him.


    The risk thates with Kat¡¯s gift is terrifying.


    Royce is watching her. There¡¯s a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes as I ce a hand on Kataleya¡¯s


    shoulder.


    ¡°Kat.¡± I say, shaking her silently.


    She jerks back, inhaling sharply as she looks around, as if trying to remember where she is, her


    breasts heaving as she gathers her bearings, gripping my hand.


    Dad¡¯s gaze flicks to Royce and I know he didn¡¯t want anyone to learn of Kat¡¯s gift, but it¡¯s toote.


    However, something tells me that Royce wouldn¡¯t tell anyone, anyway.


    ¡°Apophis? Like the god of darkness?¡± Royce asks, sounding uncertain.


    I¡¯m surprised he didn¡¯t question her, clearly not phased by what just happened. Maybe he might think


    she has some witchy powers.


    Kataleya looks at Dad worriedly before she nods.


    ¡°Like for real? Now we have a Snake God unleashing some immortal beasts onto the to cause


    havoc?¡± I snicker, trying to lighten the mood. But no one joins in as all eyes turn to me.


    Wait, do they actually think that? But¡­ even though I¡¯m trying to brush it off, I know that there is


    somethinging¡­. Something huge¡­ Something that is the reason that a demi-god walks this


    earth¡­


    My brother.


    He¡¯s here for a reason and I know that whatever it is, will aim to destroy us all¡­


    ¡°If it¡¯s some sort of monster from another realm, that would exin why no one can see it.¡± Dad


    murmurs, but I can sense his unease.


    Why could I see it?


    ¡°Dad, have you yourself ever gone after it?¡± I ask curiously.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m afraid I have had no encounter with it. It¡¯s mainly around the south side.¡±


    Hmm, is it because I¡¯m a Lycan then? I wonder¡­


    Kataleya sips her juice, but her chest is still heaving, and I can sense her unease.


    ¡°Did you see something else, Kat?¡± I ask her quietly.


    She looks at me, and it makes my stomach twist when I see the fear that taints her eyes.


    ¡°There¡¯s more than one¡­¡± She whispers before turning to Dad, who is now frowning deeply at her


    words.


    Her visions, if you can call them that,e randomly, and often she¡¯d say things which might not make


    sense. At other times they did, like now.


    It is a little like Mama¡¯s, but not as cryptic or as clear as Dante¡¯s. Damn, I have weird siblings.


    ¡®Kat¡­ Did they see you?¡¯ I ask through the link, the price she pays¡­ every time she sees something,


    they also see her, and that makes me sick.


    We had found that out the hard way. Several years back, someone had been murdered by a rogue,


    and Kat had identified him. The only thing is, he also identified her and came after us. Luckily, she has


    a lot of protection around her constantly.


    ''I don¡¯t think so.¡¯ She smiles reassuringly, but I¡¯m not so sure¡­


    We continue eating. The conversation between Royce and Dad is regarding the divine death-noodle.


    ¡°With what Kataleya has said, that may be something the coven could look into. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s


    umon for us to deal with things that don¡¯t belong here.¡± Royce says.


    Our knowledge of other supernatural beasts and species has grown, what with it bing a subject at


    school. However, I don¡¯t think I have heard of Apophis being a deity that has any species on earth.


    Heck aside from those that we know of, who knows who or what else actually exists up there.


    ¡°Yeah, I will have a word with them. I¡¯m fucking lucky that I have two highly efficient witches in the


    family, after all.¡± Dad says.


    ¡°I heard; I also know they are ted to take the position of the high witches of the coven of Ennd,


    aren¡¯t they?¡± Royce asks with a faint smile.


    Dad nods. ¡°If they ept, right now neither wants to and no one can force them.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good to hear you¡¯re not one for pushing someone into positions of extreme power for your own


    benefit.¡± Royce replies, downing his water before cing his ss down.


    He has ignored me for the majority of the dinner, almost as if I wasn¡¯t even here.


    ¡®How is he during your training sessions?¡¯ I ask Kat.


    She looks at me sheepishly. ¡®Umm¡­¡¯


    I narrow my eyes. ¡®You skipped it, didn¡¯t you?¡¯


    She blushes. ¡®No¡­ I was helping the special needs new year students with their herbology homework.¡¯


    I shake my head. This girl does not like fighting. Even though she is an excellent fighter, with it having


    been drilled into us for our own protection, she would rather not if she has the choice.


    ¡°Next time there¡¯s a council meeting, tell your Dad, I want you there. Even better, tell him to step the


    fuck down.¡± Dad smirks mockingly.


    Royce looks amused before shaking his head. ¡°Dad has that effect on people, but I¡¯d rather he not


    know of our meeting.¡± He replies, his amusement vanishing.


    Dad cocks a brow. ¡°Oh? I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t fucking care. He might even approve.¡±


    ¡°Approval for dining with the King? Not something I want approval over.¡± Royce says seriously.


    ¡°Why? Not luxurious enough for an Arden?¡± Dad mocks.


    Dad¡¯s trying to push him, but I''ve got to admit he¡¯s not given off any suspicious vibes. Royce doesn¡¯t


    respond for a second, but I see the clench in his jaw before he looks at Dad once again. His next words


    surprise me with their bluntness.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in the push and pull dynamics between you and Dad. If you want a reaction¡­¡± He


    turns to me now, ¡°Then you got the wrong brother.¡±


    Those words are targeted at me¡­


    His phone rings, and he takes it out. ¡°Excuse me. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll order the dessert in the meantime,¡± Kataleya says happily, picking up the menu.


    Aww, she¡¯s so cute, I want to pet her head. Maybe she was a kitty in herst life.


    Royce stands up and heads towards the exit. I doubt the hum of chatter and the music is the reason¡­


    he probably doesn¡¯t want to be overheard.


    ¡°Hello?¡± He answers the phone. I don¡¯t miss the nces he receives from several women as he passes


    their tables. I try not to look at his ass, sensing Dad watching me before he disappears around the


    bend.


    ¡°He¡¯s a buzzkill.¡± I state lightly.


    ¡°He¡¯s either genuinely not like his old man or he¡¯s excellent at hiding his emotions and putting on a


    front.¡± Dad mulls.


    ¡°Or he¡¯s genuinely a good person AND he just likes to hide his emotions?¡± Kataleya suggests.


    Me and dad exchange looks.


    ¡°Yeah, and your sisters are fucking angels.¡± Dad remarks.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She¡¯s too pure for this damn world. Everyone has an incentive¡­ What¡¯s Royce¡¯s?


    I need to talk to him, yes I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll say.


    I mean, there¡¯s no way to justify what happened, but I need to know if he knows¡­


    ¡°Well, while you order a bit of everything on the dessert menu, I need to go pee.¡± I say, standing up.


    ¡°Yeah, we really needed that fucking piece of information.¡± Dad states, downing his drink.


    I smirk. ¡°Human nature to pee Dad, when Ie back, make sure you have my 300 pounds ready.¡± I


    stand up, needing to catch Royce before he returns.


    ¡°The fuck? When did it be 300?¡± I hear Dad say.


    I turn and wink at him.


    ¡°When you were talking, the number rose. You really need to put a filter on your mouth, Dad.¡±


    He narrows his eyes, and I smirk smugly.


    It¡¯s so satisfying to use the same words back at him. Ah, to get under Dad¡¯s skin is super fun¡­


    I turn the bend, spotting the bathroom, and nce at the exit, just as the door opens and Royce


    returns.


    He nces up, holding the door open for three women who giggle and thank him as they walk out, but


    he simply gives them a polite nod, looking down at his phone distractedly.


    I roll my eyes, annoyed at him and the dumb giggling twits with tits.


    When he lets go of the door and heads my way, I take my chance, ready to block him when he spots


    me as he¡¯s about to walk past.


    ¡°I need to have a word.¡± I say quietly before I grab him by the arm and yank him towards the bathroom.


    He frowns, about to say something, but I ce a finger to my lips. If we speak here¡­ Dad will surely


    hear us. I pull him into the bathroom and m the heavy wooden door shut behind us.


    I breathe a sigh of relief, turning to Royce. I¡¯m about to speak but stop in my tracks when I see the


    coldness in those eyes of his as he stares down at me.


    Yup, he¡¯s super pissed at me¡­


    Oh boy.


    He steps closer, and for once I don¡¯t feel so tall or powerful when he¡¯s looking down at me with such


    power and dominance as he is now. I¡¯m fucking twisted, because it is doing things to me¡­


    You won¡¯t find many men who can have such a powerful effect on me as he does¡­


    He braces his hands on the door on either side of my arms, his eyes shing blue.


    He¡¯s so close¡­. I can see the tiny hair on his chin and above those perfect lips¡­ but it¡¯s his words that


    snap me from my thoughts and make unease fill me.


    ¡°Tell me, Sk¡­ are we a fucking game to you?¡± His voice is cold, and this time he doesn¡¯t mask the


    anger that he clearly feels towards me.


    He knows.


    There¡¯s no denying it¡­ he fucking knows.

 28. A Hard Truth

    28. A Hard Truth


    SKYLA.


    A game?


    He¡¯s so close, his thundering heart and those brilliant blue eyes are too much. All I can see is him, his


    scent wreaking havoc with my mind and I suddenly feel as if there is no air and I¡¯m drowning in his


    rage.


    I let out a shaky breath, trying to control my emotions. I exhale, and I¡¯m surprised to see the puff of


    visible air.


    It¡¯s so cold in here? Is a window open?


    ¡°He told you.¡± I state quietly, looking into his eyes.


    I don¡¯t even know how to feel about that¡­


    Why would Aleric do that?


    He almost smirks, his cold eyes boring into mine.


    ¡°Of course he did,¡± he scoffs. ¡°Why not gloat right?¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Whatever it was. The thing is, Sk¡­ don¡¯t mess me about. You thought since you couldn¡¯t have one


    brother, why not just have the other? Correct?¡±


    I stay quiet, his words hitting a nerve.


    He sees right through me.


    ¡°You know what? You and Aleric seem to be the perfect match¡­ carry on, I wish you both all the best,


    because this Arden is not going to be added to your list of fucks.¡±


    He pushes away from the wall, turning away from me as if he¡¯s too disgusted to even look at me and,


    for the first time in my life, I¡¯m regretting sleeping with someone¡­


    ¡°Move.¡± Hismand emanates through me and although it does nothing to bend me to his will, the


    power in it stuns me. I can feel it in the air and my heart thunders.


    He isn¡¯t normal¡­


    I try to think of a sassyeback but I have fuck-all to say.


    I slowly step aside, and he doesn¡¯t even bother looking at me as he pulls the door open, but then he


    pauses.


    ¡°Tell your father that I thank him for the dinner invitation, but something hase up, and I needed to


    leave.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t wait for a reply and swiftly exits.


    I close my eyes, slumping back against the door as it thuds shut and sigh heavily.


    That went downhill fast¡­


    Taking a few deep breaths, I shiver at how cold I feel.


    I open my eyes, unsure how to process my emotions. His words stung, but I don¡¯t care. I know deep


    down that I did what I did to prove a point. What did I think, that he wouldn¡¯t find out? Yeah, that was a


    stupid assumption to make.


    I feel stupid, angry, irritated, and hurt.


    But fuck, it¡¯s my own doing.


    I scan the bathroom, frowning when my attention falls on therge mirrors that line the wall behind the


    sink basins.


    Frost? I push away from the door and slowly walk over to them, looking at the corner of the ss that


    meets the ceiling.


    There¡¯s ice¡­


    I tilt my head, frowning. Earlier I had felt as if the temperature had dropped in here. I¡¯m certain when I


    came in here it wasn¡¯t this cold.


    What is going on?


    I¡¯m about to reach for my phone when I realise it¡¯s not with me. I nce at the door before I quickly


    climb onto the marble counter and reach for the corner of the ss.


    Ice cold.


    It is not even just steam, it was solid ice coating the corner of the mirror. The ss around the ice was


    frosty and had partially steamed up.


    Strange¡­.


    I jump down, feeling my unease and restlessness rising. I¡¯m trying to distract myself from Royce¡¯s


    words, but it¡¯s hard to do so.


    Why do I feel so¡­ upset by his words?


    I take a deep breath, knowing I need to get out of here before I lose control. I exit the bathroom and


    return to the table where Dad is smirking over something Kataleya has said.


    ¡°Only you princess.¡± Dad¡¯s saying to her as he hooks his arm around her neck and pulls her close,


    kissing her forehead.


    My steps falter, my emotions mming down on me like a fucking tidal wave, and I want to run¡­


    I need to get out of here before my emotions fuck everything up.


    ¡°Sky! I was telling Dad about the ice cream tub incident with Alessandra.¡± She giggles.


    I force a smile and nod. ¡°Oh, that was fun.¡±


    Hide it all.


    I have to.


    Just the way I always do.


    ¡°Oh yeah! I caught your guest on the way to the bathroom and he said he has to leave and to thank


    you for the dinner.¡± I say lightly, feeling Dad¡¯s gaze burning into me.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± He says, ¡°His fucking loss, Kat just ordered the entire fucking dessert menu.¡±


    Kataleya pouts. ¡°I only wanted to try them all¡­¡±


    The girl loves food and I¡¯m sure even the food is probably grateful to be devoured by her. I mean, who


    knows, maybe food are little foodles who talk and chat and their goal in life is to be eaten.


    I shake my head, pushing my random thoughts from my mind.


    Dad smirks before jerking his head at me, motioning me to sit on his other side.


    I don¡¯t argue, sliding into the space from Royce¡¯s side. His scent lingers, and it only makes that punch


    to the gut even worse.


    ¡°So what dessert am I devouring?¡± I ask, d when Malevolent silently brushes against my leg,


    ¡°As Dad said, lots.¡± Kat says with a sheepish smile.


    My heart thuds and I scratch Malevolent¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Perfect. Any scraps left for Malevolent?¡± I ask, not wanting to feel so upset. I had fed her bits in


    between, but I had been so distracted that I¡¯m not sure how much she has eaten¡­


    ¡°I fed her.¡± Kataleya whispers.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I say as Dad turns to me.


    He doesn¡¯t say anything as his eyes meet mine and I hate that I want to break down and cry. Instead, I


    stare back at him defiantly, those dark eyes glinting with emotions and the one thing I know is that no


    matter how many men hurt me, or how many times I fuck up. Dad will always be here for me.


    I just can¡¯t tell him that.


    As if he knows what¡¯s going through my mind, he wraps his strong arm around me, pulling me close. I


    close my eyes, inhaling his woody scent that always holds that touch of smoke. His steady beating


    heart and the warmth of his embrace make me lean into him, trying to ease the pain in my chest.


    This is a ce that will always be safe¡­


    My heart¡¯s thudding and I¡¯m so fucking messed up right now that I¡¯m grateful when he doesn¡¯t ask


    anything as he rubs my arm.


    Something tells me he heard our conversation, no I¡¯m sure, and I know that he will bring it up¡­


    The dessert arrives soon after but I¡¯m too distracted to eat. My emotions are a mess and no matter how


    much I pretend I¡¯m enjoying the different desserts, I¡¯m not.


    Once we¡¯re done and Malevolent has enjoyed her ice cream. Dad asks for the bill.


    ¡°Oh, the other sir who was with you already footed the bill.¡± The waitress says, shing Dad a flirty


    smile.


    Dumb bitch, he¡¯s my Mama¡¯s.


    ¡°He paid for it all?¡± Dad frowns.


    ¡°Yes, he left a generous amount that covers a hefty tip too and the desserts.¡± She replies, blushing


    lightly.


    Great.


    Now I fucking ate the food he paid for¡­ I ce my spoon down as Dad nods.


    ¡°Sure, thanks.¡± He says, frowning slightly. ¡°He¡¯s a hard one to read¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, can we please have these packed?¡± Kat asks politely before the waitress turns away, pointing to


    the left-over desserts.


    ¡°Of course.¡± The waitress smiles at her, ncing at Dad a final time before she takes the dessert away.


    I don¡¯t say anything, waiting for the packed desserts to return before we leave the restaurant and head


    to the car. Kat¡¯s holding the leftovers carefully as we get back into the car. This time I tell her to sit in


    the front, not wanting to be in Dad¡¯s view.


    I sit back against the leather seats of Dad¡¯s car, trying not to let Royce¡¯s words mess with my head


    space. I have tried not to rey that scene in my head, but I¡¯m struggling¡­ so fucking much.


    His disgust¡­his anger¡­


    I¡¯m angry too, mainly at Aleric. Why would he even tell his brother who is such a damn goody two-


    shoes? What if he told Dad? I know I¡¯m looking for an avenue to release my anger, and Aleric is the


    one who seems to be my best shot to target.


    Oh, I¡¯m fucking going to sort that pretty little shit out.


    My eyes sh purple but I focus my gaze out of the window until we finally reach my home. Kat¡¯s


    singing along to the songs and we¡¯re silent. She¡¯s a good singer, but she¡¯s shy. Only a few lucky people


    get to hear her sing.


    The moment the cares to a halt, I jump out with Malevolent in my arms and rush around to the


    front and open Kat¡¯s door.


    ¡°Bye Kat, see you tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the fucking rush? Not going to invite us in?¡± Dad asks as he steps out of the car uninvited and


    looks around.


    Shit, I don¡¯t want Dad around¡­ I want to be alone.


    ¡°You want toe in?¡± I ask knowing if I denied him, he¡¯d get pushier.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s check this shit out.¡±


    Kataleya happily jumps from the car and closes the door. ¡°It¡¯s such a beautiful cottage.¡±


    I nod, pulling a face as I sidestep dad and get to the door first, unlocking it. I push open the door and


    hold it open.


    Dad steps inside and although I know it¡¯s been some days since Aleric slept over, my mind is uneasy.


    I don¡¯t want him to think anything of it.


    ¡°Decent size.¡± Dad remarks as he walks through and pokes his head around the lounge door before he


    moves on to the kitchen.


    Nosy much?


    Kataleya smiles as she admires the paintings on the wall.


    ¡°It''s so quaint.¡± She says. ¡°It¡¯s not like you, but I love it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not, but it¡¯s far away from people. Just the way I like it.¡± I reply with a smirk, as I re at


    Dad¡¯s back pointedly.


    Just then, Dad opens the bathroom door and I realise that I have not had the broken window boarded


    up.


    ¡°The fuck happened here?¡± Dad growls, stepping inside. ¡°Do I need to fucking talk to Prescott?¡±


    ¡°I was trying to open it and it was stuck so I broke it. Nothing to do with the Alpha.¡± I lie instantly.


    ¡°When?¡± Dad growls as he crosses the bathroom to look at the window.


    ¡°The day I moved in?¡±


    ¡°Go find me some fucking wood. I¡¯ll board it up. The fuck Sky, at least be careful when you¡¯re out here


    alone. I¡¯m already fuckin stressed out that you¡¯re out here alone!¡± Dad growls, turning towards me.


    I frown. Now is not the time for his attitude.


    ¡°It¡¯s a tiny window. Nothing cane through there! It¡¯s fine if it¡¯s broken, Dad, chill out. Just go, I can


    handle it.¡±


    ¡°Do not tell me to fucking chill out when you¡¯ve been living here with a fucking broken window, Sky. At


    least ask for fucking help if you can¡¯t deal with this shit.¡±


    My eyes sh as I re at him. ¡°I¡¯m eighteen, ok, stop treating me like a kid! I get it! I fucked up again.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Just¡­ go. I said I¡¯ll deal with it.¡± I say, storming out of the room.


    ¡°Wood. Now.¡± Dad¡¯s voicees, making my anger re.


    My heart thuds as I storm to the kitchen, my gaze falling to the kitchen table and chairs.


    I pick one of the chairs up and smash it into the ground. The sounds of the splintering wood makes


    Kataleya scream in the hallway.


    My heart is thundering, and I can feel my anger seeping out of control.


    I need to hold on¡­


    ¡°The fuck are you doing?¡± Dad growls, and I hear his footsteps.


    I grab the splintered chair seat, pulling off thest broken leg that is hanging on, as I storm out of the


    kitchen.


    ¡°You wanted fucking wood, remember?¡± I growl back.


    He frowns as I storm over to him and shove the wooden seat into his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to bed. Do not disturb me. Shut the door on your way out.¡± I snarl.


    ¡°Sky.¡± Dad calls warningly.


    ¡°Sky-¡± Kat tries, but I¡¯m honestly fucking done.


    I know they care.


    But hey what else is new aside from the fact that I like to fuck things up.


    Every. Damn. Fucking. Time.


    I reach my bedroom, mming the door shut behind me, just as Kat reaches it and I quickly lock it.


    ¡°Sky, please talk to me. Let¡¯s not end the evening like this? Please?¡±


    I ignore her as I drop onto the bed. The beast within me wants toe out and I¡¯m struggling¡­ My


    ws elongate and I turn to the drawer.


    Getting up, I walk over to it and pull it open. Grabbing one of the vials, I down it in one go, letting the


    pain rip through me.


    ¡°Sk¡­ please open up.¡± Kat¡¯s soft voice tries to coax me, but it¡¯s too fuckingte.


    The dull ache on the side of my breast where I¡¯m injured still isn¡¯t healed thanks to my daily doses of


    poison and I clutch it, flinching as it burns from the new poison. It''s healed over, but it''s still left a dark


    bruising.


    I stagger over to the bed, curling up as pain consumes me.


    I just want to be left alone¡­


    I¡¯m so¡­ fucking¡­


    Weak.


    Self-destructive.


    Useless...

 29. A Mothers Concern

    29. A Mother''s Concern


    KIARA.


    My lips quiver as Alejandro pulls me into his arms. His intoxicating scent and his warmth are the


    greatestfort for me, but it doesn¡¯t take away the pain that has settled into my heart. When your


    child is suffering¡­


    ¡®We¡¯re here for her.¡¯ He says through the link.


    I¡¯ve failed as a mother. I¡¯m trying not to let my pain show as I gaze at the door to her bedroom.


    My Angel¡­


    The smell of breakfast that I¡¯m almost done cooking fills the cottage, and despite the pleasant warmth


    of the morning ray of sunshine that makes the small hallway glow, I¡¯m struggling to remain strong.


    Last night reys in my mind and I close my eyes, taking a choked breath. It¡¯s hard¡­


    (FLASHBACK ¨C LAST NIGHT)


    ¡°Hello?¡± I answer Alejandro¡¯s iing call, licking my finger clean of the brownie batter.


    It¡¯s extremelyte. He must have just finished off with work. Kataleya had sent pictures of their meal


    earlier. I¡¯m d they had some time together.


    ¡°You need to get to Sky¡¯s cottage as soon as you can, I¡¯ll send you the address.¡± His voice is thick with


    emotions and my heart mours as I almost drop the brownie tray.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I ask, turning around. I switch the cooker off, hurrying from the room.


    ¡®Serena! Can youe over and watch Alessandra? I need to head out somewhere.¡¯ I call through the


    link as I quickly rush from the kitchen.


    ¡®Coming, is everything ok?¡¯ Serena¡¯s voicees.


    ¡®Finding out.¡¯ I reply quickly, grateful for her fast response.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I ask Alejandro, trying to calm my racing heart, a million thoughts rushing through


    my head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to get anyone to teleport or anything¡­ but as soon as you can, drive down. I¡¯ll exin


    when you get here¡­¡±


    I close my eyes, his words rxing me a little. Even if it¡¯s not an instant emergency, something has still


    happened.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± I murmur before filling Serena in.


    ¡®Darien is sending you two guards. Grab your stuff Kiara, the car will be ready.¡¯ Serena replies.


    ¡®Thanks, hun.¡¯


    -


    Two hourster, the guards park up alongside Alejandro¡¯s car, and I rush out before the car even


    heart¡¯s racing as I scan the cottage, about to rush past him, but he grabs hold of me.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I ask, as he pulls me against him and wraps his muscr arms around me.


    ¡°Calm down.¡± He says quietly, burying his nose in my hair.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, please tell me¡­¡± I whisper, trying to control my worry, but I trail off, realising he needs this.


    I hug him tightly, despite my thumping heart. Did they argue? Did things get really bad? Did she say


    something that hurt him?


    He shuts the front door, and I see he¡¯s mind linked the guards who drive off. Once the doors shut, he


    loosens his hold a little.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I press, pulling away slowly so I can look up at him before I look around. I need to


    see her. ¡°Sk?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s asleep.¡± His voice is strained as he closes his eyes. ¡°She¡¯s been using a concoction of poisons


    to control her Lycan.¡±


    I freeze, my heart thudding as I feel a heavy pressure settle on me, my head snapping back to him.


    No, that can¡¯t be true¡­


    I open my mouth, but I¡¯m unable to speak.


    His eyes are glinting, heavy with emotions as he tries to stay strong, but I know this is hurting him as


    much as me, if not more. He¡¯s been there¡­


    He¡¯s done this to himself too¡­


    Something thates rushing back, squeezing my heart painfully.


    ¡°H-how¡­¡± I whisper. I thought she was doing ok.


    How could I have been so blind?


    He shakes his head as he leads me to her bedroom door and switches the light on.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    There she lies on her side, her eyes closed and her chest rising and falling with every breath she takes.


    She¡¯s tucked into bed, and my gaze falls to the empty bottle that stands on her bedside table.


    ¡°After dinner, we came back here, we got into an argument, and she stormed off to bed. I fixed the


    bathroom window, and tried to talk to her, she didn¡¯t reply and then I dropped Kat off, but I wasn¡¯t done


    with our conversation and thought it was enough time for her to cool off and since I took her key, I


    came back¡­ I was trying to talk to her through the bedroom door and that¡¯s when the faint smell of


    wolfsbane reached my nose. I wasn¡¯t sure what it was and because she wasn¡¯t answering, I broke in.¡±


    I nce at the door, seeing that he¡¯s ripped part of the frame right off.


    He releases my wrist and walks over to the bed, sitting down on it. My heart breaks as he reaches over


    and brushes her hair back.


    ¡°That¡¯s when I saw the vial on the floor. She had broken out in a sweat and was unconscious¡­¡± He


    says quietly ncing at the chest of drawers where I see several bottles sitting on top of the draw that


    is pulled open.


    A clear sign this wasn¡¯t a one-off¡­


    Walking around the bed, I sit down on the other side and ce my hand on my baby girl''s shoulder,


    pouring my healing into her.


    She¡¯s in pain¡­ I can feel it. Silent tears trickle down my cheeks, my vision blurring as I take away her


    pain¡­ but the thing is, I¡¯m only taking away this physical pain¡­ what about everything else?


    Alejandro caresses her hair, her head looking so small in hisrge hand.


    ¡°She¡¯s not¡­ she¡¯s not coping¡­ This is my fucking fault.¡± He says quietly.


    I look at him sharply. ¡°Al¡­ how is this your fault?¡± I ask softly.


    ¡°She¡¯s a Lycan because I am.¡± He says, turning his head away.


    I lean over, cupping his face and forcing him to look at me. ¡°This is not your fault.¡± I say firmly, my eyes


    shing determinedly.


    ¡°Life was hell back then Amore Mio¡­ I didn¡¯t let anyone in¡­ I don¡¯t want to push her too fucking far,


    that she ends up shutting me out as I did Raf¡­ History is fucking repeating itself and this time I¡¯m the


    one watching¡­ helplessly.¡± His voice is low, but I can feel the pain and regret in it.


    ¡°I know Baby¡­ but we¡¯re going to help her. This is not your fault, the goddess blessed her with a


    Lycan, not you. We are going to help her.¡± I promise, looking into his dark eyes.


    ¡°If she lets us.¡± He replies quietly. He pulls away and stands up. ¡°I¡¯m going for a smoke.¡±


    Switching themp on, he turns and leaves the room, pausing at the door as he looks back at our fiery


    princess for a few moments, before he sighs heavily, turning the ceiling light off and walks away.


    I look down at Sk. Leaning down, I can just about make her out in the dim light of themp. My


    eyesight isn¡¯t great in the dark. I kiss her forehead tenderly.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you share your struggles with us?¡± I ask softly as I pull myself up against the headboard,


    trying to control myself from giving in to the sadness within me¡­


    A question I wonder if I¡¯ll ever get a reply to¡­


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    I hear her waking up, letting out a little groan as she stretches and pulls away from Alejandro and takes


    a deep breath.


    For her, I need to stay strong.


    ¡°Mama?¡± She whispers. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    She¡¯s seen the broken door. The sound of her running makes me turn as she stands there, her eyes


    zing plum as she res at Alejandro.


    ¡°Why is the door broken?¡± She asks usingly. Her heart is thundering, and I know she¡¯s scared that


    we saw those vials. Vials Alejandro has taken away.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t answering. I thought something happened to you.¡± Alejandro says quietly.


    But even despite his calm voice, it¡¯s not enough to calm our little girl.


    ¡°I was fine!¡±


    ¡°Sk¡­ please calm down.¡± I say softly, as I walk over to her and cup her face, but she pushes my


    hands away.


    ¡°No Mama, why are you even here?¡± She¡¯s angry, but I can see the fear in her eyes too. She¡¯s more


    worried that she¡¯s been caught.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we be here?¡± I ask softly.


    ¡°I came here to live out here so I can be alone!¡± She says, pulling away from me.


    Alejandro frowns. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to your mother like that, Sky.¡± His voice is low but firm.


    ¡°Then don¡¯te into my personal space!¡± She snaps. Turning away, she brushes past me and heads


    to the bathroom, mming the door after her.


    He¡¯s about to say something, but I ce a hand on his arm and shake my head. She doesn¡¯t know he


    sat beside her bed all night¡­ even when I drifted off into a restless sleep, he sat there, unable to even


    sleep because of what she¡¯s going through.


    ¡®She¡¯lle around. She¡¯s just scared we are going to question her.¡¯ I say softly, my heart squeezing.


    ¡®And we fucking are.¡¯ He says, turning away and heading to the kitchen where I had already begun


    preparing breakfast.


    ¡®In a way that will help us reach her.¡¯ I say gently.


    He walks over to the counter and picks up his mug of coffee. ¡®It won¡¯t work unless she wants it to. Trust


    me, I fucking know.¡¯


    ¡®Until we try, we can¡¯t say that.¡¯ I reply softly, determined to get through to her¡­


    -


    It¡¯s a whileter, and she came out dressed all in ck. She¡¯s wearing tiny leather shorts that I have to


    admit don¡¯t even look like shorts, a crop top, fis tights and heavy makeup. I know she¡¯s trying to rile


    Al up, but I hope he stays quiet.


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re functioning, I hope.¡± He says from his seat on the table, simply giving her outfit a death


    re.


    She doesn¡¯t reply, ncing at the table. ¡°Where did the ingredientse from?¡±


    ¡°I had someone pop to the shop.¡± I smile as I motion her to take the seat between me and her father.


    There¡¯s only three chairs. I had seen the remnants of one earlier, which Alejandro said was used to fix


    the bathroom window. I¡¯m certain they could have found something else rather than break the chair.


    She nods as she begins eating, not even bothering to look at either of us.


    ¡°Sky¡­ can we talk about the vials?¡± I ask softly when she is halfway done with her food.


    ¡°What about them?¡± She asks, cocking a brow as she strokes Malevolent, who has just finished her


    own breakfast and has jumped onto the table.


    Why is she acting as if it¡¯s ok?


    ¡°How about you start with how long you¡¯ve been taking that shit and where the fuck have you been


    getting it from?¡± Alejandro asks, biting into a slice of toast.


    She frowns. ¡°Not sure. It¡¯s not every day, just when someone pisses me off.¡± She says pointedly,


    looking at her father.


    His eyes sh. ¡°Answer the fucking question.¡± He growls.


    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s been a while. It got worse after I turned eighteen, alright?¡± She shrugs.


    ¡°How bad?¡± Alejandro asks.


    ¡°Like I said, if you piss me off! I¡¯m fine when I¡¯m not around you lot! This is why, just stop getting up in


    my business!¡±


    ¡°Sky, your dad is just asking because he understands he¡¯s been there.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know, but the way you¡¯re talking to me right now, it¡¯s irritating as hell Mama, I feel as if you''re


    antagonising me.¡± She says, putting her knife and fork down. ¡°I¡¯m not a mental case who needs therapy


    or some shit.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not trying to antagonise you Sk, we just want to know if we can help.¡± I try softly.


    She shakes her head. ¡°No. You can¡¯t. I need to learn to figure this shit out for myself. I made that serum


    and I want them back in my drawer when I return. It¡¯s not damaging, it¡¯s just enough to tame my beast


    when I feel I¡¯m losing control.¡± Her irritation is rising.


    ¡°It¡¯s fucking strong. You started using it after what happenedst year, right?¡± Alejandro states coldly.


    Her heart skips a beat and I realise he¡¯s right. She purses her lips and stands up. ¡°I know what I¡¯m


    doing, alright? Stop ying King and Queen, who needs to fix everyone¡¯s shit with me. I¡¯m over what


    happenedst year.¡± She says.


    ¡°Sk please-¡± I¡¯m cut off.


    ¡°Thanks for the breakfast, Mama.¡± She bends down kissing my cheek before waving at her Dad. ¡°I¡¯m


    out of here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop you.¡± Al says standing up. ¡°Grab a jacket.¡±


    She frowns, but he doesn¡¯t give her an option. ¡®I¡¯ll try to talk to her.¡¯ He says to me.


    ¡®Ok.¡¯ I say, as I watch my daughter walk out. She¡¯s not willing to open up to us, and I¡¯m concerned.


    Maybe Azura can get through to her¡­ she¡¯s closest to her¡­


    ¡®Your hot chocte.¡¯ I say suddenly, getting up. I grab her mug and hurry out to the hallway.


    She pauses and looks back at me from her bedroom door. A sh of guilt flickers in her eyes, but she


    shakes her head. ¡°No thanks, there¡¯s something I need to deal with at school. I can¡¯t bete.


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s get going.¡± Al says. Hees over and kisses my lips and I close my eyes, enjoying


    the sparks that dance through me.


    ¡®I love you Amore Mio¡­ I¡¯ll be back for you after I drop her.¡¯


    ¡®Ok¡­ I¡¯ll clear up and be ready.¡¯ I reply. He gives me a curt nod before he turns and leaves after our


    daughter¡­

 30. My Defiance

    30. My Defiance


    SKYLA.


    I had grabbed a baggy cream knit top and pulled it over my crop top, pushing it back from my shoulders


    so it would cover my ass up, until Dad drops me at school, anyway. I¡¯m sitting in the car, with my


    earPods in and tapping my foot to the beat of the music.


    ¡°Can we try to talk about this?¡± He says, looking over at me.


    ¡°No,¡± I say, ncing at him but refusing to switch my music off.


    He sighs, frowning as he stares out ahead at the winding road. ¡°You know we¡¯re worried about you Sky.


    That¡¯s why we¡¯re here, to help you and fucking be there for you. It¡¯s fine to struggle, it¡¯s fine not to be


    fucking in control. It¡¯s fine to let others see that.¡±


    No, it¡¯s not and I¡¯m dealing... somewhat.


    Mama had healed me, the pain of the poisons and the bite were gone, and I feel alive. Not sure if that¡¯s


    a good thing, considering I might lose control faster.


    ¡°Fucking talk to me Sky.¡±


    ¡°You know what the problem is?¡± I say, taking my pods out and looking at Dad pointedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m all fucking ears.¡± He replies, turning on the heating to clear the steam from the windshield.


    I sigh, frustrated. ¡°You¡¯re being pushy. I¡¯m fine, like I¡¯m fucking fine. Can you like just stop getting in my


    business? I know you care for me, but seriously I¡¯m doing ok. I¡¯m trying to figure my shit out.¡±


    He frowns, but I think he¡¯s gotten the picture that no, I¡¯m not going to share my issues.


    He sighs but says nothing. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t want to rile my Lycan up or if he


    genuinely epted I¡¯m not going to give in. Either way, I¡¯m cool with it.


    We fall silent, and Dad reaches over. Cupping the back of my head, he rubs it gently. Just the way he


    did when I was a kid¡­ my chest constricts and tugs painfully, but I refuse to let him see that side¡­


    ¡°So, what¡¯s going on between you and Arden?¡± He asks, ruffling my hair.


    My heart skips a beat, but I try to remain as normal as possible. He sits back and I give him a mock


    re as I shake my head, fixing my curls. Not that they were styled anyway.


    ¡°You were there. Didn¡¯t you hear our conversation?¡± I ask, cocking a brow.


    He nces at me, and I keep my face straight. He knows I know how good his hearing is and although


    I¡¯m not sure if he heard or not, I¡¯m going to pretend like he did.


    ¡°Not much considering the music and everyone else there¡­¡± He frowns.


    I shrug casually. ¡°Well, you know me. I like to get under others¡¯ skin. I actually saw him at a club before


    I even knew he was my teacher, and we may have flirted.¡±


    Dad¡¯s eyes sh but I¡¯ve never shied away from speaking about such things and with Mama and Dad


    they want us to be open with them, so Dad has to always suck it up. I smirk. However, even I¡¯m not


    stupid enough to tell him everything that went down.


    ¡°That fucker we dined with?¡± Dad growls.


    I nod. ¡°Yeah, the very same handsome fucker. Anyway, when he realised I am his student, he became


    a fucking prude.¡±


    Dad''s frown eases up and he nods. ¡°Good.¡± He res ahead as we drive through the gates of the


    Academy, his knuckles white on the steering, and I know for a fact he¡¯s dented the damn thing.


    I smirk, see? I know how to y this game. ¡°And then me being me finds great pleasure in trying to get


    a reaction from him. But he¡¯s fucking boring.¡± I grumble, crossing my arms.


    Dad nods, ¡°That exins you two in the office.¡± He mutters.


    My heart thuds, fuck¡­ he heard that¡­


    ¡°Yeah, but you don¡¯t need to worry. He¡¯s too much of a goody-two-shoes to try anything.¡±


    Unlike his brother¡­


    Dad reaches into his pocket and takes out his wallet.


    ¡°Yeah? Well, you know what I¡¯m going to say Sky, stay away from him. He¡¯s an Arden and as he said,


    he is your teacher. There¡¯s a boundary there.¡± Dad warns seriously as the car pulls up outside the


    entrance to the main building. ¡°Here, take what I owe you.¡± He grumbles.


    I smirk as I nod slowly and snatch his wallet from him, raiding it.


    Nice crispy notesies, all for mesies¡­ Come to Mama my beauties¡­


    ¡°Yup, just as there were boundaries when a fellow Alpha sent his eighteen-year-old daughter to your


    pack to keep safe.¡± I counter, swiping the entire bundle of notes. I toss his empty wallet at him which he


    barely catches and quickly open the door before I jump out.


    ¡°Sky.¡± Dad growls.


    I turn and smirk at him.


    ¡°Karma Daddy, Karma.¡± I wink at him, sticking my tongue out and grabbing my bag. I hear Malevolent


    stir, but she knows she¡¯s safe with me. I m the door shut before he can reply and saunter into


    school, chuckling as I look at the wad of notes.


    Why the hell would you give me a wallet of money if you don¡¯t want me to take it?


    Maybe I could go cat feedingter. There are plenty of strays on the streets in the town nearby. I¡¯ll grab


    some food from the shopster¡­


    Now to find Aleric¡­ I strut through the halls, ignoring the stares I¡¯m getting. They may be scared of me,


    but they can¡¯t deny they know I¡¯m hot. I wink at one of the girls I have hooked up with once or twice,


    smirking when she blushes.


    Hmm, if she isn¡¯t scared¡­ I wouldn¡¯t mind a piece of that booty.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± she says as I walk past.


    ¡°Right back at you.¡± I cast her onest smile and wink before I walk off.


    ¡®Kat, do you know where Aleric Arden would be at this time?¡¯


    ¡®Professor Arden?¡¯


    Oh, she¡¯s so cute, Professor my foot. He ain¡¯t no damn professor.


    ¡®Yeah him.¡¯


    ¡®His first ss is probably about to start, I would say, check thebs.¡¯ Her replyes. ¡®Are you ok


    Sky?¡¯


    ¡®Oh, absolutely¡­¡¯ I reply, smiling devilishly.


    The bell rings and I growl, but that¡¯s not enough to deter me. I¡¯m still going to do what I came here for. I


    quicken my pace. I¡¯m a woman on a mother fucking mission and nothing can stop me.


    That¡¯s until I spot Zayn slinking around the corner, but it¡¯s the way his breathing is uneven and ragged


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    that catches my attention.


    Is he ok?


    Frowning, I slow down, turning the corner he had gone around and see him head down towards the exit


    to the basketball court.


    He ces his hand on the wall for a moment and takes a steadying breath. He¡¯s sweating and his skin


    looks pale.


    He needs help.


    I nce around, wondering if I can call anyone else, considering he doesn¡¯t like being around me. He¡¯s


    still a dick, don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m not forgiving him for the lewd marks he made about Kat, but he


    genuinely seems sick.


    ¡°What shall we do, Malevolent?¡± I mutter as I see him struggle to push open the exit door and stagger


    outside.


    ¡°Meow?¡±


    Yeah, I agree, we need to check up on him. I break into a jog, catching the door before it ms shut


    and step outside. I follow his scent and find him around the side alley, slumped on the ground.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened to you?¡± I ask. Instantly he tenses and jumps to his feet, staggering.


    ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m fine. What the hell do you want?¡± He¡¯s scanning the area, looking for an escape route.


    I frown, looking him over. He even looks sickly¡­


    ¡°I saw you staggering. You look awful. Go see the campus doctor. Want to me help you there?¡± I ask,


    shouldering my tote bag and inch closer.


    ¡°Just stay the fuck away from me!¡± He snarls.


    I raise my hands in surrender. ¡°Alright mate, if you don¡¯t want me to help then I won¡¯t but you look like


    fucking shit so go see a doctor or something.¡± Shaking my head I turn and head back inside,ing


    face to face with none other than Headmaster Rivers.


    ¡°Sk.¡±


    ¡°Headmaster.¡± I smirk. He looks towards the back door and cocks a brow.


    ¡°The bell has rang. I¡¯m not sure if you heard?¡± He says, despite looking at me suspiciously, I bet he¡¯s


    too damn scared to do anything.


    ¡°Of course, I did. I¡¯m a werewolf, after all.¡± I say in the same annoying tone that he¡¯s using.


    He raises an eyebrow before he nods and chuckles at mymeeback.


    ¡°Ah yes¡­ Precisely, so please head to ss.¡± He says, ncing at the exit behind me.


    I¡¯m tempted to tell him about Zayn but afterst year¡­ I don¡¯t really want to be tied to him¡­


    I begin walking and to my utter irritation, he follows, clearly going to make sure I get to ss.


    Fucker¡­


    Just great, I guess I¡¯ll catch the Ken doll at lunch.

 31. A Rossi to the Core

    31. A Rossi to the Core


    SKYLA.


    The morning has passed by damn slowly. I¡¯ve been itching to get my hands on Aleric, and my anger


    has begun bubbling again.


    Royce¡¯s words fromst night are reying again and again and it¡¯s only getting to me.


    I don¡¯t even know how I¡¯m going to face himter for training¡­ I might bail for today. I don¡¯t think I can


    handle being in his proximity¡­


    I zoomed through the first three lessons without even bothering to y up or waste time. Lost in


    thought as I get the work done with ease. The quicker I¡¯m done, the better.


    The moment the bell rings, I grab my books, and my tote bag that Malevolent has been curled in all day


    and rush from the room before anyone else even rises from their seat.


    Now to find that dick.


    ¡°Sk!¡±


    I stop mid-step, spotting none other than Ahren, my nephew? I pause for a moment, second-guessing


    that.


    I swear this family is so damn big and tied from every damn angle that I forgot who is banging who and


    who created what demon¡¯s spawn. But he¡¯s definitely my nephew¡­ he¡¯s Rayhan¡¯s son. Yes. Cousin¡¯s


    son.


    ¡°Yo, what ya want?¡± I say, plonking my hand on top of his curls. Damn, when did he get so big?


    ¡°I have something for you.¡± He says, stepping away from my hand.


    Is it a coincidence that he has something for me today?


    I narrow my eyes, watching him suspiciously.


    ¡°Unless it¡¯s the souls of children or the hearts of babies, I don¡¯t want it.¡± I say. He smiles slightly, his


    eyes glinting.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid no matter how delicious those might be, Ie with something else.¡± I smirk. I would give


    him a good tackle, but I have all these damn books.


    ¡°I like your humour. Now tell me, fellow soul eater, what do you have for me today?¡± I ask as I fall in


    step with him as other kids start rushing from the ssroom.


    He may be years younger, but he¡¯s definitely on par when ites to the aura he¡¯s emanating.


    He holds up a small pouch. ¡°Mom said to wear it. It¡¯s soothing... or something along those lines.¡±


    I clenched my jaw as I take the pouch from him, all amusement vanishing as my eyes sh.


    Something to subdue me?


    ¡°Sure.¡± I say, trying to hide my irritation. I bet this was Mama or Dad¡¯s doing.


    Why the fuck do they have to butt in?


    ¡°You¡¯ll wear it?¡± He asks.


    Was he told to make sure I put it on?


    I look him over, sizing him up. He¡¯s very lean, and his build is different from most male werewolves.


    Where most are muscr, he has an almost slender, graceful build.


    He¡¯s something else¡­ I see it. Every time I see him, he¡¯s changing¡­ evolving, and he doesn¡¯t smell


    like a werewolf¡­ not at all.


    He has the blood of three separate species running through him, but I¡¯m not sure what he is because


    men aren¡¯t witches¡­ that leaves demons and werewolves. Maybe a hybrid¡­


    He gives me a small, closed-mouth smile, knowing I¡¯m watching him.


    ¡°I will.¡± I concede before I give him a wave and head to my locker.


    No, I ain¡¯t fucking wearing shit, I¡¯m angry again and I¡¯m going to channel all this rage toward that dumb


    Arden who couldn¡¯t keep it in his damn mouth just as he couldn¡¯t keep his dick in his pants.


    That can be said for me too, but at least I don''t kiss and tell.


    Dumping my books in my locker, I sneak Malevolent out and feed her one of her pouches out behind


    the bleachers and then I head to the cafeteria¡­


    Reaching it, I realise it¡¯s at the peak of its busiest time and I scan the hall full of students and a couple


    of staff members hoping to find him.


    Come on¡­. Please be here¡­


    My heart skips a beat and a cold smirk crosses my lips when my eyes fall on none other than Aleric


    Arden.


    His hair is up in a ponytail, and he¡¯s wearing a crisp white shirt, pale blue pants and a brown belt that


    matches his shoes as he chats with one of the female teachers.


    Both chuckle over something and she ces her hand on his arm. That annoys me but I don''t really


    give a fuck.


    At least he''s here.


    Perfect.


    I¡¯m about to wait for him to exit when I realise I don¡¯t really care, he humiliated me¡­ I¡¯m going to do the


    same shit.


    I push through the students, and most clear the path, realising who it is, and I close the gap between


    me and him.


    He turns, hearing the sound of my heels, or heck, he caught my scent.


    I don¡¯t really care. He opens his mouth to speak when he spots me. Something in my expression


    makes that cocky, charming smile falter, and I¡¯m really not interested in hearing what he¡¯s going to


    spout.


    ¡°Skyl-¡±


    I don¡¯t let him finish. Raising my fist, I punch him square in the face. Fucking hard, I hear the crunch of


    something breaking, smirking victoriously.


    Gasps and a few startled shrieks ripple through the room as silence falls across the cafeteria. I feel a


    surge of aura from Aleric as he looks up at me with burning golden amber eyes.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡± I say quietly.


    ¡°Sk. What is-¡± He tries.


    ¡°Hush handsome.¡± I growl murderously, stepping closer and cing a finger to his lip, satisfied with the


    blood that drips down his nose.


    ¡°Sk Rossi!¡± One of the teachers calls and I hear hurried footsteps, but I don¡¯t turn.


    His heart races and I know I have him just where I fucking want him.


    ¡°Sk, I am your professor-¡±


    ¡°Are you? We both know what we know¡­ careful there¡­ now¡­ if I get in trouble for this.¡± I motion at


    his bloody nose. ¡°My mouth will spill a lot more.¡±


    He swallows hard, and I know he won¡¯t risk it. ¡°What did I¡­¡±


    ¡°You know what you did.¡± I say quietly, looking him square in the eyes.


    My own zing purple, our aura sh and I can feel the wave of power radiate through the room.


    I don¡¯t care if this causes rumours, I really don¡¯t.


    Yes, I¡¯m a bitch and it could ruin his career, but did I give a fuck?


    No. No, I did not.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    I stick my middle fingers up at the crowds, knowing several were recording that and saunter to the exit,


    not even ncing around.


    I did what I came for, and now I¡¯m done.


    Now that has satiated my hunger and anger¡­


    I¡¯m almost at the door when Ie face to face with Royce. As always, he¡¯s unreadable, but I don¡¯t


    really care.


    I slow down as our eyes meet, but neither of us speaks. There isn¡¯t anything to say.


    Side-stepping him, I brush past him and take my leave, leaving a stunned hall of students in my wake.


    And that is how it¡¯s done.


    I can¡¯t help but smirk as I run my fingers through my hair, heading to the exit.


    You don¡¯t mess with a Rossi.

 32. A Shocking Revelation

    32. A Shocking Revtion


    SKYLA.


    ¡°I am trying to understand your behaviour, Miss Rossi! But I can¡¯t excuse the abuse of a teacher on my


    Academy grounds!¡±


    ¡­


    I admire my nails nonchntly as I sit on the chair in his office.


    He stands there behind his desk, hands braced on it, blowing steam from his ears and mouth.


    Is he a dragon or something? I swear he needs to calm the hell down, it''s not that big of a deal.


    Well, ok maybe hitting a teacher is¡­


    I''m giving Aleric ten minutes to get his ass here otherwise I''m throwing him under.


    My foot is tapping the floor impatiently as River¡¯s anger continues to rise.


    He looks damn weird, with his face now an interesting shade of purple.


    I chew the gum I had popped into my mouth minutes before he had found me in the halls and although


    I know he hates gum at school I still chew away and blow a bubble without a care.


    "SKYLA SILARA ROSSI!" He shrieks, sounding liking a fucking strangled chicken and I can''t help but


    smirk.


    We both stare at one another and I can feel his rage growing.


    Silence fills the room before the bubble I made with my gum bursts with a resounding pop in the silent


    room and I suck the gum back into my mouth.


    Chew chew chew¡­


    His heart is thundering as he tries to control himself. I blow another bubble and that''s the final straw.


    "That''s it, I have had it!"


    I roll my eyes and yawn, yeah yeah.


    "Is Professor Pretty-Boy on his way? Because I can guarantee he''ll let me go." I drawl, leaning back in


    the seat, the words Professor sounding like poison on my tongue.


    "Professor Arden! And he will not! Miss Rossi you attacked an Alpha from one of the most powerful


    packs in the country! You cannot think you''re above thew!¡±


    Please, my Dad created the fuckingw.


    He continues rambling.


    "The Ardens are a reputable family who-"


    "Meh¡­ my family are better."


    He growls in response, and I yawn.


    How boring¡­


    "Call him. Tell him he has-"


    I''m cut off when the door is pushed open and none other than Aleric stands there, his nose is no longer


    bleeding but it still looks sore and red.


    Kinda like he''s just had his face buried in my pussy for a while.


    I smirk.


    Aww poor baby prince.


    "Headmaster Rivers¡­" He says, yet despite addressing him, his eyes are on me.


    ¡°Professor, I''m d you havee down. I do apologise for what has happened and we wille to a


    solution and Miss Rossi will face the consequences." Rivers says, his face is still an interesting shade


    of purple.


    "Now what punishment do you think is befitting of Miss Rossi?¡± Headmaster Rivers says, "I hope we


    can settle this."


    The Ardens really do hold some power¡­


    ¡°I wonder what punishment is befitting for a lot of things¡­¡± I muse, tapping my chin.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    I almost smirk when I see the flicker of a frown on Aleric¡¯s face as his eyes meet mine.


    ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you Headmaster, may I have a word with Miss Rossi alone?¡± Aleric replies quietly.


    ¡°Since when have you asked for permission to see me alone Professor?¡± I counter challengingly.


    His jaw ticks, but none of my words are registered by Rivers, who pinches the bridge of his nose and


    nods in agreement to Aleric.


    ¡°Of course, I will step outside.¡± He says. ¡°Please behave Miss Rossi, you do not want me to call your


    father.¡±


    ¡°Oh please, I''m certain he¡¯d be on my side if he knew the full story.¡± I hum, my eyes flicking to Aleric.


    Yeah, I''m being a bitch, because it was a two way thing, but I also know that Aleric should have kept it


    a secret.


    He told one person it¡¯s only fair I can tell one person too and if I choose that person to be my father,


    then so be it.


    The door shuts behind Rivers and Aleric¡¯s sighs heavily. I don¡¯t bother looking at him as I stare at the


    bookshelf on the far side of the room.


    ¡°Sk¡­ look I don¡¯t know what I have done that has upset you.¡± Hees over and leans against the


    desk in a simr manner Royce had done the other day. But they''re so different¡­


    I look away in disgust, trying to calm the throbbing pain that has settled in above my left eye. I am so


    done with everything right now.


    ¡°You told someone that we fucked, didn''t you?¡± I hiss, my eyes shing plum as I re at him.


    His face bes serious as our eyes meet, and he frowns. ¡°So, he said something to you.¡±


    ¡°Well, what did you expect? Did you expect him not to? Like seriously why would you even tell


    someone that?¡± I ask icily.


    He sighs as he furrows his brows.


    ¡°Look, it happened in the moment, I was angry and it slipped out.¡± He says quietly as he stops leaning


    on the desk and instead walks over to me and takes the seat opposite me.


    Resting his elbows on his knees he leans forward but there is nothing I want to hear from him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, I''m fucking angry right now, want me to tell my father or even Rivers. Heck the entire


    fucking school maybe?¡± I snarl menacingly, leaning forward and looking him dead in the eye.


    He shakes his head looking down, ¡°The thing is¡­ he told me a few days ago that he had an encounter


    with you at a club¡­ he didn¡¯t say exactly what happened, but he implied enough to trigger me.¡±


    My stomach twists as I stare at him, Royce told him that?


    That throws me off even more, why does it feel like another punch in the gut¡­


    For some reason I didn''t expect that from him¡­ Why would Royce say that when he wanted to pretend


    it never happened?


    Aleric exhales deeply and sps his hands in front of his mouth.


    ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t have lost control¡­ but when he told me what day that happened I lost it.¡± He


    exins.


    His voice is strained and I can feel his anger and frustration bubbling beneath the surface.


    "What do you mean?" I ask coldly, not knowing why I''m even giving him the chance to exin.


    He frowns, staring down at his hands.


    ¡°I never wanted to tell you like this¡­ fuck, I don¡¯t have a choice.¡± He mutters more to himself than me.


    ¡°I got angry with Royce¡­ because I was meant to meet you that night."


    "Oh really?" I narrow my eyes.


    "If stuff didn¡¯te up I''m the one who was meant toe to that club.¡± His voice is low and I stare at


    him, trying to figure out what he¡¯s saying.


    ¡°Meaning?¡±


    ¡°I''m Reign, Sk. Reign707.¡±


    His quiet words echo extremely loudly in my head as I stare at him like I''m seeing him for the first time.


    Reign?


    Aleric is Reign?


    Fuck he''s Reign?


    I stare unblinkingly at him as he watches me seriously, there¡¯s no hint of a smile on his face as he


    observes me. I don¡¯t even know what to think, my head is pounding painfully and although I''m trying to


    concentrate on what he has said, I am unable to.


    ¡°Why else do you think I ended up sleeping with you that night? I couldn¡¯t control myself¡­ I wanted


    you¡­ I just, I was concerned that if I came forward as Reign you¡¯ll be disappointed or worse that I


    wasn¡¯t what you were expecting.¡±


    Wasn¡¯t what I was expecting¡­


    I don¡¯t know¡­ I don''t know what I was expecting.


    The way they spoke was simr¡­ Hell, theck of swearing even¡­ but¡­ Aleric was far more proper


    than Reign¡­in the picture of his abs, what I had seen of him anyway, showed that he was in more


    casual clothing, something I have never seen on Aleric. But then, I haven''t seen him that often out of


    work to know that for sure.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you believe me?¡± He looks concerned as he takes his phone out of his pocket.


    Unlocking it, he opens it up to our old chat.


    ¡°Here¡­ the original ones.¡± He murmurs, holding it up.


    I stare at the phone, my heart thundering as he flicks through the chat before switching to the new one


    he had created.


    Fuck¡­


    I don¡¯t know what to make of it, at all¡­


    Aleric is Reign¡­


    I look up at him slowly, trying to match the two personalities¡­


    I''m fucking thrown.


    I shake my head trying to clear my mind and stand up.


    ¡°Sk¡­¡±


    Running my fingers through my hair I step back.


    ¡°Look I just¡­ What you told me that time when we had lunch together. You knew that stuff because you


    were Reign¡­ you knew it was me¡­ from the tattoo right?¡± I murmur.


    ¡°Guilty.¡± He replies softly, he steps closer and despite me stepping back, he cups my face firmly, closing


    the gap between us.


    I hate how his touch makes my heart pound violently.


    ¡°Look, I''m done with this fake front, I''m done with pretending to be someone I''m not. I''m done with


    hiding who I am from you, Sk¡­ I just want us to be real to one another.¡±


    Real¡­


    ¡°But I still don''t get why you told Royce?¡± I ask softly, staring into his eyes, wanting an answer.


    His scent invades my senses and I hate how my heart and body reacts to him.


    His eyes soften as he tilts his head. ¡°Why does he matter to you?¡±


    Why?


    My mind feels a mess, I don¡¯t know¡­ I¡­


    Aleric is Reign, I can''t forget that.


    ¡°Did it piss you off when you found out something happened between us?¡± I ask quietly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± His eyes sharpen, his grip on the side of my face and neck bing tighter. ¡°I thought we had a


    connection¡­ and I don¡¯t share Sk.¡±


    My heart thunders, as I slowly tug away. Something about his possessiveness makes my stomach


    flutter but I can''t deny that I''m unnerved.


    I was hoping that Reign would be my saviour and distraction from this mess I am in the midst of with


    the Arden twins, but for Reign to be one of them¡­


    I step back, and turn my back on him. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ if you were Reign you should have told me from


    the start.¡± I say quietly. ¡°Sort this shit out, if it gets back to my father, I''m spilling everything.¡±


    Not waiting for a reply I storm to the door and leave. Rivers is pacing the floor outside of the office and


    stops when he sees me.


    ¡°Sk!¡± He says but I ignore him speeding up, before I break into a jog.


    My head feels like it''s going to burst, and I know I''m going to lose control at any moment.


    Fuck!


    I push the door to the nearest exit open and barrel out.


    Feeling my control slipping, I speed up, needing to get out of sight before I end up shifting right here.


    I stop to see that the main gates are closed.


    Shit¡­ I growl in frustration knowing I won''t make it far without the cameras capturing me.


    My heart is pounding as I scan the area, feeling like I''m cornered. I back away, turning around and


    darting down the side alley that leads around the academy main building towards the dorms.


    If I can get to-


    Fuck!


    I growl, feeling my bones breaking and reshaping as I try to prolong it.


    Shit!


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    I freeze when I feel a familiar presence near me, my heart clenches in fear when I recognise him as I


    turn sharply and stare at none other than Royce.


    He¡¯s frowning as he¡¯s watching me.


    Fuck why now?


    I''m unable to stop myself frompleting my transformation, my eyes lock on him as I take on my


    Lycan form.


    I clutch my pounding head.


    ¡°Bloody Hell¡­¡± He murmurs.


    Our eyes meet for a second before he breaks our gaze, looking me over and I feel like a deer caught in


    headlights.


    Neither of us moves, as he stays still, his gaze skimming over me, but his next words snap me back to


    reality.


    ¡°You¡¯re a Lycan. Fuck, you¡¯re a Lycan.¡± He breathes, in a mixture of shock and awe.


    My response?


    I turn and bolt.

 33. In the Forest

    33. In the Forest


    ROYCE.


    I really have no way to exin what I feel when she turns and saunters out of the cafeteria as if she


    owns the entire ce. If I try to put it into one sentence, it would be; She looks fucking mind-blowingly


    sexy and smoking hot.


    Her long killer legs move confidently, her hips naturally swaying as she walks, and her breasts bounce


    as does her hair. There¡¯s a fire in her eyes that makes my throat go dry. She¡¯s not seen me but she¡¯s


    angry and she doesn¡¯t give a shit about the consequences.


    Call me insane, but I actually admire that.


    She¡¯s able to be herself without even considering the repercussions of her actions.


    She spots me, and her heart skips a beat. Her eyes meet mine for a second, before she turns those


    bottle-green eyes away and brushes past me, leaving me with a hint of her scent¡­


    That fleeting remnant doesn¡¯t do justice. There¡¯s something about the wild princess that gets to me


    every damn time, and I¡¯m not the only one left speechless in her wake. I hate that a sliver of jealousy


    rushes through me at the gazes of some of the senior boys watching as she leaves. Not to mention her


    tiny shorts barely cover anything.


    I cast one look at Aleric, whose eyes meet mine. They¡¯re burning gold and his heart is thundering. He


    isn¡¯t one who can take humiliation or failure. Being pped in front of this many people won¡¯t sit well


    with him.


    ¡®You told her.¡¯ He snarls through the link.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡®I only told her to back off from me, that you two are wee to do whatever the hell you want. I don¡¯t


    want anything to do with either of your games.¡¯ I reply, dangerously calm, before turning and exiting the


    hall.


    ¡®Royce. Back off from her.¡¯ He growls warningly.


    I don¡¯t bother replying as I head out of the food hall, not knowing what to make of it. A part of me just


    doesn¡¯t want any more part of it, but there is a part of me deep down that knows her, the part who had


    begun falling for her without even seeing what she looked like¡­ that part is a storm of destruction,


    confusing me.


    There¡¯s a part of me that wants to just hand in my notice and drop this position so I can do whatever


    the hell I want, and just be me without any responsibilities or expectations but I¡¯m here to help her¡­


    And above all, that¡¯s what I need to do and what I should focus on.


    Needing a breather, I head outside. The rumours and the buzz of what went down are rife in the air,


    having travelled like wildfire through the walls of the school. With a new social media app that is run by


    Leo Herrmann Rossi- LHR Enterprises, a move that had not gone down well with Dad. The social


    tform is onlypatible with the inte that he provides. With such technology news will travel


    faster than ever.


    Rumours of something going on between Sk and Aleric had already begun making the rounds as


    well. That isn¡¯t going to look good¡­


    Stepping out into the fresh air, I head down the side of the building and around the dorms. There are


    five houses, and each pupil is assigned to one, although these are more vital for those who live in the


    school as things such as field trips, passes, ranks and grades, all contribute to your house.


    Growing up, I actually wanted to attend one of the four Academies, to get away from the rules and


    expectations of the Arden hierarchy.


    Leaning against the wall, I close my eyes to calm the turmoil in my head.


    Breathe¡­


    I slide to the ground; one leg raised, the other sprawled out ahead of me as and rest my head against


    the brick wall behind me, staring up at the sky.


    Life can be a bloody shitshow.


    I¡¯m there for a while, just about managing to calm the blizzard that had raged within my mind despite


    trying to calm it, when I hear running and the sound of a pounding heart.


    I can smell fear¡­


    My eyes snap open as her scent hits me and I know instantly who it is before she evenes into


    sight.


    I¡¯m surprised to see her, she¡¯s partially shifted. I can see the white fur that has sprouted along her


    arms, her ws are out, and her eyes are dazzling, a brilliant plum.


    Just like that serpent-like thing that Aleric imed to have seen. I wouldn¡¯t have believed him until


    Kataleya Rossi mentioned Apophis¡­


    She¡¯s struggling, as she impressively holds her human form despite the fur and the growth that has


    be visible.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I ask, getting to my feet as she rushes past, not even noticing me.


    She freezes, and her head snaps to mine. I frown slightly as I watch her. Do I step forward, or will that


    only make her react negatively?


    She lets out a low snarl, before I hear several more bones snap and reform, but where I¡¯m expecting


    her to double over and grow into a full wolf, she instead grows bigger and taller taking on a form that I


    have never seen in person.


    ¡°Bloody Hell¡­¡± I murmur.


    Our eyes meet for a second before I look her over.


    She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s a¡­


    Holy hell.


    ¡°You¡¯re a Lycan. Fuck, you¡¯re a Lycan.¡± I manage to murmur, unable to say anything else. She¡¯s not just


    a Lycan, but a damn beautiful one¡­


    Her fur is pure white, a beautiful contrast to her plum eyes.


    She turns and suddenly breaks into a run.


    The first thing that hits me is that no one should see her. If Dad knew¡­ I don¡¯t even want to think about


    it.


    Fuck!


    What should I do?


    It¡¯s obvious she didn¡¯t want anyone to know either, or I¡¯m sure she would have told me.


    It all makes so much more sense now, but I can¡¯t delve into that right now. Scanning the area, I break


    into a run, speeding up as I follow her scent.


    I can hear her pounding heart and although I don¡¯t want to shift, she¡¯s too fast¡­


    I wish I could stay in human form, but there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll be able to catch her.


    I¡¯m doing this. Groaning in irritation, I quickly strip out of my jeans and top, shifting and grabbing them


    in my mouth. I am not going to be around her naked.


    I spot her as she disappears behind the side of the left wing. Speeding up, I catch her heading towards


    the heavy forest behind the dorms. Ah, fuck not in the damn forest!


    There¡¯s a barrier surrounding the Academy premises, to keep students in and other things out. If she


    hits that, I¡¯m not sure what would happen.


    She¡¯s heading straight for it and I¡¯m readying myself for her to smash into it, only for the entire thing to


    ze a deep green before she forces her way through. I frown, how is she able to do that¡­.


    Well, if she can, then so can I. Keeping my head down, my eyes ze as I create a heavy fog to settle


    in and run towards the barrier, fuelling all my power and determination into it.


    I growl upon impact. For a second it feels like a thousand shards of cutting-edge electric like bolts have


    mmed into me, and a numbness rushes through me. Then it¡¯s gone, and I¡¯m out in the dark forest.


    Turning, I nce at the forcefield, feeling it hum and see the ripples surge through it. It¡¯s powerful¡­ I


    feel weaker, tired as if I have run a thousand miles. I wonder if it will have slowed her down a little. I


    turn and focus on finding the Lycan princess.


    I sniff her out easily, and soon I catch up with her.


    Dropping the clothes on the ground, Iunch myself on her back, knowing that unless I have the


    element of surprise, I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll be able to pin her so easily. She lets out a ground-shaking growl as


    I knock her to the ground.


    She shes into my left nk, and I growl lowly, trying to get her to calm down. If only I could converse


    with her.


    Come on Love, focus.


    I lick her face, making her growl, but I don¡¯t back down, nipping gently at her neck. She tenses as her


    eyes meet mine and I realise what I just did.


    At least it got her focus.


    Fuck, I¡¯m going to have to shift back¡­ This is my chance to get through to her.


    I shift back, my paws that were on her chest, now changing to hands, and I quickly remove them.


    Regardless of if she¡¯s in her Lycan form, this is not appropriate.


    ¡°Listen to me Sky, shift back¡­ you¡¯re in control, remember that. Take calming breaths.¡± I say quietly,


    staring into her eyes.


    I see them soften, her heart thumping loudly. Despite the wind in the trees or the faint sound of theke


    nearby, nothing is louder than the beating of our hearts, like a rhythm of drums.


    ¡®Fuck.¡¯ I hear her voice in my head.


    So, like her father, she can link Alphas¡­


    She begins shifting and I get off her, turning away and heading back to my clothes I had dropped a few


    metres away. I pull on my pants, zipping them up before I turn back to her, keeping my head down as I


    pick up my grey T-shirt.


    ¡°Here, put this on.¡± I say, tossing it at her without looking up, but I can still see her long sexy legs as


    she catches my top.


    She doesn¡¯t respond, but she pulls it on, and I finally look up at her. She¡¯s staring at me, her heart


    thumping as she stands there wearing my shirt that barely covers her thighs.


    ¡°Why did you follow me?¡± She growls usingly.


    I cross my arms, not missing the way her eyes dip to my shirtless torso. ¡°Because you seemed to be


    dealing with a lot of emotions. I was simply making sure you were alright.¡±


    She doesn¡¯t respond, looking away as she crosses her arms. ¡°I wanted to be alone.¡±


    ¡°Want to talk about it?¡± I ask. As I buckle my belt, I can feel her gaze burning into me.


    ¡°Thought you didn¡¯t want anything to do with me?¡± She counters icily.


    I frown slightly. ¡°I¡¯m still here to help you.¡± I reply.


    ¡°Your brother told me what happened.¡± She says coldly.


    Sure, he did.


    I turn and cock a brow. ¡°Good to know.¡±


    She clenches her jaw and opens her mouth to say something, but she shakes her head.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter¡­ I realised something today¡­ and I realised that what you saidst night was right. I


    do need to stop ying around.¡±


    Our eyes meet, and a part of me feels relief. She¡¯ll stay away from Aleric?


    ¡°Good.¡± She nods as she turns and stares through the trees, but she¡¯s still conflicted. ¡°Want to talk


    about being an incredible Lycan?¡± I ask.


    That gets a small smile from her. ¡°Incredible? Is that the best you cane up with?¡±


    ¡°Well, I probably should be able to do better with the extensive vocabry I¡¯ve been instilled with, but


    incredible is the first word that came to mind.¡±


    Her heart skips a beat and her eyes flicker with an emotion I cannot decipher.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much to say, I mean I¡¯m just a Lycan with rage that I can barely control¡­¡± She mutters


    dropping onto the floor near a tree, it takes every ounce of self-restraint not to let my gaze fall to her


    sexy thighs and instead I take a seat against a tree just a metre away from her, so she¡¯s to my right.


    ¡°Just a Lycan? Considering there are only two on this right now?¡± I ask, cocking a brow.


    She looks over at me. ¡°Being unique isn¡¯t special. It¡¯s a fucking curse.¡±


    A curse¡­


    ¡°Yeah, I get how that feels.¡± I murmur, staring through the treetops.


    She doesn¡¯t respond, and I can feel her eyes on me. I nce over at her; her head is resting back


    against the bark of the tree and I find myself looking into her gorgeous green eyes that are watching


    me curiously.


    ¡°You do?¡± She asks.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Being an Ardenes with great expectations.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? Can you rival a Rossi?¡± She challenges, and I can¡¯t help but smirk.


    She really does pride herself on being a Rossi.


    ¡°Oh, I think I can.¡± I reply, allowing myself to be a tad cocky.


    She grins and tilts her chin up.


    ¡°Impress me.¡± she replies with an air of power.


    I wish I could, mydy¡­


    Instead, I turn away and hold my hand out, ready to break the one rule that the Sris bloodline must


    never break¡­ but I know her secret, and I¡¯m alright with her knowing mine¡­


    ¡°First tell me, Princess, can you keep a secret?¡±


    ¡°Until the grave.¡± She replies softly.


    Words that Lil Lucifer has spoken¡­


    The air seems to thicken and for a moment, I¡¯m lost in those eyes.


    Would things have been different if she wasn¡¯t a princess and I wasn¡¯t an Arden?


    Maybe¡­


    I turn my attention back ahead, my eyes ze blue, my aura surging, as I let ice spread from beneath


    me¡­

 34. Unexpected

    34. Unexpected


    SKYLA.


    I gasp when I see the silvery light that shimmers around his hand before ice encases the ground,


    spreading as it creates unique patterns. I can feel the cold in the air.


    My heart thunders as I stare at it before my gaze flicks up to him. He¡¯s unmoving, yet the power that


    exudes from him¡­


    I can¡¯t help but bite my lip.


    His ash blond hair seems to be holding a radiance, his angled jaw and the dimple in his cheek is


    emphasised. For a moment, time stands still and all I can see is the God before me¡­ He looks¡­


    breathtaking.


    An Ice God¡­ How can one look so damn beautiful?


    The cold makes me shiver and I¡¯m pulled back to the present as I lift my legs from the ground.


    Whoa¡­ Fuck it¡¯s freezing!


    That¡¯s some crazy Elsa shit.


    ¡°Wait, are you somehow a witch? I mean, is that even possible I swear your cock didn¡¯t feel like-¡± I


    internally smack myself.


    ¡°Really?¡± He cocks a brow and gives me a pointed look. ¡°No, this isn¡¯t witchcraft, but an ability that is


    part of our heritage.¡±


    Heritage?


    My heart skips a beat as I stare at him and then at the ice beneath us and the intense drop in


    temperature.


    Manipting nature¡­ like the Sris bloodline?


    ¡°Whoa¡­ Royce¡­ you can manipte the weather?¡± I ask sharply, staring at him in awe as I jump to


    my feet.


    Rushing over to him, my bare feet skid on the ice and I go tumbling. Fuck I didn¡¯t expect it to be so


    ssy!


    ¡°Careful!¡± He exims, and the Ice God catches me before I ended up kissing the floor.


    I hate how my heart skips a beat. I grip onto his shoulder, very aware of his taut muscles beneath my


    hand. His scent makes my heart pound, but remembering Reign, I slowly ease off him.


    ¡°So can you?¡± I ask, trying to recollect my thoughts.


    He tilts his head. ¡°Just storms, blizzards, snow, think winter and ice, of course we are sworn not to ever


    mention it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you know my secret too, and I already promised that I¡¯ll take yours to my grave.¡±


    Our eyes met, and I look away.


    ¡°That¡¯s excellent then. Maybe we¡¯ll be able to work together better, considering you won¡¯t be so on


    edge in case you end up losing control.¡±


    ¡°So, you still want to help me?¡± I ask with a smirk.


    ¡°I already told you I will be.¡± He says as I rub my arms.


    ¡°Great, as for you being Elsa, my lips really are sealed.¡± I tease.


    He cocks a brow.


    ¡°Elsa?¡±


    I simply wink at him, and he shakes his head.


    ¡°Then know that mine are also sealed in regard to you being the big¡­ bad wolf¡­¡± A small faint smile


    kisses the corner of his lips, almost as if he had just realised something. He shakes his head. ¡°Anyway,


    you have yourself a deal.¡±


    He holds his hand out to me and I take it, letting hisrger hand encase mine.


    I want this. I want these conversations without his anger¡­


    I swallow hard, allowing him to shake my hand before I move back and he nces at the ground,


    clearing the ice away.


    I¡¯m so damn jealous of that power right now.


    Ice¡­


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    He¡¯s always reminded me of winter¡­


    ¡°So, are you part of the Sris line?¡± I coax.


    He looks up and gives a small nod.


    ¡°Yes. We are descendants of the Sris line.¡± He confirms.


    ¡°Whoa¡­ that¡¯s the only line that-¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t run in your family, right?¡± He smirks.


    I nod, my heart skipping a beat.


    Maybe I need a Sris boy to make some babies.


    I snicker at my own thoughts, and he simply raises an eyebrow questioningly.


    ¡°Do I even want to know?¡±


    ¡°Trust me, no.¡± I reply shaking my head.


    Our eyes meet and he shrugs. ¡°Then I won¡¯t ask. Anyway, it¡¯s something that Dad wants me to keep a


    secret. I¡¯d appreciate it if you don¡¯t mention it to Aleric either, even if he mentions his own to you. There


    are things I don¡¯t really- that I prefer no one to know.¡±


    I wonder what he was going to say, but I decide against pushing him further.


    ¡°He has abilities too?¡± I ask instead.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± He keeps it short, making it clear he doesn¡¯t want to discuss his brother further. We fall silent


    and stare through the treetops, the soothing calmness of the forest rxing me.


    I can¡¯t deny that my mind is a mess¡­ I don¡¯t know how to exin the feeling inside of me. Finding out


    who Reign is, the way it still messes me up with how I feel around Royce¡­


    ¡°You know, I was thinking about what you said.¡± I say suddenly, my heart squeezing at what I¡¯m about


    to do.


    He looks at me and raises an eyebrow. ¡°Last night?¡± He says, looking away.


    A slight tension falls between us, and I nod.


    He knows exactly what I mean.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ and as much as I hate to admit it, I was in the wrong to keep pushing you, especially since I


    clearly have an effect on you but you¡¯re too much of a good boy to give in.¡±


    ¡°Oh, like I don¡¯t have an effect on you.¡± He counters cockily.


    I smirk. ¡°I never denied it, though.¡± I shoot back defiantly.


    Our eyes meet and he nods slowly, his lips set in a natural pout as he looks away.


    ¡°Fair point.¡±


    Shame it¡¯s just not strong enough for you to give in¡­


    ¡°So¡­ I was thinking, going forward¡­ I won¡¯t tease you. During our lessons or otherwise¡­ I mean, I¡¯ll


    try not to; I can generally be flirty¡­¡±


    He chuckles slightly. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Good then, so¡­ friends?¡± I let out a breath. This is way harder than I thought.


    Why does it hurt to friend-zone him?


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± His grey eyes meet my green ones and I feel a slight tug inside. It¡¯s not painful¡­ but it


    hurts¡­


    ¡°So, are you alright, I mean, you shifted?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I just, there was a lot on my mind. I¡¯m fine now. Shall we head back?¡±


    ¡°We should I have ss.¡± He says, standing up, and my eyes fall to his abs.


    So perfect¡­ his V line is fucking fine.


    Urgh Sky stop it.


    He holds his hand out to me and I take it, allowing him to help me to my feet. ¡°What are the chances


    the barrier will let us back in.¡±


    ¡°Very low. Last year I got out, but getting in is harder.¡± I say, shrugging.


    ¡°Bloody hell, neither of us is dressed to just go through the gates¡­¡± He feels in his back pocket, which


    only makes his body flex.


    Can I take it back?


    ¡°We¡¯re werewolves. Being naked is fine.¡±


    He gives me a sceptical look. ¡°No. We need an alternative solution.¡± He fishes out his mobile phone.


    ¡°Luckily I have this.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, espe¡­.¡± I trail off as I suddenly tense, feeling a chill run up my back. There¡¯s a sudden


    darkness, and it¡¯s one I recognise.


    ¡°There¡¯s no connection.¡± Royce mutters in the background, clearly not sensing it. I turn sharply, my


    eyes zing as I scan the trees. ¡°What is it?¡± he asks sharply.


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡± I gasp when I see a sh of ck and see the same serpent that was outside of my cottage


    rushing right at us.


    ¡°Move!¡± Royce growls, raising his hand. A powerful st of air ms the snake back.


    ¡°Fuck it¡¯s the death noodle!¡± I growl,


    ¡°Death Noodle? Can you see it?¡± He asks sharply. ¡°Like physically, see it?¡±


    ¡°Yes! It''s right there!¡± I snap, is he damn blind?!


    He scans the area as ice spreads from his hands. The serpent does a turn,


    ¡°Behind you! It¡¯s big with cky plum pretty scales! Are you blind!¡± I shout, as the huge thing rushes


    towards Royce, he moves slower than I expect and the serpent narrowly misses. ¡°What are you


    doing!?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t actually see anything but the eyes.¡± He says as he sends a st of ice towards the direction of


    the huge snake, but he misses.


    ¡°Damn¡­ well, let me be your eyes, then.¡± I say, backing up. ¡°Ten o¡¯clock.¡±


    He sends a st of ice only for the serpent to disappear before ites from behind him. He spins


    around.


    ¡°12!¡± I shout, before I run at it,


    ¡°Careful!¡±


    ¡°I''ve got this!¡± I say confidently, flipping in the air I shift, andnd on its back.


    ¡°Sk!¡±


    Now he knows where it is as I¡¯m flipping, grabbing it around its neck. He runs forward, his eyes zing


    as ice spreads around me, it bes so cold as I feel the serpent be encased in ice. It writhes


    and shatters the ice before it flings me off its back and then it¡¯s simply gone.


    I groan, hitting the floor and shifting back. The shirt survived, but it¡¯s torn around the neck and arms


    and I clutch at it before it falls off my breasts.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Royce growls.


    I look up at him.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What you just did! Anyone who is bitten by that thing dies!¡± His eyes run over me, his heart thundering.


    I frown. ¡°No, I¡¯ve been bitten by it before and I healed.¡± I shrug.


    He stares at me before he exhales and turns his back on me. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it before¡­¡± He frowns,


    reaching down he lifts me by the elbows onto my feet, his gaze dipping to my half-exposed breasts for


    a split-second before he looks away quickly.


    I let go and I quickly tie a knot in the front of the shirt.


    ¡°Did you tell Aleric about it?¡± He says sharply, turning back to me.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡­¡± That nightes back to me, and I swallow, Royce had asked me too¡­. ¡°I told him to


    keep my name out of it.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t seem as annoyed as I assumed he¡¯d be.


    ¡°Right¡­ so you didn¡¯t tell your father?¡±


    ¡°No. and I don¡¯t n to.¡± I mutter.


    He never lets me in on the action.


    ¡°But you mentioned snakes at dinner. I assumed he had told you.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow, folding my arms.


    ¡°Listen to me Ice. Apophis is the God of Darkness. He is symbolised by snakes, he himself is said to be


    a great serpent. You know, the enemy of the Sun God? I know my stuff.¡± I shrug.


    He¡¯s watching me, as if thinking through what I had said extremely carefully, but then he exhales and


    shakes his head.


    ¡°And I thought¡­ heck!¡± He mutters, kicking the ground, as he runs his hands through those perfect


    curls.


    ¡°You thought what?¡± I ask curiously.


    His eyes meet mine, and for the first time, I see a sliver of guilt in them.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, let''s find a way back.¡± He mutters, turning away from me.


    ¡°No, I want to know.¡± I persist.


    He tenses before he nces at me over his shoulder. ¡°When I saw the plum-coloured eyes, I


    thought¡­¡±


    He doesn¡¯t need to finish that sentence. My stomach sank as I stare right back at him.


    How could he?


    He thought I was the monster that¡¯s been attacking people.


    Wow.


    -----


    A/N: Hi everyone Caged Between the Beta & Alpha has just gone to print and I am doing a signed copy


    giveaway, so hope over to my s0cial pages to enter!

 35. Late

    35. Late


    SKYLA.


    I can¡¯t get my head around it.


    He thought I was the one attacking and killing people?


    Like actually fucking seriously?


    No wonder he¡¯s always been observing my eyes whenever they changed.


    Plum¡­ just like the death noodles.


    That day when he had said, out in the woods, I had turned and just left. Although he had tried to call


    out to me, I refused to listen¡­


    (FLASHBACK)


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Royce says, closing his eyes for a moment as he exhales.


    Sorry?


    ¡°Sorry doesn¡¯t cover you thinking I¡¯m a killer, yes I can¡¯t control my Lycan, but I¡¯m no killer. I¡­¡± I trail off,


    feeling as if I¡¯ve been punched in the gut.


    I have almost killed someone¡­ If Kat didn¡¯t stop me¡­


    I can¡¯t me him for thinking that¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m just in a habit of over analysing everything and I¡¯m not saying you but your-¡±


    ¡°My Lycan is a part of me.¡± I cut in, ¡°Look, I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m tired and without clothes, I don¡¯t really want to


    head back to school, I¡¯m going home.¡±


    I don¡¯t wait for an answer, breaking into a run, mind linking Kat, I ask if she can drop Malevolent off to


    me after school¡­


    Sorry Malevolent, I can¡¯t stay here right now. I don¡¯t mean to abandon you¡­


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    I just needed space.


    Rolling onto my back, I stare at the wooden ceiling of the cottage.


    I am d it¡¯s the weekend, and I had switched my phone off and just stayed in bed.


    Kat was the only one who had stopped by to drop Malevolent, and she had stayed, made dinner and


    we even watched a movie, but even she was going to be gone with Leo and Azura who were going to


    Well, I know for a fact Aleric stopped by, but I didn¡¯t want to see him for now, either.


    He sure was fucking determined and had stayed outside for a while.


    He¡¯s Reign, I¡¯m still trying to process that.


    But a part of me feels fucking awful. How do I exin the almost hook-up at the club, or the fact that I


    fucked him without knowing who he was?


    Ugh, I fucked up.


    My rm goes off and I turn, staring at the clock.


    Why the hell is the¡­.


    Monday.


    Shit, it¡¯s Monday!


    Fuck, Azura said they¡¯d be here for lunch too! I need to get to school on time before someone gives me


    detention!


    Argh, I need to get up!


    I¡¯ve missed her badly!


    I just need someone to talk to, someone who is probably the most simr to me.


    Boy, the problem isn¡¯t something that I can talk about with Kat or Song.


    Kat is Kat, and Song, well I think she¡¯s got a hot crush on someone since the summer holidays, one


    she is totally denying, but otherwise, she was never like me and Zu.


    Plus, there¡¯s never any judgement with Azura.


    I do need to catch up with Song too¡­ As for her crush, I wonder if Azura knows?


    Getting out of bed I head to have a shower, not having showered over the weekend, and I need a good


    scrub.


    Damn, I¡¯m so gross.


    After showering, I pull on some high-waisted thongs, a ck sports bra and baggy ck sweatpants


    that have a red block design down the left leg, with a matching cropped hoodie.


    I put on a bit of eyeliner and a red lippy, before feeding Malevolent. I sit down and try to do at least one


    or two assignments.


    Kat had been ever so helpful to bring my books to me when she had brought Malevolent home.


    Fuck, why do we need to know this shit?


    I scribble through my literature work as fast as I can and flip open the next book.


    Algebra.


    My worst enemy.


    Whoever made algebra did it to torture me¡­.


    Why, just why do I need to know this crap?


    I groan as I switch my phone on and nce at the time.


    I need to leave. I¡¯m going to bete!


    Fuck!


    I snap my book shut making Malevolent jump, before I shove them back into my bag and bundle her up


    in my arms. Grabbing my keys I run outside.


    I might need to get Dad to get someone to drop my bike off! Might be faster than the car. There are


    plenty of shortcuts down the narrow paths where the car can¡¯t go.


    -


    Half an hourter, Ie to a skidding stop outside Aleric¡¯s ss.


    Fuck.


    I¡¯mte.


    The bell rang five minutes ago, but I had to put Malevolent somewhere safe.


    Trying to sneak her around the back where no one would find her took a bit of time, but once I was


    content she was going to be ok and happy, only then did I head to ss.


    She''s worth beingte for.


    I peek inside. How bad would it be if I try to sneak in¡­ What are the chances I¡¯ll be noticed?


    Slowly, I turn the door handle, his velvety voice as he exins something to the ss reaching me. I


    squeeze inside just as his eyes turn to me.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss Rossi, d to see you could make it.¡± He says.


    All eyes turn on me and I bet you all the money I¡¯ve ever got from Dad, that they¡¯re rethinking over what


    happened between me and Aleric.


    I saw some of the rumours before I switched my phone off the other night.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I had a bit of car trouble, and then there was a poor kitty that needed some help¡­¡± I trail off as


    Aleric simply raises an eyebrow, an amused smirk on his face.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m just d you made it. Take your seat.¡± He says, our eyes lock and I can just imagine the


    amusement Reign would have at this.


    ¡°No detention?¡± Nick the dick pipes up.


    Aleric looks up at the boy who had spoken. ¡°Everyone gets a chance, Mr Gale. Now let¡¯s get back to


    work¡­¡±


    Taking my seat, I wait for Aleric to turn away and I give the fucker a dirty look and the middle finger,


    before I pop a chewing gum in my mouth and try to pay attention to the lesson.


    Time passes by way slower than I wanted and when the bell finally rings, I¡¯m the first to jump up from


    my seat, only for Aleric to hold his hand up.


    ¡°Before you all leave, I want the assignments I gave to you allst week.¡±


    Fuck, I didn¡¯t manage to cover chemistry¡­


    I¡¯m sure I can sneak out¡­ the kids all start to troop to the front desk, some happy, others more


    disgruntled.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯m nning to sneak out, my eyes on him as I try to edge towards the door, when without even looking


    up, Aleric calls me.


    ¡°Miss Rossi, are you forgetting to hand in your work?¡±


    I freeze and spin on my heels, giving him a sweet smile.


    ¡°Here we go with the excuses. Here¡¯s mine sir. Unlike some, I did it.¡± Daphne says, batting hershes


    at Aleric, who ignores the obvious attempt to get his attention.


    She¡¯s leaning over, practically shoving her boobs in his face.


    Why not just chop them off Daftnee and feed them to him?


    Dimwit.


    ¡°Shut it bi¡­.¡± I trail off as Aleric cocks a brow.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Summers, now move along, and I¡¯m waiting for an exnation, Miss Rossi.¡±


    Sorry Malevolent, you¡¯re taking one for the team¡­


    ¡°Well, I did actually do it¡­ but my cat tore it up.¡±


    I hear a few people snicker, and Aleric crosses his arms.


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame to hear. Well then, since there''s no pussycat at school to threaten or damage your


    assignment¡­ I think it might be safer for you to do it during lunch break, in my presence.¡±


    I don''t miss the way his eyes flicker over me, making my heart skip a beat.


    He''s ying a dangerous game when there are so many people around... Not to mention, there are


    already rumours up in the air, not that I minded danger.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I mean my¡­ cousin ising over and was hoping to have lunch¡­¡±


    ¡°Entitled¡­¡±


    ¡°Always the same¡­¡±


    I hear the whispers but ignore them.


    ¡°Very well then, after school, I want you in my office. You¡¯re going to do that homework, Miss Rossi.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± I say, turning and leaving the room, pulling a face.


    ¡°Does anyone know why Mr Freeman is not here today?¡± I hear Aleric ask as I exit the ssroom.


    I frown, slowing down slightly.


    Zayn?


    He didn¡¯t seem wellst week too¡­


    I shrug, pushing the thought away and head to my next ss. During lunch, I¡¯m going to have to try to


    get my math work done.


    I really don¡¯t want to spend even more time in detention.

 36. A Pleasant Visit

    36. A Pleasant Visit


    SKYLA.


    ¡°ZU!¡± I shout as Iunch myself at the slightly shorter woman. She catches me, hugging me tightly.


    ¡°Sky! Finally!¡±


    ¡°Why are you two so fucking loud?¡± Leo says, his pale cold eyes ring in my direction.


    ¡°Deal with it.¡± I say as I give him a tight crushing hug before I slide into the seat next to Kataleya, and


    Azura sits down beside him.


    The weather is warmer than it was this morning. A sharp wind is blowing through the trees, but it¡¯s


    pleasant.


    I can hear the sounds of chatter,ughing, and even the groups ying football or basketball.


    It¡¯s strange but I feel more rxed.


    We¡¯re on the school grounds, in the quieter section, and it¡¯s lunchtime. There are mostly girls or


    couples out here who prefer the quiet to the rowdy games going on, or the busy food hall.


    I hate that Leo is getting gawked at, although what I don¡¯t mind is the looks of jealousy and envy that


    Azura is receiving.


    Most of these students disliked Azura, always calling her a problem child and now?


    Now she was in the arms of one of the smartest powerful men in the country. One who has the


    reputation of being untouchable.


    ¡°We have an audience.¡± Azura says with a smirk.


    ¡°I wonder why.¡± Kataleya hums,


    ¡°Of course, me the damn Rossi. So how¡¯s life, and where¡¯s the kids?¡± I ask as we all tuck into the


    delicious food.


    Kataleya had done the honours of grabbing food for us all and she had not held back.


    We each had a portion of chicken and spicy rice, roast potatoes, chicken sd and stuffed peppers.


    ¡°Home with Winona. The journey here and back would have gotten a lot for them.¡± Azura says as Leo


    grips her chin and kisses her full-on, on the lips.


    Damn, the guy has to always y dominant.


    ¡°Or more like you two wanted alone time.¡± I remark with a smirk.


    ¡°I¡¯m not denying it,¡± Leo says, his eyes cold.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see them.¡± Kataleya says with a gentle smile, ¡°I made Corrado some cookies.¡±


    ¡°When did you get time to bake?¡± I ask her,


    ¡°This morning.¡±


    See, this girl would rather bake in her free time, me? I¡¯d rather fuck?


    Yup, I totally get where Leo and Azura areing from.


    ¡°You are an overachiever,¡± I say, taking a spoonful of my rice and chicken. ¡°Oh shit, I need to get my


    assignments done, too.¡±


    I drag my books from my bags, my eyes falling on Leo, and a smirk crosses my lips, a sudden thought


    urring to me.


    ¡°So, you''re supposedly smart. Want to do this algebra shit for me?¡± I ask, holding up the book. ¡°Lets


    see how good you are.¡±


    He cocks a brow, sitting back, his arm around Azura¡¯s shoulders loosely as he drinks some coca c.


    Leo is a lot like Dad, although he has more tattoos than Dad too, and where Dad has his nips and ear


    pierced once, Leo has his tongue, and has three piercings in one ear.


    Oh, and ording to Azura, even his dick. If he wasn¡¯t my cousin, I would have wanted to see a


    picture, but yeah, no thanks.


    ¡°I have nothing to prove. Now be a good girl and do your own shit.¡±


    ¡°Ass, you¡¯re so annoying.¡± I grumble.


    Azura pouts at him, using that face that works on 99.9 percent of the.


    Leo clearly isn¡¯t buying it as Kataleya looks at me. ¡°Shall I help you?¡± She offers. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t ask


    the other day.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I was asking him since he doesn¡¯t seem to need two hands to eat.¡± I pout, ring


    scathingly at him.


    She shakes her head with a small smile, and bites into a potato as Leo cocks a brow at Azura.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Come on, Blue Eyes, I want to talk to my girls. I can¡¯t have her buried in a book¡­ It will take you


    minutes.¡± She says, and I see that smirk as she mind-links him.


    His eyes sh and I bite the inside of my cheeks, trying not to smirk knowing that although he may be


    an Alpha, my girl has him wrapped around her finger.


    I wonder what she promised him, but hey, if she promised to give him a blow job or whatever, I¡¯m not


    going to question it, as long as it gets my job done.


    ¡°Fine.¡± He says, holding out a tatted hand for the book.


    I smirk and pass him the books, ¡°Pages 28-31¡±


    He simply casts me a cold re as he flips the book open, and I pass him my book and pen.


    ¡°Did you see the quints?¡± I ask Azura, who nods, a smile lighting up her face.


    ¡°Yes, we were around since morning. I even sat in for one of their games. They are forces to be


    reckoned with.¡± She says like the proud aunt that she is.


    ¡°That¡¯s lovely. Renji was excited when he heard you wereing.¡± Kataleya says.


    ¡°When did you see him?¡± I ask her.


    ¡°This morning, he was helping out in the art room.¡± Kataleya exins, as another sharp wind blows,


    blowing her braided hair across her face.


    ¡°Ah makes sense.¡± I nod.


    These goody-two-shoes.


    No wonder some of us have to be devils to bnce out the good that some of these guys in our family


    have gotten.


    ¡°So how¡¯s stuff going with you?¡± Azura asks me quietly, but just then a shadow falls over the table and


    a familiar scent fills my nose.


    Royce.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± His deep sexy voicees.


    We all turn to see him approach the table.


    His eyes scan the table as if realising that I wasn¡¯t just hanging with some random pupils, his eyes on


    Leo.


    He knows he¡¯s an Alpha, that¡¯s not something Leo could hide, his aura even when reigned in, stood


    out.


    Leo looks up, and their eyes meet. Instantly, I feel their auras rise a little.


    Ah, the typical Alpha behaviour, sizing one another up.


    Both are powerful, Leo with his brown locks and pale icy blue eyes. He¡¯s in ck pants, a white shirt


    and a suit jacket, a few buttons open, showing off the chains around his neck.


    He oozes power and danger.


    He reminds me of one of those mafia bosses.


    Then there¡¯s Royce. He¡¯s in ck jeans, a ck button-down shirt which has a few buttons open, the


    fabric stretching over his muscr arms and his hair tied back. He¡¯s wearing a ring and a watch, he


    may not be as shy dressed as Leo but he stands out.


    His stormy grey eyes are on Leo and he oozes confidence and calmness. There¡¯s a strength in his


    calmness. I can¡¯t exin it.


    And Dare I admit it again¡­ He¡¯s so damn fine that he can make any girl¡¯s stomach flutter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for intruding, Royce Arden.¡± He introduces himself smoothly, giving Azura and Kat a nod and


    holding his hand out to Leo.


    ¡°Leo Rossi, good to finally fucking meet you in person.¡±

 37. To a Friend

    37. To a Friend


    SKYLA.


    Royce smiles faintly and I wonder what¡¯s on his mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, too.¡± He says to Leo, before turning to Azura. ¡°You must be Luna Azura,


    it¡¯s an honour.¡±


    ¡°Yes, in the flesh. Nice to meet you too.¡± Azura says, holding her hand out to him. He takes it, giving it a


    gentle squeeze before he lets go.


    What a gentleman.


    I can feel Azura¡¯s huge eyes burning into me, and I turn my gaze to her. There¡¯s a knowing look in her


    eyes and my stomach does a flip. I¡¯m not that obvious, am I?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to intrude, but I was unable to get through to you regarding your training session?¡± Royce


    says quietly, those smouldering grey eyes now on me.


    Oh yeah, training¡­


    I can still sense Azura''s searing, unblinking gaze. That girl is some freaky shit, but I love her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do after school. I have detention.¡± I reply, shrugging casually.


    ¡°Detention...¡± His eyes flick to the open books in front of Leo and he cocks a brow. ¡°Let¡¯s hope you


    don¡¯t get another one. After detention then, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± I reply, nodding.


    Damn Azura, look away!


    Royce looks at Leo and Azura. ¡°I do apologise. It¡¯s good to meet you both.¡± He¡¯s about to turn away


    when Leo speaks.


    ¡°No need to apologise, however, if you have some time after Lunch, could I borrow a little of your


    time?¡± Leo says.


    Royce nods. ¡°Time can¡¯t be borrowed, but of course, I¡¯m willing to give you some of mine.¡± He replies


    lightly.


    ¡°Oh, that was a lovely line. So poetic.¡± Kataleya exims as all eyes turn to her. She blushes, shrinking


    into her seat as she hides behind me a little.


    ¡°Yes, I can sense the romance in the air.¡± I add, gagging, trying to get the attention she hates, away


    from her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me change my mind on this.¡± Leo says pointing with the back of the pen at the textbook.


    Royce smirks, ¡°I¡¯ll see youter then.¡±


    He says to Leo before he turns and walks off. I can¡¯t help but nce at his back and that ass.


    ¡°Ahem.¡± Azura says and I quickly turn back, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°What?¡± I frown.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She says in a tone that says the exact opposite¡­


    Well, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m not going to tell herter anyway, I just don¡¯t want Leo to pick up on stuff. That man


    is smarter than Dad¡­


    -


    After lunch, Kataleya and Leo go off to discuss something with one of her professors and that gives me


    and Azura some time to talk.


    I had handed my work to the math professor and kindly requested the period off since the Luna of the


    Sangue pack requested mypany. He, of course, agreed happily and seemed satisfied with the


    work after a quick scan. I just hope since I''m new to his ss, he won¡¯t recognise the handwriting is


    different.


    Azura and I are now down near the greenhouses. The ce is deserted, and we are sitting on the low


    wall, with Malevolent in Azura¡¯sp as she strokes and scratches under her neck, making Malevolent


    purr happily.


    I have my hands braced on the wall on either side, swinging my legs slowly.


    ¡°So, spill.¡± She says to me. ¡°Who¡¯s the sexy hunk?¡±


    I look at her, knowing she had made sure we got this time alone and I¡¯m grateful.


    ¡°Royce Arden, he¡¯s the new trainer, remember. I¡¯m sure you know that.¡± I reply pointedly,


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Shame, thest one wasn¡¯t as hot when I was here¡­ would have been far more fun. But¡­ I


    just didn¡¯t realise he¡¯s the same hunk on your mind.¡± She replies slyly, with a smirk.


    Ok, she''s got me there.


    ¡°One of many, actually.¡± I smirk, before I sigh. ¡°It¡¯splicated.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it always?¡± She replies, tilting her head, as Malevolent jumps into myp.


    I cuddle her and look over at Azura.


    ¡°Yeah, well, remember I told you about Reign? The guy online?¡± She nods as I continue. ¡°Well, turns


    out he¡¯s Royce¡¯s brother Aleric, who I slept with before I knew that he was Reign. And then, I almost


    slept with Royce at the club before school started. We made out.¡±


    She raises an eyebrow.


    ¡°Wow, you mean you have the hots for both twins, damn girl.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Zu, I¡¯m actually so confused. Like when I¡¯m not with them, it¡¯s Royce on my mind, or


    Reign¡­ and Royce has totally helped me not be so hung up on waiting on Reign¡¯s messages¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I saw that chemistry in that tiny exchange that you both made sure was as casual as possible.


    I¡¯m certain he¡¯s into you.¡± She says, opening her bag and taking out a box of Lindt choctes.


    I smile, this reminds me of the old days, when we both would just eat snacks and talk.


    I take one and open it, popping the whole thing into my mouth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how into me he is because he¡¯s a damn prude,¡± I say, brushing it off.


    ¡°Sure, deny it all you want. So, what¡¯s the issue then, if Royce is the one on your mind? I actually think


    he¡¯s a decent guy, not to mention how he helped us¡­¡± She says, her smile fading as she remembered


    that time.


    ¡°Hmm, he is, but when I¡¯m in Aleric¡¯s presence, there¡¯s this odd pull, like I¡¯m drawn to him. Although I


    don¡¯t know what to make of him. I mean¡­ Reign is so different from Aleric, or what I have seen of


    Aleric, aside from the fact he rtes¡­¡±


    I unwrap another chocte as Azura throws an unwrapped one up and catches it between her lips.


    ¡°How do you even know Aleric is Reign, then?¡± She asks confused, ¡°Like did you two meet or


    something or what?¡±


    ¡°He opened up to me and showed me our chats.¡± I sigh, ¡°But he seems so different online, then again I


    know I¡¯m different too. I mean I was far more open online.¡±


    ¡°So do you mean, you''re disappointed?¡± She asks, ¡°The fact he is Reign?¡±


    I frown, am I?


    What was I expecting?


    ¡°Forget Reign Sky. Right now I think you''re holding onto him, but then that¡¯s confusing you about Aleric


    as a person himself.¡± She says.


    I get that¡­


    I look up at the partially clear sky and sigh.


    ¡°I honestly feel my emotions are crazy¡­ maybe I just need a good fuck that doesn¡¯t involve either and


    get them both out of my system.¡±


    Her eyebrow shoots up.


    ¡°Yet Aleric is still on your mind, although you have fucked him.¡± She points out. ¡°All I¡¯m saying is, he


    knew he is your professor here and although you know it¡¯s not so bad if a professor is mated to a


    student, but without the mate bond, it¡¯s questionable. Plus, if you aren¡¯t serious about him then don¡¯t


    take things further Sky¡­ He¡¯s still an Arden and I know it holds zero weight for me, but they are a tad


    shady. Besides, you don¡¯t do rtionships, so why now?¡±


    I frown, no I don¡¯t¡­


    ¡°He said he wants to work on us.¡±


    ¡°But is there even an ¡®us¡¯? I mean, from what I can, tell you took a ride on that dick and you were done.


    If he¡¯s pushing you Sky, don¡¯t let him. Plus, if you¡¯re so uncertain, you shouldn¡¯t let anything cloud, or


    influence your judgement.¡±


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    She sure has some good points.


    ¡°Dominant men are pretty fun, I guess.¡± I reply.


    ¡°Yet we both know you don¡¯t like it constantly, it¡¯s why you like taking the reins sometimes, right?¡± Azura


    replies, raising an eyebrow.


    Yeah¡­


    Smirking, I look at her. ¡°When did you get so wise?¡± I tease.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been incredibly smart, plus living with a genius makes me up my game. You know, can¡¯t


    have him thinking he has all the brains.¡± She replies haughtily.


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t boost that damn Rossi ego!¡± I say, pushing her lightly.


    She chuckles.


    ¡°I think I boost his ego enough as it is.¡± She says, blushing lightly.


    Damn, she¡¯s got it hard.


    Malevolent climbs onto my shoulder, rubbing against my cheek. I caress her fur gently.


    ¡°I actually want to see this Aleric now, see what he¡¯s like.¡± Azura pipes in.


    ¡°Well, he will probably be in a ss now.¡± I muse, unable to stop myself from thinking over what Azura


    has said.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll catch him once the period is over.¡± She says confidently.


    I nod. ¡°So has Leo said anything about the attacks?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, whatever it is, it actually seems to be able to teleport. ording to what¡¯s caught on the heat


    cameras, there are times where itpletely disappears. No one seems to even make sense of what it


    is yet. Aside from what Kat and your Aleric were able to input.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, well, it was actually me¡­ Aleric didn¡¯t see it,¡± I tell her truthfully.


    Azura frowns. ¡°Sky does Alejandro know?¡± She asks sharply.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell him.¡± I admit.


    ¡°I think you should, because it would be an interesting experiment to see if your dad could get to it the


    next time it¡¯s around. Maybe it¡¯s a Lycan thing.¡±


    I frown. ¡°Maybe, but what¡¯s the point when he doesn¡¯t even allow me to ever participate in anything?¡± I


    say bitterly. ¡°If he wants to keep me sheltered then why should I give him any input? All he¡¯ll do is warn


    me to stay out of it, or worse out of the cottage and try to protect me.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ but it¡¯s killing innocent people. I think this could help.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I told Aleric.¡± I point out.


    A wave of emotion rushes through me and I hate how it suffocates me, I¡¯m still angry with what


    happened when Azura was taken several months back.


    I was terrified something was going to happen to her, I wanted to help save her, but instead of allowing


    me to help, Dad had shouted at me and forced me to sit it out.


    ¡°Sky¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you know how it feels knowing that all you are allowed to do is look on from the sidelines? Maybe if


    I¡¯m not so suffocated by his rules and have an actual purpose, things wouldn¡¯t be so damn hard. He


    found a purpose in life. He did something without being tied down. His brother supported him, yet he


    doesn¡¯t even try to let me do the same.¡±


    It¡¯s another reason to keep myself distracted.


    ¡°He cares for you Sky, it¡¯s why-¡±


    ¡°Caring and actually getting me are two different things. No one gets me.¡± I say, it¡¯s getting hard to


    breathe.


    Only Reign understood¡­


    ¡°Have you said this to-¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point? I hate the double standard he has; at my age, he took part in battles, but when it


    zing plum, my heart thumping as those thoughts that I¡¯ve tried to squash suddenly resurface with


    vengeance. ¡°The bottom line is, whether anyone sees it or not, he defines us by our gender!¡±

 38. A Warning

    38. A Warning


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Oh, hun.¡± Azura says, hugging me tightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that you feel that way and I do get it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well it¡¯s Dad who needs to get it.¡± I say icily as I pull away and sigh. ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I hate how I feel guilty when I focus my anger on him, because I know he loves me.


    ¡°You¡¯re only eighteen Sky, don¡¯t push yourself. Let life teach you, its lessons. I mean, I learned things


    my own way¡­ and it was the hard way. But Leo has never tried to stop me from doing what I needed


    to. He treats me as his equal, even though I know a few times he would have preferred I wasn¡¯t around,


    but he still let me do what I wanted. With time, I realised I did act recklessly a few times, but ultimately,


    he let me learn that myself.¡± She exins.


    She tucks her silky hair behind her ear as she continues. ¡°I have faith Alejandro will get that. He just


    sees you as his little princess. Try to see it from his point too? Even if it isn¡¯t the right one?¡± She tries to


    reason with me.


    ¡°The thing is, I¡¯m not his little princess anymore.¡± I sigh. ¡°I¡¯m capable, just as Dante was capable at my


    age.¡±


    ¡°I know, I get that babe. Want me to make an Alejandro voodoo doll?¡± She asks, smirking. ¡°Or a Dante


    one! We can maybe burn his hair off.¡±


    I can¡¯t help butugh. She has always had an issue with his hair.


    ¡°Wait, that would actually be so cool. I mean a Dad voodoo doll! One with tattoos and a big ass frown


    on his grumpy face. Maybe I can make a video of me torturing it and send it to him.¡± I chuckle.


    ¡°He¡¯lle for my head.¡± She replies, amused.


    ¡°Probably¡­¡± I sigh, my smile fading as that same anger stings inside of me.


    He¡¯ll never see me as old enough, or capable enough. I don¡¯t even want to talk about it further because


    I know it triggers me.


    I just hate how people are quick to fucking question shit I do in my life, but they do not fucking know


    me.


    Azura gets it, I just wish Dad got it too, I¡¯m not Kat... The thing is, I also know he¡¯s the same with


    Mama, there are times he simply refuses to allow her to step up, not wanting her to get hurt.


    Why? Because she¡¯s a woman. She would worry about her mate going into battle, but because he¡¯s a


    guy, it¡¯s fine. As I said, double standards.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be ok.¡± Azura says.


    We fall silent and simply sit there. Azura rests her head on my shoulder, and I rest my head against


    hers as I ponder over what we have discussed.


    Life¡­


    But one thing that Azura has said has stuck in my head, about people getting killed. I can be pissed at


    Dad, but if this helps in any way, then I¡¯m going to have to do it. Or I might just tell Azura to tell Leo. He


    can pass the message on to Dad. I just don¡¯t want to hear a lecture.


    I hold Malevolent tightly, ncing at Azura¡¯s wrist, and read the time on her watch.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s almost the end of ss. Come on, I¡¯ll introduce you to Prince Aleric Arden.¡±


    She runs her hand through her hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, actually Leo wants me to head over to Kataleya¡¯s dorm to make sure we get her stuff in the


    car. Maybe next time?¡± She offers.


    ¡°Oh, sure.¡± I say, I don¡¯t think I want to see him right now, anyway. ¡°Then I¡¯ll head to lesson. I missed


    this, just talking, the two of us.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± She says before she hugs me tightly. ¡°Stay strong Sky. You are limitless and strong. I¡¯m


    always just a call away.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Azura walks me to ss. We meet Kataleya halfway and I bid her farewell too, knowing I won¡¯t see her


    again for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you.¡± I say, refusing to cry.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to call, all the time ok.¡± She promises me tearfully.


    Yes, you will, but will I answer?


    I¡¯ll try to.


    -----


    ALERIC.


    The lesson had just finished and rather than getting ready for the next one, I¡¯m delighted when Rivers


    tells me that there was someone who wants to see me.


    Alpha Leo Rossi of the Sangue Pack himself.


    Impressive.


    ¡®Royce, did Leo Rossi want to speak to you?¡¯ I ask as I head to my office.


    ¡®No.¡¯ His replyes.


    ¡®Ok, he¡¯s here, but you wouldn¡¯t care now, would you?¡¯


    ¡®Not really, should I?¡¯


    I clench my jaw, hating how carefree he is.


    If we¡¯re here and among others, we should gain their trust and build our reputation and rtionship with


    them. Especially those with power.


    But Royce is a fool.


    Reaching my office, I unlock the door and step inside, instantly hit with a powerful aura and a scent I


    don¡¯t recognise.


    The shutters are drawn, casting shadows across the room and my eyes snap to my chair to see a man


    radiating power sitting there. He¡¯s muscr, with dark hair and piercing icy eyes. His hands, adorned


    with a few rings, rest on the arms of the chair, one leg ced on the other knee. Tattoos cover his neck


    and hands, and he exudes a dangerous aura.


    For a moment, I feel like I am looking at the king himself. His cold eyes are on me, and I switch the light


    on, closing the door behind me.


    ¡°Alpha Leo Rossi.¡± I say, trying to hide the irritation at the fact that he¡¯s sitting in my seat.


    ¡°Aleric Arden.¡± He says coldly.


    I¡¯m an Alpha too, how dare a Rossi try to belittle me by addressing me like that.


    I smile smoothly and walk over to the desk.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t how I was expecting to meet you. The door was locked. How did you get in?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Via the door.¡± He doesn¡¯t offer an exnation as he now stands up and walks over to me until he¡¯s


    standing opposite me.


    He looks me square in the eye and I realise he¡¯s here for a reason, not for pleasantries.


    ¡°Can I help you with something?¡± I ask, not wanting to call him Alpha again. It leaves a sour taste in my


    mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to ask anything of you. I¡¯m here to give you a warning.¡± His eyes sh a steel maic


    blue.


    ¡°A warning?¡± I ask, my smile vanishing.


    ¡°I came across some intriguing rumours, ones that involve a teacher and a student. A student who


    happens to be my cousin.¡± He says quietly.


    His voice is calm, but there¡¯s a sinister warning in that silence. One that is extremely powerful, and he


    now looks me dead in the eyes.


    ¡°By using me of something you have no proof of, based on weightless rumours is an insulting and


    dangerous game, Leo Rossi. Let¡¯s not forget who I am.¡± I say quietly. My eyes sh as I let my own


    aura pair against his.


    He simply smirks coldly, unphased, although I know he can sense it.


    ¡°And there it is.¡± He says softly.


    ¡°There¡¯s what?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t respond, ncing away.


    ¡°As someone said, time isn¡¯t borrowed but given, and I¡¯m done wasting mine with you.¡± He walks to the


    door and stops. ¡°If she¡¯s hurt, in any way on your ount¡­ you will have me to answer to and I¡¯m sure


    you Arden¡¯s know, Leo Rossi bows to no council or king. Nothing will hold me back from unleashing my


    wrath.¡±


    Without another word, he opens the door and steps out; the door shuts with a sharp snap, leaving me


    raging with anger.


    My eyes ze red and it takes everything I have, not to destroy my surroundings.


    How dare he¡­! How fucking dare he!


    I look down, my hands simmering with sparks of embers, but the thing is, he was in here¡­ if he doesn¡¯t


    trust me, then he could have nted something in here¡­


    I have to keep my cool, just in case¡­


    You might be smart Leo Rossi, but so am I.


    As for Sky¡­ I will talk to her, I think it¡¯s time we stopped using electronics tomunicate¡­


    I look around the office before taking out my own phone and clicking on the camera app that I¡¯ve


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    installed here, I rewind it until I see him step into the room.


    He looked around before taking a slow walk around the office, pausing when he stops at the shelf


    where the camera is situated, and then his eyes flicked to the sculpture that holds the camera. A smirk


    crosses his lips as he looks directly into the camera.


    He knew.


    My heart thunders as I still remain in control, watching him walk around the desk and sit down in the


    position I had seen him in, rocking the chair slightly as he awaited my return.


    ¡°Bastard!¡± I hiss, throwing my phone across the room.


    He thinks he can protect her?


    I scoff.


    I¡¯ll destroy her! I¡¯ll ruin her mentally to such an extent that she will trust only me and no one else!


    I¡¯ll turn her away from her family! How dare he fucking try to pick a fight with an Arden!


    Once she¡¯spletely in my grasp, I will then relish in the pain that I will have caused them!


    May they all fucking burn in hell!


    Spinning around, I send a ball of fire at my chair, letting the entire thing be engulfed in mes.


    My chest is heaving as I re into the fire¡­

 39. A Chat

    39. A Chat


    SKYLA.


    Azura¡¯s words keep reying in my mind as I trudge toward Aleric¡¯s office.


    My footsteps echo off the tiles.


    With the rumours going around, I don¡¯t think him choosing his office for detention is wise, and I don¡¯t


    think I want those rumours to get to Dad.


    Me and the professor I¡¯m rumoured to be having an affair with alone in his office.


    Hmm, office sex sounds hot, and I wouldn¡¯t mind him showing me his dominant side by bending me


    over that desk of his¡­


    I smirk. Regardless of if that sounds appealing or not, I don¡¯t n to get down and dirty with him. Not


    after that talk with Azura. That really has made me see reason.


    The halls are empty as everyone is either in training, outdoors, or just chilling since school''s out.


    They¡¯re lucky to be doing whatever shit they want for the rest of the evening.


    Then there¡¯s poor me, heading to detention, without even a morsel of food to satiate the pang of


    hunger that fills my stomach. How sad.


    Ok I¡¯m not that hungry and we¡¯re usually allowed to take food to detention, if it¡¯s during lunch or after


    school, but I can¡¯t bother.


    It¡¯s kinda weird knowing Kat¡¯s gone¡­ Azura¡¯s gone, Song¡¯s gone¡­ There was a time the four of us


    would walk down these halls together. Now?


    It¡¯s just me.


    Who would have thought I¡¯d be thest one left here¡­


    I break into a run, doing a cartwheel in the middle of the empty corridor before I turn the corner and


    ¡°Ah, Miss Rossi.¡± He says, his piercing eyes boring into me.


    ¡°Mr Rivers.¡± I reply emotionlessly, crossing my arms.


    He looks around the empty halls, then back at me. ¡°Why are you still here? Shouldn¡¯t you be heading


    for training?¡±


    ¡°I have detention first.¡± I say.


    His brows furrow. ¡°Detention already, Miss Rossi, I am beginning to feel rather concerned with how this


    year has started. If Professor Arden didn¡¯t stop me from talking to your father regarding the violence


    disyed against a teacher, I would immediately have had hime over.¡± He drones on.


    Please, violence disyed against a teacher?


    Who even says that?


    Dumb Rivers, that¡¯s who.


    ¡°Hm.¡± I respond, faking a yawn.


    Something that does not go unnoticed by him. ¡°Perhaps you need to see a therapist for your issues,


    Miss Rossi.¡±


    I freeze as I stare at him, my eyes shing.


    Therapist.


    Issues.


    I do not need a fucking therapist.


    ¡°Get out of my sight before I disy further violence against a teacher.¡± I snarl, my eyes zing.


    ¡°I am your headmaster, Miss Rossi!¡±


    ¡°And I care why?¡± I growl, feeling my anger rising.


    The thought of Royce makes me fight my irritation, but my heart is still pounding as I re at him.


    He cowers back, his face paling, and he swallows hard. His eyes once again scanning the halls, fear


    clear in his eyes.


    He¡¯s scared of me, I bet if he had the choice, he wouldn¡¯t even let me remain at the school¡­


    ¡°Your behaviour will not be tolerated, Miss Rossi.¡± He warns before he turns and strides away.


    My eyes return to normal, and I watch him walk away, my gaze burning into his back.


    I scoff as I see him trying not to rush, but he¡¯s fucking oozing fear.


    Yeah, run with your damn tail between your legs, bloody wuss.


    I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I turn and continue on my way to Aleric¡¯s office.


    I don¡¯t need a therapist. I do not have fucking issues!


    I knock on the door, harder than I meant to, the sound echoing in the silent hallway.


    ¡°Come on in.¡± Aleric¡¯s voice says.


    I push open the door to see him sitting in his seat. The smell of smoke is strong in here.


    ¡°Something get burned?¡± I ask, cocking a brow. The windows are open, and he frowns slightly.


    ¡°Yes,e on in, take a seat.¡±


    I cock a brow, seeing his office chair is missing.


    I sit down in one of the two chairs opposite his desk and Aleric picks up two Styrofoam cups and


    passes one to me. ¡°Here, I know you like hot chocte with extra sugar and plenty of cream.¡± He gives


    me a wink and I nod.


    Sure, he does, Reign knows that.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I say, feeling my mood lift a little as I take the cup from him.


    Our eyes meet before he looks down at his own cup.


    ¡°Bad day?¡± He asks me as he takes the seat opposite me.


    If this is meant to be detention, it sure doesn¡¯t feel like it at the moment.


    I take a sip of the scalding hot, hot chocte, enjoying the burning liquid pouring down my throat.


    ¡°Kinda. River¡¯s thinks I need therapy, like I¡¯m fucking mental.¡± My eyes sh as I re at the table.


    ¡°You don¡¯t.¡± He says, almost sounding displeased. ¡°But how can he possibly say you need therapy. He


    doesn¡¯t know you, not the real you. So, let¡¯s forget about him and his useless antics.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fucking done.¡±


    I shrug, downing my drinks and grabbing my bag. Better get to that work.


    ¡°You can do your assignmentter, and hand it to me next lesson.¡± I look up in surprise.


    ¡°Really?¡± I ask.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve both had a bad day, I think it won¡¯t kill either of us if it¡¯s a few dayste. Just make


    sure you do your best.¡± He says, reaching over he caresses my cheek and I slowly ease back.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t.¡± I say quietly.


    I just need time to figure my own shit out.


    A sh of hurt crosses his face but he doesn¡¯t push it, instead gives me a nod and retracts his hand.


    ¡°So, why did you have a bad day?¡± I ask, closing my bag and dropping it to the floor again.


    He shakes his head, running his hand through his lush locks. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He says, that frown


    returning.


    ¡°So you can ask me, I¡¯m supposed to reply yet I can¡¯t ask you? That¡¯s not how it works.¡± I say, finishing


    my drink, feeling far more rxed than I did before it.


    I sit back, watching him as I wait for an answer.


    ¡°You won¡¯t drop it, will you.¡± He says, smiling slightly, although I can still see something is troubling him.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡± I reply.


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal but your cousin, Alpha of the Sangue pack, has heard the rumours about us that are


    floating around¡­¡± He trails off, concern clear in his eyes as I let those words sink in.


    Leo knows.


    Fuck, that ain¡¯t good.


    Did Azura say something?


    No¡­ she isn¡¯t like that¡­


    Leo is smart but¡­


    ¡°And what did he say?¡± I ask, my stomach twisting at the thought the damn fucking genius would figure


    shit out.


    Aleric looks down, ¡°Well, let¡¯s just say he thinks he¡¯s above me, but as he¡¯s a Rossi, that isn¡¯t wrong.


    We¡¯re nothing inparison, even if we¡¯re innocent.¡±


    Whoa, what the hell.


    I know these Rossi men and, dare I admit it - I too, have a temper and ego¡­ but fuck.


    ¡°What was he saying?¡± I repeat sharply.


    ¡°That the rumours better not be true. I¡¯m afraid he assumes I¡¯m a predator. The thing is Sky, if you were


    not Luciferess, I would not have crossed that line.¡±


    I nod slowly. ¡°Yeah, I get that.¡±


    ¡°What do you want, Sk? I know I want you, but I don¡¯t know what you want.¡± He says quietly.


    Yeah, I don¡¯t know either¡­


    ¡°I need time, Reign, when you stood me up¡­ everything just becameplicated. I just want time for


    me.¡± I say. My head feels a bit hazy right now.


    I hate that there¡¯s hurt in his eyes and he reaches over, taking my hand in his, his fingers brushing my


    knuckles.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you princess¡­ because I¡¯m crazy about you and no matter how much self-control I have to


    have, when ites to you¡­ it¡¯s all gone.¡± He replies huskily. Raising my hand to his lips, he kisses it


    softly.


    A man who is actually crazy about me¡­


    I relish the soft sparks of pleasure rushing through me, and I slowly tug my hand free.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy to be attracted to me, Aleric.¡± I say quietly, my heart racing.


    ¡°Maybe, but I don¡¯t mind being crazy if it involves you, Luciferess, who stepped into my life because I


    love our debates. I miss those bets and our jokes. I miss the woman who became my best friend as


    well as something so much more.¡± He says, his eyes zing gold as he gazes into my eyes.


    Our bets¡­ Our yful banter¡­


    I can¡¯t help but smile faintly.


    I miss it too¡­ but¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ I haven¡¯t felt that since being with him. Can someone be so different


    online and offline?


    ¡°I hate how you were usually always right when it came to the bets.¡± I remark, pushing that thought


    away.


    ¡°And it drove me crazy that you refused to pay up even a penny of what you lost to me.¡± He counters.


    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡± I smile.


    There he is, the Reign I know. I really need to give him some time before I judge him.


    He gives me a charming smile. ¡°I miss it all, but we¡¯re not going to be able to talk online again¡­ I know


    you want time¡­ but after Leo¡¯s threat, I do not want you in trouble, not on my ord. So, let¡¯s only talk


    in person going forward. I¡¯ll grab us some burner phones if we need to drop a message, but with Leo


    Rossi making his threat, we can¡¯t text anymore.¡±


    Leo, like seriously?


    I¡¯m not a fucking kid, but I can¡¯t say anything because then it would mean Aleric told me and would


    further cement those thoughts in their damn heads.


    I hide my irritation as I nod, telling myself it¡¯s not like he¡¯ll never see me again. Heck, he¡¯s right here at


    the academy.


    ¡°Deal.¡± I say with a nod.


    He smiles as he reaches over, cing a soft kiss on my cheek. His scent fills my nose, making my


    heart skip a beat. His lips brush my jaw, and my stomach does a flip.


    He says only one word, one word that sums up exactly how he is feeling and sends a jolt straight to my


    core.


    ¡°Perfect.¡±

 40. A Surprising Evening

    40. A Surprising Evening


    SKYLA.


    The sound of a doorbell ringing makes my eyes fly open, and I sit up, looking around my room which is


    now bathed in darkness. When did I even get home¡­


    I rub my head, trying to remember thest thing that had happened¡­


    I left Aleric¡¯s office and was meant to head to training with Royce, but I didn¡¯t feel too good. I had


    messaged Royce that I felt sick and asked if we could cancel¡­.


    I remember just about managing to find Malevolent and then¡­ Then I bumped into Aleric as he was


    leaving, and he offered to drop me at home¡­


    Yes, that¡¯s what happened¡­


    I don¡¯t remember getting home though, or how or when I got into bed¡­


    My shoes are off, and the duvet is pulled up over me.


    Malevolent isn¡¯t in the room, and the bedroom door is open.


    I hear a loud knocking on the door and curse.


    ¡°Who is that?¡± I groan, dragging myself out of bed as I try to wake up fully.


    I grab my phone from my pocket and see I have several missed calls and a shit tonne of texts.


    Dude, can anyone just let me live in peace?


    I feel fine now, but what the hell had even happened that I hadn¡¯t felt well or got knocked out like that.


    Weird.


    Another loud ring of the doorbell makes me growl.


    ¡°What the hell¡­ can a girl not sleep without being disturbed?¡± I grumble as I head to the door and yank


    it open.


    Ready to scold whoever it is until I find myself staring at the six giants who are crowded outside my


    door.


    ¡°What the¡­.¡± I begin.


    ¡°Hey, Sky.¡± The blue-eyed boy at the front says with a smile that would make one of those teeth-


    whitening advertisements look dull.


    ¡°Renji¡­¡± I say, staring at each of the quintuplets, and Ahren. Theo and Ares are holding several huge


    pizza boxes.


    The smell is about to give me a foodgasm. Ahren and Jayce have drinks and some other paper food


    bags and Renji is holding three damn boxes of Krispy Kremes!


    Ah, foodsies! Come to Mama¡­


    ¡°The hell are you goris doing here?¡± I question, narrowing my eyes at them before my gaze flits back


    to the food.


    All mine¡­


    ¡°That hurt Sky, I¡¯m anything but a gori.¡± Carter says with a small pout, but there¡¯s a smile tugging at


    the corner of his lips as he flicks his head.


    ¡°Are you going to let us in or not?¡± Theo asks, cocking a brow.


    ¡°We brought offerings if that makes up for disturbing you?¡± Renji offers.


    ¡°Yeah, and this pizza is getting cold.¡± Theo adds.


    ¡°Sorry, we didn¡¯t find any unsuspecting souls on the way here. I¡¯m sorry for the unexpected drop-in.¡±


    Ahren says apologetically, as they all troop inside, with Ares and Jayce bringing up the rear.


    I stand there, hands on hips.


    ¡°You do know what tonight is right?¡± Jayce says, waving his phone in front of my face.


    My eyes widen as I stare at the screen.


    ¡°The match between Scorpio and ck Wolf! Fuck, how did I not remember! Shit!¡±


    ¡°I figured, anyway, I thought it would be a good time to make some decent bets.¡± He smirks.


    Ah, this fucker.


    We tend to watch what we can together during term time, and as much as Uncle Liam hates these


    games, there is little he can do to stop us from watching them. We¡¯re shifters, blood, gore and violence


    is in our blood.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m ready to take all your money.¡± I shoot back.


    I usually always only gave my honest opinion to Reign and then whoever he said would win, is what I


    would say to these guys, because the damn fucker was always good at figuring out who will win right


    off the damn bat!


    Aleric said we can¡¯t text¡­ fuck well¡­ never mind.


    I nce at the time. There are still about ten minutes before it starts!


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back!¡± I say, rushing to my bedroom. ¡°Can one of you guys feed Malevolent?! Her food¡¯s in


    the bottom cab near the fridge!¡±


    ¡°Ok!¡± Renji calls back.


    I can¡¯t help but smile, yes these fuckers disturbed my sleep, and showed up uninvited, but pizza, fizzy


    pop and donuts? You are most wee! And even if I don¡¯t admit it, they also made this cee


    alive, so they are forgiven.


    I can hear the TV has been switched on and they chatter away, rowdy as ever as they set up the


    match.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    After pulling on somefortable stretchy ck pyjama bottoms with ace panel down the sides and


    a matching long-sleeve top, I quickly hurry from the room. I don¡¯t want to miss the match!


    ¡°You got tes, Sky?¡± Carter calls.


    ¡°Not sure how many¡­ but I got a few¡­¡± I reply, heading to the kitchen where Renji is sitting watching


    Malevolent eat.


    ¡°Dude, who the fuck needs tes?¡± I hear Jayce say.


    ¡°Me.¡± Carter¡¯s pointed replyes.


    I give Renji a smile before I grab whatever tes I have. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s probably started.¡±


    ¡°I know, but you know I¡¯m not really into them. I¡¯lle once Malevolent¡¯s eaten.¡± He says with a grin.


    ¡°Sure thing.¡±


    I take the tes to the lounge. The boys have all made themselvesfortable, a few of them on the


    floor, and a few on the sofas.


    I swear they really are giants. Then again, all the men in my family are.


    ¡°Who needs a te?¡± I ask. Ahren, Carter and Theo, who are sitting farther away from the table, each


    take one.


    I pile my own te high with pizza, chips and parmesan, although the parmo up north really is the


    tastiest. I need to go there sometime, Middlesbrough here Ie ¨C one day!


    Once I grab two pots of sauce, I nce around, and Ahren moves over, making space for me.


    Sitting down, I ce my te on myp, fixing my eyes on the TV.


    Ready to see how these two battle it out¡­


    -


    It¡¯s about ten minutester and the first round already has us on edge. Scorpio¡¯s got the upper hand.


    ¡°See, told you he¡¯ll win.¡± I say, biting into another pizza slice.


    ¡°The first round isn¡¯t even halfway through!¡± Ares protests, he¡¯s been team ck Wolf since the guy


    started taking part in these games.


    They¡¯re both in masks, and although some of these games are streamed, there are certain


    tournaments which are not streamed and the only way to watch them is through audiomentary or


    to buy tickets and actually go see these games.


    One day¡­ one day I¡¯m going to go to one of these games!


    My list of ''one days'' is indeed growing.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I growl when ck Wolf spins around and shes through Scorpio¡¯s chest. ¡°Argh! Get up!¡±


    The doorbell rings and my eyes sh.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that going to be?¡± I say,


    ¡°Your house.¡± Theo mutters.


    ¡°Yeah, maybe another brat like you¡­ Asher ain¡¯t here¡­¡±


    ¡°Asher is too busy with his precious girlfriend.¡± Jayce smirks.


    ¡°I envy him.¡± Ares hums. ¡°Or not.¡±


    ¡°I feel a bit bad for all the bloodshed these matches have.¡± Renji says as I get up from the sofa.


    Ahren chuckles. ¡°Not getting queasy are you, Renji?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only here for the sexy men.¡± Carter adds, as I leave the room, biting into my pizza slice.


    Getting to the door, I pull it open, and I¡¯m instantly hit with the delicious scent of none other than-


    ¡°Royce.¡± I say,


    He cocks a brow as his gaze goes to the pizza I¡¯m holding.


    ¡°For someone not feeling well¡­ you seem to be perfectly fine.¡± He crosses his arms, and I can see


    he¡¯s holding a small ck paper bag too.


    ¡°Well, I was actually in bed, and then my cousins showed up and we are now watching the Alpha Gen


    X games. Maybe a good boy like you doesn''t know what they are but they are unmissable.¡± I taunt.


    His eyes widen in surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s tonight? Oh, shoot yeah, Scorpio and Wolf¡­¡±


    I smirk. So he does know them.


    ¡°Hmm, seems like I¡¯m not the only one that had forgotten then.¡±


    I hear the shouting from the living room and wonder what happened!


    Shit.


    ¡°Do you want to watch?¡± I ask, before I step closer to him, my heart skipping a beat as I tiptoe so I can


    whisper in his ear. ¡°There¡¯s a group of people in there, so it definitely wouldn¡¯t be inappropriate.¡±


    My eyes dip to his Adam¡¯s apple as he swallows, biting my lip, before I smoothly move back.


    ¡°Tempting, especially since it will take me at least half an hour to get home¡­¡±


    So that is a yes.


    I step aside, allowing him entrance.


    ¡°So, who is winning?¡± He asks, his gaze flickering to the lounge.


    I tilt my head. ¡°Who knows, my bets are on Scorpio.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s definitely going to be ck Wolf.¡± He says confidently, taking off his leather jacket, before he


    tenses.


    I freeze too and it¡¯s not because of how sexy he looks in that grey tee, but his words that make my


    heart skip a beat.


    Words that sound so damn familiar¡­


    He looks over at me sharply and our eyes meet¡­

 41. Doubts

    41. Doubts


    SKYLA.


    He looks away first and ces his jacket aside, cocking a brow at me.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asks.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I say, shaking my head.


    He had reminded me of Reign, it threw me. I guess he and Aleric are twins but¡­


    Running my fingers through my hair, I clear my head. I¡¯m about to close the door when Royce reaches


    over, his arm brushing mine as he closes the door.


    Focus Sky¡­


    ¡°So, what was wrong earlier?¡± He asks, looking me over before he looks away.


    So cute.


    ¡°I just felt suddenly sick and sluggish. I don¡¯t know.¡± I frown, it does sound weird¡­ ¡°It was strange.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ You¡¯re a werewolf, unless there was something in your system you wouldn''t have fell ill so


    suddenly.¡± He says, and I can¡¯t help but appreciate the slight pause before he said the word werewolf.


    He is still being careful around my own family. He has a point, even if we get ill, there''s a reason and


    we recover far faster than normal.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ but everything was fine. sses finished, then I ran into Rivers and then went to Aleric¡¯s office


    for detention. Nothing weird even happened.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ I actually came down to check up on you, since you said you weren¡¯t well, but since I¡¯m here,


    mind if I take a bit of blood to run it through some tests? Because that doesn¡¯t sound normal.¡±


    ¡°What kind of tests?¡± I say as we enter the lounge and all eyes turn to us.


    Ahren tilts his head, munching slowly on a chip, whilst the quintuplets instantly shift to hostile mode.


    Jayce¡¯s eyes are calcting, Theo and Ares are frowning, Carter has his eyebrows raised, and even


    Renji¡¯s smile has faltered.


    ¡°Guys, he¡¯s my trainer. Stop staring at him, even if he is pretty handsome.¡±


    Carter nods his agreement, and Royce raises an eyebrow.


    ¡°Nice to meet you guys.¡± He says, just as the TV signals the end of round one.


    A few of them mumble as I gaze at the TV in dismay.


    ¡°Shit, we missed it!¡±


    ¡°Scorpio won the round.¡± Jayce offers broodily. ¡°But I don¡¯t think he will win overall. He overexerted


    himself straight up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate him.¡± I say. There¡¯s a ten-minute break now. I pick up a te for Royce. ¡°What


    would you like?¡±


    ¡°Anything¡¯s fine¡­ As for the test, it¡¯s just to see if there is anything there or not.¡± He says, and it¡¯s


    obvious he doesn¡¯t want to say much more in front of these guys.


    ¡°Ok guys, we¡¯ll be right back, holler at me when the break is over.¡± I say, before jerking my head at the


    door and lead the way out.


    I head to the kitchen, and Royce follows.


    ¡°You know, giving anyone from the Ardenpany a sample of my blood is dangerous.¡± I say lightly,


    cing the te down. ¡°Eat before it gets colder.¡±


    He takes a slice and bites into it, cing the bag he was carrying down.


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± He says with a faint smirk, which makes me wonder if he¡¯s serious or joking. ¡°But I


    promise, I¡¯ll do one small test and the rest will be disposed of, or if you want, I can take the blood and


    you can keep it until tomorrow. We can do the test in your presence then?¡±


    ¡°I trust you, Royce.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t trust anyone so easily.¡± He replies quietly, taking another bite of his pizza. Why the hell


    does he look sexy in everything he does?


    ¡°I know, but I trust you, so you got something you can put some blood in?¡± I ask him.


    ¡°Actually, no¡­¡±


    ¡°Yet you suddenly want blood. I might have something.¡± I say, ¡°Wait here.¡±


    I leave the kitchen, going to my bedroom, and rummage in one of the lower drawers. It takes me a few


    minutes to find what I¡¯m looking for, and I take out one of the empty vials that I would use for my


    poisons. d I haven¡¯t had a dose of my own mixture in my body.


    Yeah, I need to make some more since Mama or Dad cleared that shit away.


    I return to the kitchen and take a few seconds to appreciate that ass before I hold the vial out to him.


    ¡°Here.¡± I say smoothly, ¡°Open it, I¡¯ll pour some blood into it.


    He nods, twisting the lid off and I let my fangs out, piercing my thumb deeper than I meant to, and


    quickly step back to save my clothes. Holding my finger out, I let the blood pour into the vial that is


    filling up pretty fast.


    ¡°You pierced your skin too deep,¡± He murmurs, taking hold of my hand and pressing his thumb over my


    cut firmly, stopping the bottle from filling to the top.


    ¡°Meh, it¡¯s just a cut.¡± I say lightly, too busy, lost in that gorgeous face, although blood continues to spill


    from around his thumb.


    ¡°It¡¯s a precious thing. Don¡¯t treat it like it¡¯s not.¡± He says, tugging my hand to his lips before he removes


    his thumb and takes my thumb in his mouth.


    Fuck.


    My head feels light as he simply sucks my thumb, his tongue flicking along the cut, making my pussy


    clench.


    He parts his lips, tugging my hand back, and my thumb slips from his mouth, brushing his lips, and he


    tenses, realising what he has just done.


    ¡°Ah, Alpha saliva-¡±


    ¡°Heals.¡± I finish for him.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± He says, letting go of my hand and grabbing the lid for the vial. ¡°I¡¯ll have a check if there is, in


    fact, something in your blood.¡±


    ¡°Cool, but how would anything get in my blood?¡± I ask, walking over to the sink.


    I quickly rinse off my hands, trying not to focus on the fact my stomach is just a mess of nerves again.


    ¡°Did you eat or drink anything?¡±


    I pause, the hot chocte¡­ but Aleric would not do that, and I¡¯m not about to say that to Royce, not


    until I know if there is in fact anything in there.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡®The Arden¡¯s are shady, and although Keh is on the council, I won¡¯t forget the fact that he did try to


    poison Rafael once.¡¯ Grandad Elijah¡¯s words from years ago rey in my mind and I frown.


    They say the apple does not fall far from the tree¡­ I do need to be careful¡­ Why do I suddenly feel


    uneasy?


    Roycees over and I nce at him, looking at the blood that covers his big hand. I like a man with


    big hands¡­


    Focus Sky.


    I¡¯m trying to get rid of the horrible thoughts that have now crossed my mind. I do need to be careful


    though¡­


    I step away from the counter and let him wash his hands as I dry my own slowly.


    ¡°Shall we head to the lounge?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the next round will be starting soon. I can¡¯t believe I had actually forgotten it.¡± He muses.


    ¡°Maybe you had something else keeping your mind busy.¡± I suggest lightly leading the way out.


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    It¡¯s a whileter and Royce is sitting on the floor, leaning against the side of the armchair. Although


    both Ahren and Renji had offered him their seats, he had refused.


    I ignored the questioning and suspicious gazes that came my way and soon I¡¯m totally immersed in the


    match. It¡¯s bloodier now, as they pull out everything to win.


    ¡°Fuck that¡¯s low.¡± I growl.


    ¡°Anything goes, low or not.¡± Royce says. ¡°Wolf will win, guaranteed.¡±


    ¡°Yeah totally,¡± Ares agrees.


    ¡°There¡¯s still hope¡­¡± I mutter.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually shocked you got it wrong this time.¡± Jayce says, ¡°You¡¯re usually on point with all the


    matches.¡±


    Royce turns and cocks a brow. ¡°Oh yeah?" He looks amused. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like it.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I am really good usually.¡± I frown, feeling a tad jealous of the fact Malevolent was next to him.


    She had slowly inched closer to him and the moment he had stroked her, she had taken it as an


    invitation to sit in hisp.


    Damn, I want to be the one sitting in hisp, or maybe on his face instead. He wants a pussy to y


    with. I¡¯d give him one.


    Urgh, focus girl.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure you are.¡± His cocky smirk gets to me, as does the fact I now have a very explicit image


    in my head, and I throw a pizza crust at the back of his head the moment he turns away.


    A few of the boys snicker and I stick my tongue out at Royce, who had turned back faster than


    lightning.


    ¡°So you two friends or something?¡± Theo asks gulping down his can of Rubicon Mango.


    ¡°Or something.¡± Carter adds.


    Royce shrugs. ¡°Yeah, I guess so.¡± He says lightly.


    Our eyes meet and I feel it¡¯s just the two of us, before he turns away and I quickly look down, too.


    ¡°Ahem ahem.¡± Ahren fake coughs, making me give him a yful nudge in the waist.


    But I can¡¯t help but smile, my eyes back on the screen.

 42. Squirty Cream

    42. Squirty Cream


    SKYLA.


    A short whileter, I stretch as the music begins ying. There¡¯s another break before the final round


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    and it gives them time to heal. That¡¯s why these games are the best. These fighters could go for hours


    and duel it out.


    I stand up, ¡°Alright, you guys get the table and stuff cleared up and I¡¯m going to go make us hot drinks


    so we can have some doughnuts. One box belongs to me and me alone.¡± I dere.


    ¡°Hah you wish, you¡¯re the shortest and smallest here, so you get the least share.¡± Theo shoots back as


    I gather the tes.


    No, I¡¯m not. Let me shift to my Lycan form and I¡¯ll tell you who¡¯s the biggest.


    ¡°Ass¡± I counter before carrying the tes out, ncing at Malevolent, who is sleeping beside Royce.


    I scrape the food off the tes, emptying them into the bin before cing them in the sink.


    Washing up is one of the rare jobs I actually don¡¯t mind. I find it oddly therapeutic at times. If I¡¯m in the


    mood, otherwise nah.


    Hearing footsteps, I turn to see Renji and Royce enter.


    Royce is carrying thest two tes, and Renji has a few cans.


    ¡°Do you have a bag for the rubbish?¡± Renji asks as Royce ces the tes down beside me.


    ¡°Oh yeah, bottom drawer there.¡± I say, pointing as I quickly wash the few tes. ¡°Ask the boys if they


    want their usual hot drinks?¡±


    ¡°Ok, sure!¡± He leaves the room, but Royce doesn¡¯t.


    I¡¯m about to tell him to go sit when he takes up the dishcloth and begins drying the tes. Renji pops


    his head in to say they all want the usual, and I nod.


    ¡°I never knew the Arden princes knew how to do such lowly jobs.¡± I tease.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the princess here? We aren¡¯t as posh as you think.¡± He says.


    ¡°Nope, Mama always made us do chores, and everyone knows the Arden¡¯s live in a mansion.¡± I ask,


    raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°As do the ck Storm Pack Rossis.¡± He counters with an amused smirk. ¡°And ok maybe we don¡¯t do


    this at home, but in America, I lived alone and did most stuff myself.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, doesn¡¯t your mother¡¯s pack hail from there? Howe you didn¡¯t stay with them?¡±


    He nods. ¡°They do, but I preferred staying alone.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± I reply. ¡°You still didn¡¯t lose your posh London ent.¡±


    Turning the tap off, I dry my hands on the corner of the dishcloth he¡¯s holding and go grab the milk from


    the fridge. I¡¯m d I have enough, or I hope I do.


    ¡°Well, we were only abroad for a few years. Some things don¡¯t change.¡±


    ¡°Good, because I kinda like it.¡± I say, taking out the hot chocte,tte, and coffee sachets.


    Once the milk is on, I manage to find enough mugs. Thanks to the mugs I get as gifts, I have enough


    cool mugs, although I doubt the boys would appreciate half of these.


    ¡°What hot drink?¡± I ask him.


    ¡°Hot chocte.¡± He says.


    ¡°Mind grabbing me the squirty cream from the fridge?¡±


    He snickers and I narrow my eyes. ¡°This is one of the crazy things I just find strange over here. Squirty


    cream.¡± He says taking the whipped cream can from the fridge.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m an Asda shopper, so if Asda says it¡¯s squirty cream, it¡¯s squirty cream, get your head out of


    the gutter Magic Fingers.¡± I smirk, snatching the can from him. ¡°Besides¡­. Who doesn¡¯t like squirty


    cream¡­¡±


    I can¡¯t help but imagine him unzipping his pants and stroking his cock, until hees. Now that¡¯s my


    favourite type of squirty cream. I pop the lid off, giving it a good shake.


    ¡°You have a dirty mind; I don¡¯t want to know what you¡¯re thinking.¡± He says quietly despite the slight


    smirk on his lips as he grabs the can from me, looking down at it. ¡°Seriously, though, this name needs


    to be rethought.¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± I say, ¡°Now stop being disloyal to our little kingdom. You¡¯re British too remember?¡±


    He smirks. ¡°I actually have dual citizenship.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you do.¡± I roll my eyes.


    Tilting my head back, I spray some cream into my mouth and swallow it all before I lick my lips, almost


    smirking when I see the sh of blue in his eyes before he looks away.


    ¡°Aww, what¡¯s wrong, want some squirty squirty cream?¡± I tease before I spray him with some.


    ¡°Sky!¡± He exims, not expecting that, as he looks down at his chest, which I¡¯ve managed to stter


    with cream.


    ¡°Now you asked for it.¡± His eyes narrow, as he snatches the can from me.


    ¡°Royce no! I just changed!¡± I shout, but he wasn¡¯t going to let me go without getting his revenge.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    He sprays the cream at me, and I try to dodge it, but he still manages to get some all over my neck. He


    chuckles as I lunge at him, stealing the can back.


    ¡°My turn,¡± I growl deviously.


    ¡°One spray.¡± He warns, backing away from me.


    ¡°Revenge is best served with an extra side for free!¡±


    ¡°That is not how the saying goes.¡± He states, as he backs away around the small table.


    I smirk, shaking the can before I squirt a good amount at him.


    ¡°Shoot.¡± He ducks and I miss most of him, but a good blobnds on his hair.


    ¡°Goal!¡± I climb onto the table quickly and spray as much of the cream as I can on him.


    ¡°Cheater.¡±


    ¡°All¡¯s fair, I told you!¡±


    He grabs my wrist, but I refuse to let go. I¡¯m not weak. My finger remains fixed on the lever, emptying


    the entire content of the can. He begins to tickle me, but despite being drowned inughter; I don¡¯t


    stop.


    ¡°I win!¡± I cackle, as he is a mess of cream falling back onto my ass on the table.


    I drop the empty can on the floor, trying to wriggle away from his assault of tickles whilst trying to smear


    the cream everywhere.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡± He counters, scooping up the huge amount of cream I had just sprayed all over him.


    He ces his whipped cream-covered hand on my face, smearing it all over me. He bursts into


    his hand runs down my neck and stops just above my chest.


    I¡¯m sitting, legs spread on the table, and he¡¯s between my legs, one hand on the table, the other resting


    just above my breasts, his fingertips brushing my neck.


    ¡°I think I win.¡± He whispers, ¡°You look a right sight, Love.¡±


    I don¡¯t know how I get into these predicaments.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t mind being covered in squirty cream.¡± I snicker, trying to ease the tension before I end up


    fucking this up.


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± He asks, cocking a brow.


    He¡¯s covered in cream too, we both are. His hair is sticking together, and there¡¯s a good amount down


    his jaw too.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ of any kind¡­¡± I whisper, unable to stop myself.


    His smile fades, his eyes darkening, bing far sharper than I¡¯ve ever seen.


    But it¡¯s that glint of hunger in them that gets to me and I¡¯m unable to stop myself from reaching over


    and wiping a streak of cream off his face before slipping my finger into my mouth.


    Savouring the sweetness in my mouth and the beautiful view before me, I keep my eyes locked with


    his¡­

 43. When its Enough

    43. When it''s Enough


    ROYCE.


    My heart¡¯s racing as she sits there in front of me, looking the perfect image of the sexy little thing she


    is.


    Her seductive, tantalising behaviour is luring me in and I¡¯m falling.


    Just the way I began falling for her without seeing her¡­ the reason I began to struggle to connect with


    my ex¡­


    I¡¯m not falling because I know I¡¯ve already fallen for someone I shouldn¡¯t fall for.


    And this time, I know she¡¯s not flirting on purpose. It¡¯s not to get to me, but if only she knew this got to


    me more.


    I want to yank her close and kiss her senseless, but how do I do that when I¡¯m the worst thing for her?


    Being a part of my life is nothing I¡¯d wish on anyone¡­ even if I wasn¡¯t her teacher, being with me¡­


    would be hell.


    My gaze dips to those plump lips, the corner smeared with cream that I just want to lick right off¡­ But I


    don¡¯t- I can¡¯t.


    Instead, I reach up. Brushing my thumb across the corner of her mouth, she turns her head instinctively


    and licks the cream off my finger. Those pretty lush lips wrapping around them.


    Fuck¡­


    She acts feisty; she acts like she¡¯s the queen of zero fucks, but there¡¯s a vulnerability inside of her that


    fucks with my mind. She acts brave, to show the world she¡¯s dealing, when I know she¡¯s struggled with


    more things than she¡¯ll ever voice out aloud.


    I want to shield her from it all¡­ I¡¯m ready to, and I don¡¯t know why.


    But I know the greatest thing I need to protect her from is my family¡­ If only it was just them¡­ but the


    Court of Sria is behind them.


    Am I strong enough to take them both, or will I fuck this up even more?


    The sound of footsteps makes me jerk back, my heart thudding as I stride towards the sink, just as one


    of the Westwood boys enters.


    ¡°How long are you¡­ wow, what happened here?¡± Ares asks, and I know he¡¯s watching us sharply.


    ¡°Food fight.¡± Sk says, chuckling lightly, but her heart¡¯s still racing.


    d he hasn¡¯t shifted and can¡¯t hear that. I wash my hands and face in the sink. I¡¯m a mess though,


    there¡¯s whipped cream everywhere¡­


    I almost smile. I can¡¯t deny that it was fun.


    ¡°Well, the final round is going to start soon.¡± Ares says.


    ¡°Oh yeah, let me finish the drinks. We¡¯reing.¡± Sk sounds a bit distracted.


    ¡°Sure¡­¡± He replies before I hear him walk out. I turn to Sk to see she¡¯s wiping her face and neck.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually going to head out. I¡¯m going to get this all over everything if I stay.¡± I say quietly.


    She looks at me, and I think I see the flicker of regret in her eyes.


    Fuck, I hate that I¡¯m making her feel like she¡¯s done something wrong.


    ¡°Your drink¡­ it¡¯s still hot yet.¡± She says holding up a ck cat-shaped mug.


    Is that your way of asking me to stay for longer?


    I walk over to her, trying not to let her scent get to me as I pick up one of the hot chocte mugs.


    ¡°Lucky for me I can fix the temperature.¡± I whisper, letting coolness flow through to the mug until it cools


    a little before downing it in one go.


    ¡°Sexy.¡± She remarks before shaking her head. ¡°I mean the powers.¡±


    I nod, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Our eyes meet, and that urge to kiss her again rises inside of me.


    I¡¯m not safe around her, it¡¯s getting harder¡­ and fuck, the fact that there¡¯s a room full of people just


    down the tiny hall and it¡¯s not bothering me is bad.


    ¡°Thanks anyway foring to check up on me, I appreciate it.¡± She says, running her fingers through


    her hair before she cringes when she gets cream on her hand.


    ¡°Yeah, you better wash that out.¡± I smirk. ¡°So, I¡¯ll probably miss the final round, but keep me filled in?¡±


    Her heart skips a beat before she smirks and nods. ¡°I¡¯m great atmentating.¡±


    I know you are¡­


    It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve had to miss matches due to meetings, Dad and other engagements. She


    would always keep me updated.


    I miss that¡­


    I ce the mug down and head out to the hallway.


    ¡°Do you want a nket or something to put over your seats?¡± she asks when she pulls open the front


    door, ncing out at my car.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright, the seats are leather, easy to clean.¡± I say, pulling my top off, and wiping the cream that


    got on my neck off with it. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s mainly on my T-shirt. You really went crazy with that can.¡±


    She smirks, leaning against the door frame and crosses her arms.


    ¡°It was worth it.¡± She muses, with a tilt of her head, her eyes raking over my abs before she snatches


    the shirt from my arms. ¡°I¡¯ll wash it and return it.¡±


    I won¡¯t argue¡­


    An image of her in my shirt fills my mind and I force it away.


    ¡°Do you mind?¡± I say, since she¡¯s still shamelessly checking me out.


    Taking my keys out, I step outside.


    ¡°Not at all, I can enjoy a good view, can¡¯t I? Besides, we¡¯re friends. I should be allowed to admire a fine


    sculpture. Got to have some benefits to being friends with a total hottie.¡± She states.


    Yeah, I didn¡¯t mind, but I don¡¯t want her to recognise me as Reign¡­ the temptation to just tell her is


    there, but I don¡¯t.


    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t get too confident. So, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Let¡¯s meet for training before sses. I think


    we can use a change of ce.¡±


    ¡°Oh? sounds like a n, what time?¡± she scrunches up her nose.


    ¡°Six am.¡±


    She groans but nods, her eyes raking over me once more before I turn and head to my car. She¡¯s still


    watching as I get in and start it up.


    Even now, I am unable to get what had happened out of my head.


    For a few minutes, I was able to forget everything else.


    Bloody hell¡­


    -----


    Reaching home, I enter, bidding Charles a good evening and head straight upstairs to shower, but first I


    lock the blood away in my safe. One that no one can ess.


    Even in my own house, I cannot trust everyone.


    I will run some tests tonight¡­


    Stepping out of the shower with a towel around my waist, I nce at my phone to see she¡¯s sent me a


    string of messages, step by step,mentating.


    Got to love my Lil Lucifer.


    ¡®Dinner is ready Royce, do join us.¡¯ Mom¡¯s voicees through the link.


    ¡®Sure.¡¯ I say, as I quickly grab some boxers and pants, knowing if Mom knows I returned then so does


    Dad.


    Ten minutester, I enter the dining room.


    They¡¯re all here.


    Great.


    I nce at my phone onest time and read her message.


    ¡®ck Wolf won. I don¡¯t know how, but he did! I swear they need a rematch. It was close!¡¯


    ¡®LOL, so in short, you lost then?¡¯ I text back.


    I hit send, before slipping my phone into my pocket before kissing mom and Charlotte on the forehead


    and taking my seat next to Aleric. Charlotte and Mom are opposite us, with Dad at the head of the


    table.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Dad asks after the member of staff removes the lids of our dishes and leaves


    the room.


    ¡°Out,¡± I reply simply.


    ¡°I asked where.¡± Dad repeats with a small smile, one that doesn¡¯t reach his cold eyes.


    ¡°And I don¡¯t feel the need to share.¡± I counter emotionlessly, picking up my fork and knife.


    I¡¯m not hungry but I still decided toe and join them, but like always, it¡¯s the questions I dislike.


    ¡°Shall we at least begin on our meal?¡± Mom interjects. ¡°The roast looks absolutely delicious.¡±


    ¡°Go right ahead, sweetheart.¡± Dad says, motioning for her to carry on, his eyes fixed on mine.


    ¡°It will make matters easier if Royce simply replies¡­ Where were you, Royce, that you seem to be


    struggling to share?¡± Aleric asks, his eyes cold as he turns to look at me.


    ¡°At a friend¡¯s.¡± I reply shortly.


    ¡°Oh, I hope it is just a friend Royce, because another Ruby is not another situation I want again.¡± Dad


    says curtly.


    I clench my jaws, ¡°Jade, her name was Jade, not Ruby.¡± I reply icily.


    ¡°Whatever it was, she was just a bad influence, and in the end, she left you. Do something worthwhile


    with your time, Royce. If it wasn¡¯t for the court¡¯s opinion, you would be in a far lower position than you


    are. You have not shown me that you are worthy of being my son.¡±


    ¡°Keh!¡± Mom says, hurt shing in her eyes.


    ¡°I am being honest Catherine, he does nothing but his own choice. He will face the consequences if


    this careless behaviour keeps going¡­ I¡¯m beginning to wonder if he simply genuinely wants to help


    others out of his own good will, with nothing in return.¡±


    I look ahead at Charlotte, who sits there quietly, a small frown on her face as she ducks her head,


    focusing on her food.


    He keeps going, and I drown him out until he calls me.


    ¡°Royce, do you want to witness my wrath?! Do not ignore me!¡± He thunders. ¡°If it was not for you,


    holding the Sris power, you would not be so arrogant!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wee your wrath¡­ I don¡¯t see me doing as I want, as arrogance, but maybe that¡¯s just me¡­ as


    for the court, they need to remember that I¡¯m the one who wields the power that the court wants, is it


    not? This isn¡¯t even about me.¡± I ask icily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give yourself so much importance Royce.¡± Aleric remarks, his face wearing a mask to disguise


    the irritation he¡¯s feeling, but he¡¯s failing.


    ¡°Am I the one giving myself importance or the court? Ask yourself why that¡¯s the case, Aleric?¡± I growl,


    hating how he had to butt in every fucking time.


    ¡°Royce, enough.¡± Dad warns, and I can¡¯t help but scoff.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    If it wasn¡¯t for this shit, life would be so much easier. Even Aleric doesn¡¯t know the truth, but Dad


    does¡­ He knows the extent of my abilities.


    ¡°No, since this family likes to share everything, what¡¯s to hide?¡± I ask Dad coldly.


    ¡°Royce, if you don¡¯t want to share where you went, then let¡¯s end this discussion. Now.¡± Dad''s eyes


    sh and I wonder why he¡¯s so adamant to hide it from Aleric.


    Aside from the bitch fit that he¡¯ll throw.


    Aleric looks between us, and I know he didn¡¯t miss what I said, and, as if on cue, he ces his fork


    down.


    ¡°What power do you think you have that the High Court sees as special? The Goddess and the Sun


    God himself have blessed us. I represent that.¡¯ Aleric deres.


    I can see the suspicion in his eyes at how Dad changed the topic. I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s trying to convince


    me or himself.


    ¡®Royce, do not delve into it, you know the rules.¡¯ Dad warns through the link.


    I ignore him, ncing at Aleric.


    ¡°Yeah, you sure do.¡± I reply to his statement, finally appreciating the silence that has fallen over the


    table.


    Only the sound of the cutlery against the china filled the room.


    ¡°How are sses going Charlotte?¡± Dad asks after a few moments.


    ¡°Excellent father¡­ I was thinking since Aleric and Royce teach at the Academy, I was wondering if I


    could attend Midnight Academy?¡± She braves, making me look up as Mom looks concerned and Dad


    frowns.


    ¡°That is a discussion I have already been through with you Charlotte, you will not step foot into that


    ce.¡± Dad says dangerously.


    ¡°But Aleric and Royce are-¡±


    Dad ms his knife down, making Charlotte jump.


    ¡°I said no.¡± He hisses, his eyes shing dangerously.


    She looks down. Despite being treated like a princess, she¡¯s also kept caged.


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°CHARLOTTE!¡± Dad thunders.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with her wanting to be around other kids her age.¡± I say, knowing that neither


    Mom nor Aleric were about to defend her.


    ¡°Royce, please don¡¯t make matters worse.¡± Mom says. ¡°Charlotte is getting the best education.¡±


    ¡°But she wants to attend an actual school, like she said Aleric and I are-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe. She¡¯s better off here. One would think you would know that. Do you really want our sister


    in a ce that is full of people with ill intentions?¡±


    ¡°Coming from a predator himself, I¡¯m shocked that you care.¡± I counter icily.


    ¡°Royce!¡± Mom gasps.


    Aleric¡¯s eyes sh, his eyes zing as he res at me.


    ¡°Take it back.¡±


    No.


    ¡°I said nothing but the truth, right? Tell me, isn¡¯t preying on your students, fucking wrong?¡±

 44. The Solaris Bloodline

    44. The Sris Bloodline


    ROYCE.


    Sick of this family, I stand up.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Royce!¡± Dad snarls.


    ¡°What do you mean by that, Royce?¡± Mom asks sharply.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask your mate and favourite son exactly what they¡¯re up to?¡± I growl. ¡°Come on


    Charlotte, I¡¯ll buy you some takeout.¡±


    Charlotte jumps up.


    ¡°Ok.¡±


    ¡°Sit down.¡± Dad snarls at her before his gaze turns to me. ¡°The both of you!¡±


    She hesitates, ncing at me as I wait for her, before Mom takes hold of her wrist, forcing her to sit


    down, a pleading expression in her eyes.


    I shake my head and storm out of the dining hall.


    Dad shouts at me to stop, but I can¡¯t.


    I¡¯ve had enough.


    Walking down the hallway, I frown, lost in my thoughts.


    Just thinking about Sk saying she felt sick and tired. Why do I feel Aleric did something?


    For how long do I stay silent, when I know they are hurting those important to me.


    Mom, Charlotte, Sky¡­


    Fuck¡­


    I look at the gold-framed portraits of the past Alphas of this pack, each one proud and powerful.


    The simrities between my forefathers are noticeable. Each is light eyed with blond hair. An image of


    a sun and moon is painted behind them. Despite being werewolves, we see the sun as a symbol of


    prosperity, too.


    Aleric thinks he is the chosen one because of the ties the Sris line has to Helios, the sun god


    himself. When Helios had allowed Selene to use the power of the sun that contributes to growth and


    nature to touch one of her four lines. The Sris line.


    This was, of course, before Helios shed with a Deimos wolf named Andronikos.


    Long ago, it was said that the gods walked the earth, but ording to what we have learned, there was


    actually a veil that was open between the two worlds,bining them.


    Helios would often select the most beautiful women of the Sris to be part of his harem, and it was


    something Selene agreed to. These women were omegas and Selene made sure they would not have


    mates knowing what their fates would be.


    Even until this day, it is rare for Omegas to have mates. It does happen, but it is rare.


    When Helios¡¯s eyes fell on a beautiful Sris woman, who this time was not a mere Omega but a


    woman that was mated to none other than the Deimos - Andronikos, well, they ended up duelling it out.


    Andronikos won, and humiliated Helios, who in turn cursed the Deimos line.


    After this event, Helios retracted parts of the blessings that he had allowed Selene, and hence the


    Sris main bloodline began to diminish.


    There is a darkness that is approaching and the prophecy says that without the guidance of a chosen


    one, the Sris line will perish.


    The hand of Helios hasn¡¯t touched anyone for centuries, yes there are some elementals born, and we


    keep the Alpha blood strong.


    However, after so many years, I finally hold more than elemental power. I can control nature itself, or to


    some degree, the weather, healing the earth, and the growth of nts and crops.


    It¡¯s why I¡¯m so good at control, because it has been instilled within me from a young age.


    I was subjected to far more training than Aleric has ever been.


    This power that I hold is said to be rare, even amongst those who hold elemental power. Something


    that the Sris Court has been waiting for and Dad is waiting for itsplete manifestation.


    There are seven families that are considered pure-blooded Sris around the world, each holding


    some level of elemental power. All are beneath the Sris court. Yet despite being allied, they are also


    ruthlesslypetitive.


    Hence why Dad has always been so secretive, because he doesn¡¯t want the attention on us.


    Well, that is, until I hit eighteen and the court saw my power. There¡¯s nothing in my personality that they


    like, but it¡¯s that power that Dad does not want gone from his grasp.


    I¡¯ve kept some extents of my abilities a secret to even Dad. He only knows of my weather control and


    my ice abilities.


    I want it to remain like that hoping to remain hidden and live my life as I wish¡­ but despite keeping my


    additional abilities a secret, a new prophecy that a true Sris Alpha King has been born has crossed


    thends and Dad¡¯s fear of everything he has worked and hoped for would be gone if he is found.


    If he realises that, that person is me, he would do anything to have me bend to his will¡­


    I don¡¯t want that, but I also know he thinks my controlling weather is enough proof that I should be the


    next High Alpha of the Sris Court, a position he currently holds.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He also wants me to be the next Alpha here, and wants me to be favoured by the Court of Sris


    because that would only give him more power, but that is something, that if it were to happen, Aleric will


    not be able to cope with¡­


    I would willingly leave it all, but what makes me hesitate is that this pack needs a leader who can


    change things.


    I continue walking down the halls, looking at the portraits on the wall.


    They were all cruel and ruthless too. That is something that needs toe to an end.


    But how do you make the change when things have always been like this? From our ancestors for


    thousands of years?


    How do you change what is cemented into us from birth?


    What do you do when you know that you are the minority who has no support and will be silenced?


    How do I wash the sins of our past from this pack?


    Do I follow my heart, or my mind? Both want to do the right thing¡­ but in doing so, will I hurt those that


    I love?


    I stop at the portrait of my father, staring up at the young man in the picture. A man who knows what he


    wants, who has always known and one who has nned for years to get it and I know that I y a big


    part in that.


    Years of testing on me and drawing pints and pints of blood were for a cause, a cause that only he


    knows of and one that I have been ckmailed into keeping a secret by Dad himself.


    My hands are tied, and I can¡¯t risk those that I love getting hurt.


    This is the curse of the Shadow Wolves Pack itself. There is no glory or pride, simply dread, darkness,


    and deceit.


    A game I want no part of.

 45. A Sisters Vision

    45. A Sister''s Vision


    ROYCE.


    ¡°Royce!¡±


    I turn to see Charlotte run over to me. I can see she¡¯s near to tears as shetches onto my arm.


    Concern fills me as she buries her head in my chest and I wrap my arm around her, rubbing her back.


    We may argue often, but she¡¯s still my little sister.


    ¡°Hey¡­ it¡¯s going to be alright¡­ The offer to get out of here still stands?¡± I offer gently.


    She nods, moving back and taking a deep breath.


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t want food, though. I want ice cream from one of those poor hygiene ces.¡±


    I cock a brow. ¡°They may be smaller ces, Charlotte, but that doesn¡¯t mean the hygiene isn¡¯t good.¡±


    She shrugs, ¡°Ok, can we go?¡±


    I nod, ¡°Sure we can.¡±


    I¡¯ll face the consequencester. I know I will, but tonight I¡¯ll aim to make one of us have a good end to


    the day.


    ¡°Let me go grab my keys.¡± I say to her,


    ¡°I¡¯ll get them!¡± She says quickly. ¡°I need to grab my coat!¡±


    ¡°Sure. Grab my wallet too.¡± I say, as she skips upstairs. I shove my hands into my pocket, staring at the


    nk space near Dad¡¯s portrait.


    For the next Alpha¡­


    ¡°Royce.¡± I turn when Aleric¡¯s snarl rumbles through the grand hallway, his zing aura seeping


    powerfully through the halls. I can see the heat waves around him as he tries to control his rage. ¡°How


    dare you.¡±


    ¡°Not today, Aleric.¡± I reply coldly.


    ¡°Royce.¡± He hisses,


    The sound of Charlotte¡¯s footsteps stop me from replying and I realise why she had wanted to go


    upstairs, unable to hide my amusement at the fact she¡¯s topped up on her gloss, and her perfume, now


    holding a faux fur coat in her hands.


    ¡°Neither of you is leaving this mansion.¡± Aleric warns menacingly.


    I cock a brow. ¡°Who¡¯s going to stop us?¡± I say, cing my arm around Charlotte¡¯s shoulders


    protectively.


    ¡°I will.¡± He snarls.


    I ignore him. Turning and leading the way to the door, the butler opens it. Despite remaining


    emotionless I can sense his fear.


    We haven¡¯t even stepped out when, in a sh, Aleric is in front of us.


    ¡°You have caused Mom and Dad to argue and you think you can just walk away, like always?!¡± He


    sneers. ¡°Fix it.¡±


    My patience is wearing thin as I re at him. ¡°Aleric, do not push me.¡± I warn him quietly.


    ¡°What will you do? All you do is walk away like the coward you are! You will always be the loser, in


    every aspect of life.¡±


    Charlotte looks upset as she steps back.


    ¡°Look, we don¡¯t need to go, I asked him-¡±


    ¡°Stay out of this Charlotte, know your ce!¡± Aleric snarls, making my eyes sh.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I don¡¯t think he realises that when the one who wields the most patience reaches their limits, even the


    heavens will tremble.


    ¡°Do not talk to her like that.¡± I snarl protectively, stepping in front of our sister. Blocking her from his


    view.


    My heart¡¯s racing in anger as I re at him.


    ¡°Step. Aside.¡± I try one final time.


    ¡°Let him go.¡± Dad¡¯s voicees, making Aleric look up at him in shock over my shoulder.


    I don¡¯t bother turning, my heart thudding violently as I take Charlotte¡¯s hand and lead her out of the


    mansion.


    ¡°What a coward.¡± Aleric hisses. ¡°No wonder she¡¯s drawn to me.¡±


    His voice is low, almost silent, but I know who he means. My eyes sh dangerously.


    A blinding sh of lightning and a violent roar of thunder fill the air before the rain starts to pour down.


    ¡°What the¡­¡± Aleric trails off and I turn to re at him, my eyes zing blue.


    Our eyes meet, blue against gold as a bolt of lightning hits the front steps, cracking them down the


    centre as Aleric jumps back.


    ¡°You''re¡­¡± For the first time, he¡¯s lost for words.


    I frown faintly as I turn my back on him.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be possible. He isn¡¯t the firstborn¡­¡± He mutters.


    ¡°Surprised because I¡¯m the third born¡­ You truly are so narrow-minded¡­¡±


    ¡°Father¡­ tell me this is not true.¡±


    Those are thest words I hear before I open the car door for a stunned Charlotte and then get in on


    the other side.


    Yes, I¡¯m the third-born, but I¡¯m not the only third born who ended up being the most powerful of his


    siblings.


    She shivers and I turn the heaters on, my eyes shing as I pull the water from her hair, her eyes widen


    as she watches me in awe. I look ahead, the sound of the wipers moving fast and the pouring rain loud


    in our ears.


    I never wanted power or recognition, but maybe this is the God''s way of sending a sign that things


    need to change, that this pack needs change, we need change¡­


    ¡°Do it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, looking at Charlotte sharply as we drive down the winding wide path and towards the


    gates.


    ¡°You have that face on, where you are debating something. Whatever you want to do, do it. Don¡¯t hold


    back Royce, you are so much more incredible than Dad or Aleric. You are doing this the right way.


    Everyone in this pack will side with you. I¡¯m tired of being caged, Royce. I¡¯m tired of being an outsider


    to the world¡­¡± She brushes her long blond hair back, before continuing.


    ¡°You have the power of the strongest Sris Alpha''s. You are the true heir to the court of Sria and


    this pack! Step up and be the man that neither Dad nor Aleric can ever be. We need you, our people


    are crying for a saviour, hear their pleas and do the right thing!¡±


    I¡¯m unable to reply¡­


    She isn¡¯t just a child, even if Dad treats her like one, She sees it all, and hears more than we do,


    because people don¡¯t realise she is more than just the sheltered Alpha Princess¡­ and what¡¯s more¡­


    her words have hit me hard.


    ¡°I may not have shifted yet, but I am your sister, and I will be the first to stand by your side.¡± She says


    defiantly, her eyes dazzling a pale green.


    My eyes widen in shock.


    ¡°Your ability is awakening¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, it has, especially over thest few months. It¡¯s manifesting, but I just don¡¯t want to be the next


    experiment¡­ so I kept it a secret¡­¡± She says with a toss of her hair.


    She knows¡­


    Our eyes meet and neither of us needs to repeat what¡¯s in our mind. She really does see it all¡­


    ¡°Yeah. You need to keep it from Dad.¡± I say quietly, unease filling me.


    If Dad realises she¡¯s awakening, it only fuels the fact I need to do something.


    I know they¡¯ll try to hurt her if I step out of line, but she¡¯s already living a life she hates¡­


    ¡°Charlotte, what do you think about going to the states?¡± I ask.


    ¡°No. Not happening, Royce. As I said, I¡¯ll be staying here. I¡¯ll be your eyes and ears because no one


    thinks much of me anyway.¡± She shrugs, twisting one of her long blond locks around her finger.


    I frown, but I¡¯m not going to be Dad and go against her will.


    ¡°Oh, by the way¡­¡± She says as I signal left and turn the corner.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I reply, switching some music on low.


    ¡°She¡¯s alive, Royce.¡± Her voice falters and I look at her to see she¡¯s staring ahead, her heart pounding.


    ¡°Who?¡± I ask.


    She turns to me, her eyes glistening with tears.


    ¡°Our big sister Royce, she¡¯s alive. She¡¯s alive Royce.¡±

 46. A Drive in the Rain

    46. A Drive in the Rain


    SKYLA.


    I shut the door after he leaves and I lean against the wall, resting my head back. I¡¯m unable to wipe this


    stupid smile off my face.


    Royce Arden¡­


    My stomach does a flip, and my smile vanishes.


    I¡¯m falling for him¡­ even if he isn¡¯t Reign¡­ I¡¯m somehow falling for him, which means¡­ I¡¯m going to


    have to tell Aleric¡­


    I¡¯m so fucked up¡­


    ¡°Sky! If you¡¯re done flirting, do you want to actuallye and watch?¡± Jayce calls.


    ¡°I¡¯m not flirting. He¡¯s gone.¡± I say, rolling my eyes and heading to my bedroom, I quickly change out of


    my dirty clothes. I wipe my face and neck, my heart skipping a beat as I remember how his hands had


    run along my throat¡­


    Fuck¡­


    I close my eyes, holding my shirt against my neck, as I inhale deeply. His scent lingers¡­


    ¡°Fuck, that one must have hurt!¡± Ares curses, snapping me from my thoughts. Tossing my clothes in my


    washing hamper, I head to the lounge. I¡¯ll showerter¡­ I don¡¯t mind his scent lingering on me a little


    longer, even if I do feel a little sticky.


    I return to the lounge, ready to watch the rest of this match and to ry everything to Royce, ignoring


    the looks I¡¯m getting.


    ¡°So you and Arden seem close.¡± Theo remarks, downing his coca c.


    ¡°We train almost daily.¡± I shrug.


    ¡°Train?¡± Ahren asks cheekily.


    I give him a scathing re, watching the television, hoping they don¡¯t ask more nosy questions.


    ¡°There''re rumours going around about you and the other Arden. You know that right?¡± Jayce says after


    a while, like he¡¯s damn twenty or something.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s BS.¡± I lie,


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d think they would match you up with this one at this rate.¡± Carter adds, ¡°Both are handsome.¡±


    ¡°Mmm,¡± I say lightly, not wanting to discuss guys with this bunch. Like seriously?


    Actually, I want to ask Azura what Leo thought of Royce since I know they met up for a chat. I make a


    mental note of that and focus on the match as I begin to fill Royce in, in the same way I used to do with


    Reign¡­


    -----


    ¡°You guys could just crash here.¡± I say, looking at the clock on the wall.


    It¡¯ste, and it¡¯s a good twenty-minute drive to the school from here at this time, despite theck of


    traffic through town.


    ¡°We brought our bikes.¡± Jayce says, standing up.


    I tilt my head, bikes¡­ after that death noodle attack around here, I don¡¯t want them out there¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, you guys are little babies,e I¡¯ll drop you at the edge of the woods.¡±


    ¡°Are you for real? Babies? You called us goris earlier.¡± Theo reminds me with a scoff. ¡°I¡¯m taking my


    bike.¡±


    Both Theo and Jayce have mopeds but legally they are not of age, and you have to cross through the


    human town. At this time of night they are more likely to be stopped and what if they¡¯re caught for being


    underage?


    ¡°Guys, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s smart.¡± I say, ¡°Especially since it¡¯ste and you know about the attacks.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with Sky on this one. I don¡¯t want to bother going through the woods at this time of night. Want to


    give me a lift?¡± Carter says.


    Jayce shakes his head. ¡°You guys do what you want. We already look eighteen. No one will stop us.¡±


    The confidence in his voice makes me suspicious.


    ¡°You''ve got a fake ID, right?¡± I ask usingly.


    Jayce cocks a brow. ¡°I¡¯m not Theo or you. What¡¯s life without risk?¡± with that, he heads out first.


    Asshole.


    Damn, I forget even the Westwoods are fucking cocky jerks, too. I shake my head.


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ahren, Renji and Carter, you three are with me.


    ¡°Smart choice. They might need their asses saved from whatever killing machine there is out there.¡±


    Ares says cockily as he brushes past Renji and flicks his forehead.


    ¡°Shut it! When you be its next meal, then we¡¯ll be the onesughing.¡± I shout after him.


    I hate that I have to be the dumb responsible one here. I go grab my phone, shoes, and keys before we


    all head out.


    Jayce is already on his bike and ready to go, but before he disappears, I don¡¯t miss the fact that he¡¯s


    got a damn motorbike, which even I¡¯m not legally allowed to use until I¡¯m 19.


    ¡°Where did he get that?¡± I ask.


    Renji sighs, ¡°He brought it, but Dad doesn¡¯t know¡­ or Mom¡­¡± He says, sounding guilty and worried at


    the same time.


    ¡°Fucking Westwood!¡± I growl.


    ¡°Ah, a rebel to a rebel.¡± Ahren hums. I cast him a scathing re, as I step into the pouring rain.


    What the hell is wrong with this weather?


    The moment I open the car door, Malevolent leaps inside, iming the front passenger seat as she


    stares haughtily at the three boys who have no option but to pile into the back.


    ¡°What about our bikes?¡± Carter asks as I rush inside to grab a nket for when I return. I don¡¯t want


    Malevolent getting sick.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get them to school tomorrow.¡± I say, locking the front door after me and hurrying back to the car.


    ¡°The weathers getting worse, so be careful driving, ok.¡± Renji says as he nces out the window.


    I smirk. ¡°I¡¯m not Kat, don¡¯t worry, I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    I set off down the road, seeing the guys have gone ahead, and maybe I am a little jealous of Jayce¡¯s


    bike, I want mine! I only brought the car out here since I had luggage and Malevolent doesn¡¯t like the


    rain.


    I put some EDM music on. Speaking of the weather, Renji wasn¡¯t wrong. It soon begins to pour down,


    and it only gets faster. We¡¯re halfway down the winding road that leads towards the town when I m


    my foot on the brake, seeing something blocking the path.


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Carter says as he¡¯s mmed forward between the seats.


    ¡°Meow¡­¡± Malevolentins as she digs her ws into her seat, stopping herself from falling.


    ¡°Why did you brake?¡± Ahren asks keenly.


    But I can¡¯t focus on them, my heart skipping a beat as I realise there is nothing out there.


    Fuck, I swear I thought I saw something¡­


    ¡°Can one of you ring the boys and see if they are out of the woods yet?¡± Imand, my eyes burning


    plum purple as I scan the surroundings.


    ¡°They¡¯re on three different bikes. Want us to ring them all?¡± Ahren asks.


    ¡°Yeah,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe for them to answer in this bad weather.¡± Carter points out.


    I growl.


    ¡°I know.¡± I snarl. ¡°Renji, call them.¡±


    I scan the darkness outside again. I swear I thought I saw something in the road¡­


    ¡°Hey Jayce, Sky said to ask where you are¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m out for a bit. You guys head back together.¡± Jayce¡¯s voicees.


    I frown, but say nothing.


    He calls the other two and I¡¯m d both are waiting for us. I swear I¡¯m only going to be at ease when all


    six are safe at the academy.


    When we reach the edge of town. I see the other two waiting and motion them to keep moving. I only


    stop when we are outside the academy.


    ¡°Thanks for the ride, Sky.¡± Ahren says with a smile as he hops out. ¡°Although I didn¡¯t realise you were


    going to drop us all the way home.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, bye Malevolent.¡± Renji whispers, giving her a few strokes before he jumps out and


    Carter gets outst.


    ¡°Bye Sky, go home, rx. You¡¯re going to end up messing up your forehead with frown lines at this


    rate.¡± He says.


    I frown in reply and slide down my window, not caring that the rain soaks me in seconds.


    ¡°Listen, all five of you get back inside and I want a call from Renji telling me the five of you made it back


    to your dorms, alright? The same goes for Jayce. When he¡¯s back, let me know.¡±


    ¡°For someone who was always outte, that¡¯s a bit much, isn¡¯t it?¡± Theo asks cocking a brow.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not, especially when there¡¯s something out there, and unlike you guys, I¡­ was stronger.¡± I say,


    thinking I had shifted, but they have not.


    They simply scoff, not taking me seriously.


    I slide my windows up, motioning them to get moving.


    I watch as they troop off, Theo and Ares ahead, shaking my head as they tell the guards whatever


    excuse and they¡¯re let inside.


    Once they¡¯re inside, I drive away, Malevolent now fast asleep in the passenger seat.


    Turning the music down a little so as not to disturb Malevolent, I bop my head and move my body to


    the music as I¡¯m finally back in the woods, my mind once again mulling over Royce.


    It¡¯s crazy, but that¡¯s how I¡¯d envision Reign, that yful attitude, that sexiness he portrays without


    arrogance¡­


    I frown, tilting my head, ¡®Then ck Wolf will definitely win¡­¡¯


    He speaks like Reign¡­


    Maybe I¡¯m trying to convince myself that I want him because he reminds me of online Reign. I mean,


    even I¡¯m not as I portray myself, I¡¯m far calmer online than the real me¡­


    Sighing,


    I nce out at the pouring rain.


    How the hell did the weather get so bad? Urgh, dumb rain!


    I¡¯m driving along when suddenly something ms into the back of my car, the sound of the crunch of


    mental and shattering ss, makes me m my foot on the brakes.


    I turn my head sharply as Malevolent jumps up, hissing. The smell of blood fills my nose, my stomach


    sinking when I clearly see the colour of blood, even in this heavy rain, alongside what looks like a


    human body¡­

 47. The Taste of Survival

    47. The Taste of Survival


    SKYLA.


    My heart hammers as I stare at the blood pouring through the cracks before I quickly get out of the car.


    ¡°Stay hidden.¡± I whisper to Malevolent before I shut the door. The rain instantly drenches me as I stare


    at the body on the back of my car.


    Fuck.


    I rush over, my brain going into emergency mode.


    I need to stem the bleeding! First, I slowly turn the body of the girl over before I gently lift her off the car,


    my heart sinking as I recognise her. She¡¯s a witch student from the academy, one I¡¯ve seen around


    campus here and there. She¡¯s a few years younger than me but I don¡¯t know anything else.


    Her breathing is uneven, and she¡¯s losing blood fast. I can see she¡¯s missing a leg and a good chunk of


    her hip and one arm.


    Fuck¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m going to call for help.¡± I say, reaching for my phone in my pocket, only to realise it¡¯s in the car.


    I pull off the hoodie I''m wearing and wrap it around her waist. I need to call for help asap!


    ¡°No¡­ help¡­ them¡­¡± She chokes out, her eyes flitting to the forest before her eyes roll and my own


    heart stops when I realise she¡¯s gone.


    I close my eyes.


    I may not know her, but someone just died¡­ I move back, staring at her mutted body.


    That fucker¡­


    I stand up, and that¡¯s when I hear it, the chilling hiss of none other than the Death Noodle, followed by


    screams that are partially drowned out by the thunder.


    Fuck!


    Grabbing a piece of ss, I break into a run.


    Note to self: keep a damn weapon in the car at all times!


    I leave the road; the pouring rain is making it harder to pick up a scent.


    ¡°Hello!¡± I shout, brushing back my wet hair from my face.


    Another scream and I follow the sound rushing deeper into the woods, the rocky uneven terrain


    beneath my feet doing little to slow me down.


    I stop in my tracks when I see the broken-down trees,


    It¡¯s here¡­


    And it¡¯s angry¡­


    ¡°Hey, can anyone hear me!¡± I shout. If not, the others out here she was referring to may be in trouble.


    Maybe the Death Noodle might get distracted.


    I¡¯m about to shout again when I see two young girls. One is a werewolf, the other a witch, both huddled


    against a tree trunk.


    Both are injured, as they cower in fear and my heart squeezes when I see the shadow of the monster


    behind them. It¡¯s flickering in and out of view, but it¡¯s unmoving¡­


    The witch is muttering something, but the weak shield she¡¯s summoned isn¡¯t going to be enough¡­


    My eyes ze as the instinct to protect them overtakes me.


    I can risk my own life, fuck I don¡¯t care what happens to me, but when someone or something picks on


    those weaker than them¡­ then Sk Rossi has got to step up her game.


    ¡°Over here, you fucking Dumb Noodle!¡± I growl, grabbing a broken piece of wood that looks sharp


    enough in my free hand. I rush at it.


    Jumping up, I spin in the air, raising both weapons as heunches himself at me, opening his mouth in


    mid-air.


    Fuck, he could chomp me in two. I twist my body, mming the piece of wood into his mouth.


    At the same time, I try to use the ss to cut him, but it simply cuts me and I end up dropping it.


    It hisses, snapping the wood that is in his mouth as if it was simply a piece of straw, and I shift, shoving


    my wed hand straight into its eye.


    If I can¡¯t defeat it, then I will blind it.


    Got to even the ying field, right?


    My ws go straight into its left eye, and I hold on tight, digging my ws in, before I rip its eyes out.


    A terrifying shriek like hiss leaves it, one that even makes my blood run cold.


    The blood and rage that follows are fucking intense. I¡¯m coated in it as it ils his head and I¡¯m thrown


    back, mming into a tree, the agony that rushes through me, forces me to shift back.


    ¡°Call the academy!¡± I shout to the girls, but both are simply staring at me in horror.


    Fuck, man! Focus!


    ¡°We need help!¡± I scream.


    We aren¡¯t going to win this, and I can¡¯t let them get hurt!


    They simply stare at me in terror.


    Fuck! You dumb shrimps!


    The huge-ass snake is still iling blindly. This is our chance to get away.


    ¡°Get up and run!¡± I growl, staggering to my feet.


    ¡°What the fuck¡­¡± I hear the witch mutter, but she¡¯s staring at me. I know she can¡¯t see the Death


    Noodle, but surely, she knows there¡¯s something here? Right now they¡¯re staring at me in horror, but I


    couldn''t care less if they know I¡¯m a Lycan.


    ¡°Come on, we need to get out of here.¡± I say, rushing over to them.


    The snake freezes, its gaze snapping down to me. This time it seems to be staring at me, almost


    intelligently¡­


    Unease fills me as the chilling darkness seems to grow. Something in the air shifts and I find myself


    staring into the one eye it has left¡­


    It looks too intelligent¡­ Something about its observance makes my heart pound.


    I don¡¯t move. My only thought is these kids need to get out of here.


    ¡°Guys¡­ go.¡± I hiss.


    For a moment I¡¯m not sure they will listen but then they mber up, the witch dragging the injured she-


    wolf up.


    ¡°Call someone please.¡± I say quietly.


    I¡¯m not sure they hear me as the snake suddenly lunges at me and I jump. Its head barrels into the


    ground, sending dirt flying everywhere, and I shift.


    Jumping on its back, I try to reach for the other eye. If I can just blind itpletely¡­


    It hisses, as it thrashes around, breaking down trees in the process. It¡¯s not attacking blindly, he¡¯s in a


    rage. One that I have ignited.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I groan as I feel something break in my back, but I¡¯m not about to let go of him. I struggle to climb


    higher, aiming to get closer to its face.


    I can taste blood in my mouth and the pain in my body as he ms me this way and that.


    What do I do?


    Wait! I can mind link Alphas. I didn¡¯t want to resort to this, but there¡¯s a kid out there dead and two more


    injured.


    ¡®If anyone can hear me, I need help in the southern side of the woods bordering the Luminaria Pack.


    There should be a car parked on the road. You can¡¯t miss it!¡¯ I feel the dull headache that I get every


    time I use that ability. Come on with full force.


    The snake''s moving and my heart is in my mouth when I spot the two girls fucking huddled against a


    tree, crying.


    I get that one is injured but keep moving!


    Don¡¯t they get it? In life, sometimes we have to help ourselves¡­ I¡¯m trying to stall it!


    My eyes widen when I see the witch get up and leave the injured she-wolf behind, who has begun


    convulsing.


    The fuck?


    The witch nces back at me before she runs off, and for a moment I feel shocked that she just


    abandoned herrade. We don¡¯t do that¡­ My momentary distraction costs me and I lose my grip


    and the snake manages to throw me to the ground.


    Pain sears through my head and arm as I feel something break, and I¡¯m forced back into human form


    again.


    I groan as I reach up and push my dislocated shoulder back into ce.


    I roll over and stagger to my feet.


    My instincts are telling me to run, to pick my battles wisely, but I can¡¯t leave the girl here¡­


    I can¡¯t let someone else die.

 48. Is This It?

    48. Is This It?


    SKYLA.


    Then Sky fucking grab her and run!


    But I know that I won¡¯t outrun it¡­ I¡¯m barely standing¡­


    The rain continues to pour down; the darkness bes visible, almost like smoke and soon all I can


    see is just me and the snake in a cloud of darkness.


    ¡®Daughter of Selene¡­¡¯


    The voice seems toe from all around me.


    Chilling, powerful, and pure evil¡­


    I scan the area.


    Where is that voiceing from? My plum eyes snap back to the snake, my heart thudding loudly.


    That intelligent look has returned, and I wonder¡­


    Can it speak or is something controlling it?


    My mind returns to Kataleya¡¯s words.


    Apophis¡­


    I stare at the snake, avoiding looking at its bloody mutted eye as its body flicker in and out of my


    vision.


    I don¡¯t know how it¡¯s doing that disappearing act, but I should be more focused on the fact it can


    fucking speak and not that it¡¯s got some wacky magician tricks.


    ¡°Servant of Apophis¡­¡± I counter, making sure to keep my voice strong and powerful.


    I keep my gaze locked with his, challengingly.


    The snake hisses, but it doesn¡¯t move.


    Its face stretches in what I have to admit is one fucking terrifying grin before it darts at me.


    ¡®The time is near¡­.to fulfil my duty¡­ ¡¯ It whispers as I jump to the side. It turns at thest moment,


    hissing as it opens his mouth, ready to impale me on its fangs.


    He spits something, what I assume is venom at me and I fail to dodge, gasping when I feeling the


    burning pain rush through my neck.


    I turn, falling to the muddy ground.


    There are many ways to die¡­ but getting killed by a huge Death Noodle? Nope, that¡¯s not one I¡¯ve


    imagined, and trust me, I¡¯ve imagined many ways I could possibly die, including experiencing an


    incredible orgasm.


    ¡°What do you want from me!¡± I hiss, as I take cover under a tree as the huge snake breaks it in


    seconds, sending splintered wood everywhere.


    Fuck, I need help.


    Me -Lucifer fucking needs help¡­


    Lycans are meant to fight alone¡­e on girl you got this¡­


    Unleash the beast¡­


    I¡¯m already using all my anger and power, what more can I do?


    I am a Rossi, and we never bow down to our enemies.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    I close my eyes, taking deep steadying breaths before my eyes open, burning bright.


    If I¡¯m going to die, it won¡¯t be because I¡¯m hiding¡­ it will be in battle.


    I stand up, forcing my body to shift once again. I turn and look at the huge motherfucker.


    Come to fucking Mama.


    I grab a piece of wood and back away, assessing the area without taking my eyes off him.


    I have onest chance¡­.


    One chance to give it my all because I won¡¯t have the strength for another round¡­


    Exhaling slowly, I run at the snake head-on.


    Ok Sky. One. Fucking. Shot!


    I use an upturned tree for leverage and twist at thest moment and m the sharp, jagged end of


    wood into his damaged eye. It roars in agony and I m all my force into it, feeling it rip through him as


    I push the two-foot piece of wood almost fully into its eyes.


    I turn as I hear the swish of its enormous taile at me. I try to get out of the way, but I¡¯m too slow,


    and it smashes into my waist, the sharpness of its scales cutting through me.


    Fuck¡­


    It hurts¡­


    ¡°Sky!¡±


    That voice in the distance¡­ Lightning shes through the sky and I¡¯m thrown up into the sky, the


    moment a bolt of lightning strikes the snake, but before I can evene down, the snake opens his


    mouth wide and I realise he¡¯s about to eat me.


    Time seems to slow¡­


    My eyes widen as I¡¯m faced with those huge jaws and I twist my body; I¡¯m going to be snake


    food? Really?


    I flinch as its jaw stretches impossibly wide before it mps down around me. I twist my body, curling


    up and narrowly missing its huge fangs, holding my breath as I feel myself squished inside of the


    snake¡¯s mouth.


    Holy fuck!


    Pain sears through me. Whatever coats the inside of this motherfucker burns like a bitch in heat¡­


    My body begins to turn numb fast.


    It¡¯s still thrashing around, and I hear the roaring sound of thunder before suddenly I see a blinding light.


    My eyes widen as the snake is thrown to the ground, hissing.


    I would have felt that if my body wasn¡¯t so damn numb¡­


    It¡¯s split open and I roll to the floor covered in blood and who knows what else?


    I see a man standing there, but it¡¯s too bright to make him out. I think I hit my head hard cause he¡¯s


    holding a bolt of lightning.


    Wait maybe I died and I¡¯m meeting like Zeus or something!


    Shouldn¡¯t I meet Selene?


    Wait no¡­ Hades cus you know I¡¯vemitted many sins.


    Yes, that¡¯s no Hades¡­


    My eyes widen as I spot sight of the head of the snake that now lies feet away from me.


    Dead.


    My entire body now feels paralysed, my vision blurring.


    ¡°¡­my god!¡±


    A girl¡¯s voice¡­


    Two people¡­ I force my eyes up as I think I hear someone calling me.


    ¡°Sky! Fuck! Charlotte, call Alejandro Rossi!¡±


    I guess Dad¡¯s name is thest thing I¡¯ll hear even before death, is he like Jesus or something?


    We should be taking Selene¡¯s name¡­ not Dad''s!


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be fine.¡±


    Urgh. Let me die a hero¡­


    ¡°Sky hold on!¡± Someone¡¯s cradling my burning body, and I try to focus.


    Royce¡­


    His facees into view,


    God, he¡¯s beautiful¡­


    Did heaven send an Angel?


    Na I¡¯m lucifer. Devils don''t get Angels to save them...


    ¡°Now, this isn¡¯t exactly how I wanted you to see me naked.¡± I choke out hoarsely.


    It¡¯s getting harder to move¡­


    I¡¯m in so much agony¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re still beautiful.¡± He mutters, his usually emotionless face is full of worry, but he¡¯s looking me over


    and I think I can hear his pounding heartbeat.


    ¡°Yo so listen¡­ if I die¡­ make sure you don¡¯t tell people I became a snake delicacy¡­ I mean I only like


    to be dessert for¡­¡± My entire body convulses and I feel myself being pulled into the soothing warmth of


    his chest.


    ¡°You are not going to die.¡± He growls.


    No¡­ I think I am¡­.


    ¡°The¡­ girls¡­ help¡­¡±


    I can¡¯t say anything more. I wish I could tell him to tell mama and dad I love them¡­


    I feel a soothing coolness wrap around me, and I think he¡¯s holding me tightly.


    It¡¯sforting¡­


    The darkness is pulling me into its folds¡­ I just hope the girls are safe¡­

 49. Race Against Time

    49. Race Against Time


    ROYCE.


    I stare at her, processing her words.


    There¡¯s no way, I mean, how can that even be possible? If she is alive, then where is she? Why isn¡¯t


    she here?


    ¡°Lottie¡­ Why do you say that?¡± I ask her quietly.


    She looks down. ¡°Trust me, Royce, I know she is. I heard them speak of it with my own ears.¡± She


    mumbles, her heart thumping as if fearing getting into trouble.


    ¡°Who?¡± I ask, my own heart racing. ¡°She was stillborn. There¡¯s got to be a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°No Royce, she was meant to be¡­ offed.¡±


    Offed.


    I know what she means, and I wait as she struggles to keep calm.


    My own emotions are havoc as I try not to let her see it as I wait for her to continue when she¡¯s ready.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± I ask, trying to remain calm.


    ¡°I snuck out one day to go to the packhouse, and then when I was trying to get back home, I overheard


    Beta Quade and Delta Harry talking in his office. Beta Quade said he couldn¡¯t do it, so he instead


    would feel a pack link break that night and think it was our sister, of course, he didn¡¯t keep a count of


    everyone and so¡­ Beta put her in a human orphanage and told Dad he¡¯d done the job.¡±


    It feels as if someone just stabbed me in the throat. I feel as if I¡¯m choking.


    Dad did that¡­


    ¡°And why- why was he telling Harry now?¡± I ask, trying to understand it but the fact that Dad actually


    tried to have his own daughter killed.


    A baby¡­ fuck¡­


    ¡°He said he recently found out she was taken from the orphanage. He said that he found out that that


    orphanage is linked to some powerful Alpha and he¡¯s scared Dad will figure it out if he ever sees her.


    But he¡¯s unable to get any further details about her, and he doesn¡¯t even know if she still goes by the


    name he gave her or if she¡¯s under a new identity.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­ I¡¯ll talk to the Beta. If she¡¯s out there, we¡¯ll find her.¡± I reply quietly as we drive through the


    small town at the edge of the woods where Sk lives.


    The revtion has my head spinning. Would she even want to know us? Would we be ruining her


    peace, to tell her that her father wanted her dead?


    I mean, I have no reason to tell Dad, and I never will, but Mom, does she know her daughter is alive?


    No, she doesn¡¯t, because I¡¯ve seen her remember her pain.


    Mom has one tattoo, a tiny one beneath her wedding ring. Victoria with a little heart. Her charity


    foundation is the Victoria Trust. She¡¯s never forgotten her. What would she do if she learned what dad


    has done?


    How do I cope with the fact that he tried to kill his own child?


    Experiments and control¡­ I dealt with it all, but this?


    The hurt and shock I feel are beginning to change to a burning anger.


    Charlotte sighs.


    ¡°That could have been me. If I wasn¡¯t good enough, he would have tried to kill me too¡­ and what if it


    wasn¡¯t Beta Quade¡­ what if he gave her to someone who would have actually killed her?¡± She takes a


    shuddering breath. ¡°I¡¯ve considered running away, Royce. I¡¯m sick of the cage I live in.¡±


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have to step it up. You¡¯re right, this can¡¯t continue. He as good as killed his own daughter.


    He isn¡¯t worthy of being Alpha or on the king¡¯s council, nor the head of the Sris court. It¡¯s time for


    change.¡±


    ¡°Then will you challenge him and Aleric?¡±


    I¡¯m about to reply when a voice rips through my head.


    ¡®If anyone can hear me, I need help on the southern side of the woods bordering the Luminaria Pack.


    There should be a car parked on the road. You can¡¯t miss it!¡¯


    Sk?


    Her voice is strained.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I curse.


    She used her Lycan ability to mind link any Alpha close enough. She¡¯d only do that if she was in real


    trouble and, for Sk, real trouble meant a life or death situation.


    ¡°Royce, what¡¯s going on?¡± Charlotte asks. I swerve the car left, heading towards the woods at full


    speed.


    The rain is hammering down on the car, but it doesn¡¯t phase me.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s in danger.¡± I say.


    She quickly straps her belt on as I press my foot down on the gas, driving at a dangerous speed. It


    doesn¡¯t take long before I spot Sk¡¯s car, but it¡¯s the mutted body on the ground that makes my


    stomach twist.


    My heart drops, until I notice the long dark blond hair and close my eyes.


    It¡¯s not her¡­


    Thank the goddess!


    But I know who did this - the beast.


    ¡°Charlotte¡­¡± I can¡¯t leave her here alone. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    I get out of the car and run to the trunk, I grab two swords, tossing one to Charlotte, who catches it with


    ease before scanning the area. There¡¯s no scent from the rain, but I can hear amotion.


    ¡°This way.¡± Imand, my eyes shing as lightning shes in the sky.


    She better be ok, what the hell even happened?


    Please be ok.


    Fuck, I shouldn¡¯t have left her alone. Did she leave her house to drop off her cousins? I should have


    done that. Why is she even allowed out here?


    Who was that girl?


    ¡°Sky!¡± I shout, hoping she hears me.


    Please fucking be ok.


    I can hear them. They¡¯re shing but relief floods me to know she¡¯s alive and kicking.


    ¡°Holy¡­.¡± I hear Charlotte whisper as we both look down at the second dead body that lies there,


    frothing at the mouth, eyes wide open.


    This one died from poisoning.


    More casualties¡­


    I see Sk fighting. From here, it looks like she¡¯s alone in the middle of all these broken trees, but I


    know what else is here¡­


    Using her as an estimate, I send a bolt of lightning at it, but to my horror, I see Sk barrel downwards


    just as I burst into the opening. One moment she¡¯s in the air, the monster hissing viciously, and then


    she disappears before I can even reach her.


    He fucking ate her.


    I can¡¯t see himpletely, but I can now see bits of blood that give away his position and his one plum-


    coloured eye turns on me.


    Damn Sky¡¯s done damage.


    I don¡¯t waste time rushing at it, lightning crackles through my hand and wraps around my de as I run


    at him.


    ¡°Royce!¡± Charlotte shouts in panic, but the only thing I care about is getting my Lil Lucifer out of him.


    I refuse to believe she¡¯s not alive. I can hear her heartbeat. It¡¯s faint, but it¡¯s there.


    She¡¯s a Lycan, she can¡¯t die.


    He lunges at me, his single eye full of rage, and I jump up, using the wind to give me leverage before I


    raise my sword, and with everything I have, I bring it down.


    My hair whips in front of my eyes, and I grit my teeth when I feel the sword connect before blood


    stters everywhere, the lightning cutting through him and illuminating the night sky.


    His bodyes into view as it drops to the ground, his head rolling.


    Dead.


    I turn to see a bloody Sk roll out of him.


    She¡¯s breathing, fuck she¡¯s alive, but barely.


    ¡°Oh my god!¡± Charlotte gasps as I drop my sword and rush to Sk.


    ¡°Sky! Fuck! Charlotte, call Alejandro Rossi!¡±


    Panic and fear envelop me as the rain hammers down on her, washing away some of the dirt and blood


    from her naked body.


    Charlotte runs over as I take my phone out of my pocket and, unlocking it, I toss it at her.


    I scan her body. The snake was venomous. Those who came in touch with it, died sooner orter.


    She was inside of him, if this was anyone else, they¡¯d be dead. I call forth more rain, letting it rinse her


    body of everything. Yet I can see her skin changing colour.


    ¡°Sky hold on!¡± I say, my heart thumping as I cradle her body, which is burning hot, trying to assess the


    extent of her injuries.


    Her beautiful eyes are looking at me, but I¡¯m not sure she can hear me or even see me.


    With a shaking hand, I brush a few strands of her hair off her face, wishing I had told her who I was.


    Fuck!


    No, she isn¡¯t dying.


    Fuck, you can¡¯t die.


    I just need her family to pull a miracle ande save her.


    I can hear Charlotte struggle with the phone, but she¡¯s not able to connect.


    ¡°Is it not connecting?¡± I ask,


    She shakes her head. ¡°It¡¯s not working, but I¡¯ll try by the road,¡± She whispers, before she runs off out of


    the trees. ¡°Royce, bring her to the car!¡±


    ¡°Now this isn¡¯t exactly how I wanted you to see me naked,¡± Sk murmurs as I shift her position, ready


    to lift her up.


    ¡°You¡¯re still beautiful,¡± I whisper as I scan her beaten, wounded body. My gaze stuck on her side. Unlike


    the rest of her body, the skin around the cuts looks worse. As if she¡¯s been burned.


    Did the poison get into her system faster from her cut? I hope not¡­ but that¡¯s what it looks like.


    ¡°Yo listen¡­ if I die¡­ make sure you don¡¯t tell people I became a snake delicacy¡­¡± Her body shudders


    as she begins convulsing and I pull her into my chest.


    Her body is zing hot like a furnace and I let coolness wash over her, hoping it soothes her pain a


    little.


    ¡°¡­I mean I only like to be dessert for¡­¡± She murmurs.


    Be my dessert, any day¡­ I¡¯ll be yours.


    This girl, though, even when she¡¯s so badly wounded, she can still light up my world.


    ¡°You are not going to die.¡± I growl as I stand up.


    ¡°The¡­ girls¡­ help¡­¡±


    Didn¡¯t she know they were dead?


    I run as fast as I can to the car, hearing Charlotte on the phone.


    ¡°¡­ on the border of the Luminaria Pack hospital - immediately.¡± She hangs up, her heart thumping.


    ¡°Good call. It''s the closest.¡± I say to her, referring to the Luminaria Pack.


    She nods.


    I ce Sk down, pulling open the trunk of my car.


    We had managed to get some venom and had tried toe up with a pre-battle anti-venom. I don¡¯t


    know to what extent it¡¯ll work, but it might help slow it down. Pulling open all three vials I have, I pour


    the first on her waist injury before tilting her head up and pouring the other two down her mouth.


    I can only hope something goes down her throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m shifting Charlotte. Don¡¯t call Dad, call Alpha Prescott. His number¡¯s on the phone and tell him


    what¡¯s happened and not to mention it to anyone. Tell him that I¡¯m on the way.¡±


    Thest thing I need is for Dad to make matters worse.


    She nods. ¡°Go, I''ll be fine. I¡¯ll tell them to send someone to deal with this mess.¡±


    I don¡¯t want to leave my little sister alone, but I also know that Sky will die if she isn¡¯t treated


    immediately.


    Shifting, Charlotte helps lift Sk onto my back, taking off her coat she ces it on top of Sk before


    I break into a run as I leap through the trees, my paws barely hitting the ground, my only goal is to get


    her to someone who can help her.


    I won¡¯t let anything happen to you, Love.


    I swear.

 50. These Emotions

    50. These Emotions


    ROYCE.


    ¡°What happened? The King will have my head! That thing was in my territory! I should have been


    alerted!¡± Prescott mutters, visibly panicking as a group of doctors rush to Sk¡¯s side the moment I


    ce her down. Charlotte¡¯s coat covering her.


    One of the guards who had apanied me from the entrance of the hospital now passes me some


    sweatpants and I pull them on quickly, looking down at her.


    The beautiful goddess is in pain. I can see it on her face and the way her body is trembling ever so


    slightly.


    The venom of the snake shuts down the body, and depending on how much venom the person is


    exposed to, their death can be fast or can take up to a few days. Those who we know have been


    poisoned are healed before the venom can kill them.


    Sk had been inside of him. Even if it was for a few seconds, she has still been exposed to an


    extreme level of venom and I had felt her body beginning to shut down.


    ¡°She¡¯s so cold¡­¡±


    I¡¯ve frozen her somewhat, to slow the spread of the poison further. I know it¡¯s something I¡¯m going to


    have to exin to the royals when they show up, but right now, I don¡¯t really care.


    If it can save her life, who cares if I break the oath of the court?


    I can¡¯t bring myself to move back, as a nurse quickly puts a sheet over her breasts and private area,


    removing Charlotte¡¯s coat as they begin checking her stats.


    The doctors are panicking. I can clearly see they don¡¯t know what to do.


    Now under the bright light of the hospital room, I can see her skin turning grey and it¡¯s not because of


    me partially freezing her.


    ¡°Antivenom! Now!¡±


    I made sure the rain washed off every inch of the poison, but the effect was still here.


    ¡°She¡¯s struggling to breathe!¡± One of the doctors says, ¡°The poison is too strong for her body to take.


    Let¡¯s try the-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve given her a high dose of the best, hook her up to a venttor, and get a blood transfusion from me.


    Let¡¯s try to remove the poison from her wound manually.¡± Imand, stepping forward. It¡¯s not the first


    time I¡¯ve dealt with fatal injuries.


    Dad made sure Aleric and I had full experience and knowledge in the medical field.


    I¡¯m not letting anything happen to her. I pull my hair back, twisting a strand around it, knotting it fast.


    ¡°Roger!¡±


    ¡°I need some charcoal and goldenseal, as well as fire¡­¡± I say calmly, despite the fear inside of me.


    Fear doesn¡¯t help¡­


    ¡°Alpha Arden, are you sure-¡±


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. Until the queen gets here, we need to act fast and slow the poison.¡± I say,


    taking a cloth and wiping her side with warm water, seeing the burns spreading across her stomach.


    It¡¯s not enough, we¡¯re not doing enough.


    Someone brings me the items I asked for, and taking some, I spread it over her side.


    A whimper leaves her as her back arches slightly before she bes still.


    Fuck!


    ¡°How long will the queen take to get here!¡± I growl.


    ¡°They should be here soon! When I called, he said they¡¯ll be here immediately!¡± Prescott answers.


    My heart is thundering as I ce my hand over the injury on her side.


    Come on, Sk¡­ fight it.


    Lil Lucifer doesn¡¯t lose to anyone¡­


    You have that spirit¡­ Come on Love¡­


    The burning is spreading, which means the venom is travelling too. I look down at her, trying to think


    through every solution I can think of.


    There¡¯s one that might work!


    Burning the venom from the open wounds.


    They¡¯re getting everything set up, but they¡¯re still too slow. My own heart is thumping violently as I try to


    fight the havoc within as I reach for the small lighter.


    ¡°You can¡¯t use that method¡­¡± The doctor murmurs, now realising what I¡¯m doing.


    ¡°It¡¯s the only option I have.¡± I say quietly.


    They hook her up to a venttor fast and a nurse is by my side, quickly putting a catheter into my hand


    and connects me up to Sk.


    It¡¯s not like I liked fire, but there is no other option.


    I flick the light on, as the tension in the room rises and I run it along with her injuries. Her forehead is


    coated in sweat.


    I hate seeing her like this, but with thebination of the heat burning away some of the poison and


    the ice slowing its spread, I¡¯m confident she¡¯s going to be ok.


    You got to be ok doll¡­


    Is there another injury?


    Nothing I do is stemming it and she¡¯s deteriorating fast. I know it¡¯s only been a few minutes, but it feels


    like years.


    ¡°Anyone who is not doing anything needs to leave now.¡± Imand.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    They don¡¯t argue as they back out, and I pull the sheet over Sk¡¯s hips before turning her onto her


    side. Two doctors hold on to her as her heartbeat begins dropping.


    I scan her slender back fast, and that is when I see it, a dark patch forming beneath her skin just below


    her shoulder de.


    ¡°I need a knife and a cloth!¡± I exim. ¡°Get a bowl ready now!¡±


    They move fast, and someone passes me a knife. With one hand, I hold the cloth beneath the part, and


    with the other hand, I make a quick incision.


    ckened blood, thick due to being partially frozen, begins leaking out and I wipe it up.


    It¡¯s not fast enough!


    The machine begins beeping.


    ¡°They need to get here now!¡± I shout.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell the Alpha!¡± a nurse shouts as she runs to the door.


    The blood isn¡¯ting out fast enough.


    I drop the knife and, leaning forward, begin sucking the blood into my mouth before spitting it into a


    bowl. The venom burns the inside of my mouth, but I¡¯m not bothered.


    ¡°More goldenseal and charcoal.¡± I order, feeling my entire mouth begin to numb.


    Fuck¡­ I got to be faster.


    I keep going, trying to remove what poison I can. Her heart rate stops for a second.


    ¡°The defibritors!¡±


    My heart is pounding as I send a current of electricity to her heart and the machine begins beeping


    again.


    ¡°False rm!¡±


    I need to get the poison out before it spreads to her heart.


    A wave of power emanates through the room as the door flies open. The first thing I see is a head of


    sandy brown hair from the side of my eyes, and for a split second, I think it¡¯s Sk¡¯s twin before I


    realise it¡¯s the queen herself.


    Relief floods me as she¡¯s by her daughter¡¯s bedside in an instant, a powerful purple aura swirling


    around her as she ces her hands on Sk¡¯s waist and chest and I see her aura pour into her. I


    slowly allow her body temperature to return to normal.


    The queen¡¯s zing purple eyes snap to mine, a frown of concentration on her face, and I wonder if


    she noticed. But I¡¯m not sure, as she once again focuses on her daughter.


    She¡¯s going to be ok¡­


    I feel my own heart palpate, and stagger to my feet, spitting the blood into the bowl.


    ¡°Water.¡± One of the nurses says, as she passes me a ss and I gargle it around my mouth before I


    spit it into the bowl and wipe my mouth.


    The sound of light footsteps and Delsanra Rossi, Luna of the ck Storm Pack, enters. I recognise her


    by her pure white hair.


    ¡°Kiara, do you need my help?¡± She asks.


    Kiara shakes her head, ¡°Heal him.¡± She says in a strained voice.


    Delsanra¡¯s gaze turns to me and although I want to say I¡¯m ok, and focus on Sk, but I can¡¯t talk.


    She chants something before I see the glimmer of her power pouring into me, and I clench my jaw,


    trying to suppress a cough.


    But I fail, coughing some blood out.


    ¡°You are powerful, Alpha Royce Arden.¡± Delsanra says with a small smile. Her eyes ze red and I feel


    a cool sensation rush through me and I exhale, feeling myself return to normal. I lean back against the


    wall, my eyes on the woman on the bed.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, unable to look away as her heartbeat continues to fluctuate.


    Come on Sky¡­


    I can see Kiara struggling, and Delsanra begins whispering something as she backs Kiara up.


    I want to do something, not just stand here helplessly. My gaze falls to her back. It¡¯s closing up, and the


    colouring is returning to normal¡­


    My hands are itching to touch her, to hold her, and I¡¯m struggling to control myself. Her hair is falling in


    front of her eyes, and I want to move it back, but I can¡¯t.


    Fuck, wake up!


    I look away. She doesn¡¯t need me; she has the help she needs.


    Just then the door opens and Alejandro enters. His heart is thudding and despite the power that


    envelopes him, I can see the fear and vulnerability in his eyes as his eyes flick from his daughter to me


    before they return to her.


    He strides over to the bed, looking over at his mate and I know they¡¯re conversing before Alejandro


    sighs, looking down at Sk, before brushing her hair back and kissing her forehead.


    I look down at the blood that¡¯s being transfused to Sk, from me. I doubt it¡¯s even helping¡­


    My heart squeezes and I know I need to get out of here before my emotions get the better of me.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to be ok,¡± Kiara says, closing her eyes as her aura fades away. ¡°Thank the goddess¡­¡±


    Her head hangs as Delsanra¡¯s aura vanishes, and she ces her hand on Kiara¡¯s shoulder.


    I slowly remove the catheter from my hand and silently push away from the wall and head to the door.


    Just when I¡¯m about to reach for the door handle. Alejandro speaks, his voice barely masking the


    blistering anger he¡¯s trying to contain.


    ¡°Care to fucking share what the fuck exactly happened that has put my daughter in this state?¡±


    I turn my head, and I find myself looking into the zing red eyes of the Lycan king. His aura fills the


    room, but despite its power, it has no effect on me.


    That usatory stare and that distrust¡­ things I¡¯ve earned for being born an Arden¡­


    I nce at the two women, who are both watching me intently.


    None of them truly trust me, and the truth is, I can¡¯t fault them.


    I am the son of a monster after all.

 51. An Explanation

    51. An Exnation


    ROYCE.


    ¡°Give me a minute, I need to check if my sister is alright.¡± I say, knowing I sound cold, but I need a


    moment, turning I leave the room.


    Prescott is pacing the hall, but I can tell he¡¯s mind linking. He¡¯s frowning, and I can sense his worry. He


    sighs and runs his fingers through his beard.


    ¡°Has my sister arrived yet?¡± I ask him when he finally turns to me.


    ¡°She¡¯s on her way. The two bodies have been collected and the king ordered them to be brought


    here¡­¡± He hesitates.


    There¡¯s something different in his behaviour. He¡¯s different from the panicked Alpha I had seen when I


    came in. He looks almost uneasy.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I ask, frowning.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ there was no sign of this apparent monster, Alpha Arden.¡± He says quietly.


    I frown as I look up at him sharply. ¡°What do you mean there was no sign of the body? I killed it. It was


    there.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes¡­ you did say that¡­ but there is nothing in the woods.¡± He huffs, shaking his head. ¡°However,


    my men have brought Sk Rossi¡¯s car and cat here for the time being, until the King gives us further


    instructions. But your story is¡­ intriguing.¡±


    How?


    I shake my head. Maybe it did disappear, but there were clear signs of mass destruction.


    ¡°There was blood everywhere. The entire area in the woods was destroyed, so many trees were ripped


    up and the bodies of two young girls were found. That is enough proof that the unseen monster was


    there. Your men saw that at least, correct?¡± I ask.


    He shakes his head slowly. ¡°No, I have no idea what part of the woods you mean, Alpha Royce. As for


    these bodies, that is all there was. Just two girls murdered.¡± There¡¯s a suspicious look in his eyes and I


    frown.


    ¡°Murdered.¡±


    What is he insinuating?


    ¡°Yes, perhaps someone did this¡­¡±


    My heart thuds. What is going on?


    ¡°She¡¯s been poisoned¡­ is that not proof enough?¡±


    ¡°By a venom that the Ardens possess, your father, Alpha Keh, was adamant to attain that venom


    from past attacks, to perform some tests on.¡± A second voice says from behind me. I turn and look at


    the head warrior of the Luminaria pack.


    To create an anti-venom, exactly what I used on Sk.


    ¡°Care to exin?¡± Prescott asks.


    I shake my head. A few loose strands of my makeshift bun fall in front of my forehead.


    ¡°When people have their minds made up, you can dere the truth or present proof, but they will not


    listen. The small-minded will still believe and stick to the first version of the story they heard.¡±


    He looks offended at my words, but I really am not in the mood.


    There¡¯s a lot more I want to say but I bite my tongue. If they are so untrusting of us, why even let Dad


    on the council?


    I know the answer¡­ They had needed the investment from the Arden Empire for the startup of the


    academies¡­ it was a business deal. Everyone is the same in the end...


    ¡°Are you insinuating that we are small-minded Alpha Royce?¡±


    ¡°No, I was talking about the chickens in your pen,¡± I reply sarcastically.


    He looks confused, and I internally roll my eyes.


    What a bloody idiot.


    ¡°I have nothing more to say. I will take my sister and take my leave. Thank you for being understanding


    and allowing me to bring the princess here.¡±


    ¡°Not so fast.¡± Alejandro¡¯s cold voicees from behind me, fuck I didn¡¯t even notice when he opened


    the door.


    I¡¯m about to turn to him when I¡¯m called.


    ¡°Royce!¡±


    I turn to see a shivering Charlotte running down the hallway, a look of worry and panic on her face, and


    she¡¯s soaked. Her hair sticks to her face as she rubs her arms, trying to keep herself warm.


    That¡¯s not how I¡¯m used to seeing her, and I hate seeing her like that.


    She reaches me, and I pull her close, hugging her tightly.


    ¡°Royce, it¡¯s gone! The snake is gone!¡± Her heart is pounding as she looks up at me.


    I frown, looking down at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s going to be fine.¡± I say, kissing her forehead. I draw some of the water off her, but I


    can¡¯t do much, not when there¡¯s an audience. ¡°Can we get some dry clothes for her?¡± I ask Prescott.


    I don¡¯t want her to get ill, until she shifts, she can catchmon illnesses.


    ¡°Of course.¡± He says, and I¡¯m grateful he isn¡¯t punishing Charlotte, despite his suspicion towards me.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s step back inside and talk.¡± Alejandro says.


    That¡¯s a clearmand.


    Just then a nurse hurries over with a towel and some hospital scrubs for Charlotte. I Guess Prescott''s


    mind linked someone fast.


    Charlotte¡¯s eyebrow cocks up at the sight of them, but she epts them.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She says politely, but I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll be putting them on.


    Looking back at Alejandro, I give a small nod.


    Best we get this over with.


    Taking a silent, steady breath, I step back into the room where the women have somehow got Sky into


    a hospital gown. The sheets are changed, and her hair ispletely dry.


    Her scent is soothing, but relief floods me when I hear her steady breathing.


    She¡¯s alright¡­ Thank god, fuck she scared me¡­


    Alejandro closes the door after us and Charlotte moves away from me as she begins to towel dry her


    hair, shivering.


    ¡°Would you like me to dry you?¡± Delsanra asks her.


    ¡°Uh no, I know how to use a towel.¡± Charlotte says, tossing her wet hair over her shoulder.


    Delsanra smiles. ¡°I meant with a little magic like I used on Sk.¡± She says, pointing to the bed.


    Now that made sense.


    ¡°Oh sure, I hate feeling so sticky and wet.¡± Charlotte scrunches her nose, cing the towel and clothes


    down.


    Kiara smiles gently from where she¡¯s sitting on the chair, looking exhausted as she holds her


    daughter¡¯s hand.


    Delsanra mutters something before Charlotte¡¯s clothes and hair be dry within seconds.


    Nice.


    ¡°Oh wow, thank you.¡± Charlotte says, running her fingers through her hair.


    ¡°What would you like to talk about?¡± I ask Alejandro.


    It¡¯s hard being in the same room as Sk and keeping my distance.


    ¡°What exactly happened that sent Sk to death¡¯s door?¡± Alejandro asks, his eyes glimmering red as


    his aura fills the room.


    It takes me a few seconds to realise he has enforced his Alphamand.


    ¡°The fact that you need to use your Alphamand on me to get the answers you seek¡­ shows you


    don¡¯t trust me. Why not wait for Sk to wake up and ask her yourself.¡± I say, my voice softening when


    I mention her.


    ¡°Alejandro, he saved her¡­ please.¡± Kiara says, standing up. She kisses Sk¡¯s forehead before she


    ¡°I agree. My brother did everything to protect your daughter, including leaving me in the soaking rain,


    and he told me to call you so I¡¯d rethink my attitude if I were you.¡± Charlotte says haughtily with a toss


    of her hair.


    I look at her sharply.


    ¡°Charlotte.¡± I warn her.


    Does she know who he is?


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not allowing anyone to talk down to you. You should go pick on someone your own age King


    Alejandro. And yes, I said age, not size.¡± She says, casting a pointed look at Alejandro.


    I¡¯m about to pull her behind me when I¡¯m surprised to see Alejandro smirking.


    ¡°I like that spark, kid, but I¡¯m not doubting him. I¡¯m just¡­ being a father. Seeing Sk in this state¡­ it


    isn¡¯t fucking easy.¡±


    That was not how I was expecting him to react.


    ¡°Yeah, it clearly wasn¡¯t easy for my brother, too.¡± Charlotte adds with a pout.


    Ok, now she¡¯s making matters worse.


    I feel both women¡¯s eyes turn to me, and although I want to say Sk is my student, the words just


    don¡¯te, so I stay quiet.


    ¡°She tends to be a little dramatic.¡± I say instead, tilting my head towards Charlotte. My gaze flits to the


    bed, and I swallow.


    I want to hold her¡­


    ¡°So, this is Keh¡¯s little girl. He likes to keep you hidden away now, doesn¡¯t he? What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Charlotte Sophia Arden,¡± She deres,


    ¡°Beautiful name,¡± Kiara says with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m Kiara.¡±


    ¡°I know, you''re pretty.¡± Charlotte replies, turning to Delsanra. ¡°White hair, magic powers. You¡¯re the


    Hybrid Luna¡­¡±


    Delsanra smiles. ¡°Yes, I am, I¡¯m Delsanra Rossi.¡±


    The females continue their introductions and lightly talk, and I find myself turning my attention to Sk.


    Best to just tell them what I saw.


    ¡°I was taking Charlotte out for ice cream when Sk¡¯s voice came into my head¡­¡± I trail off.


    As all eyes turn on me.


    ¡°In your head?¡± Charlotte asks, confused.


    Alejandro looks at her, but before he can speak, I know what he¡¯s going to say.


    ¡°Charlotte can be trusted.¡± I say quietly, looking him dead in the eye.


    He frowns, but nods. ¡°So, I¡¯m assuming Sk told you.¡±


    I give a curt nod, not wanting to exin the situation that happened between us, that was between us.


    ¡°When I located her car, the back window was smashed, and there was a body on the floor, I heard the


    view¡­ I saw him swallow her whole. One second, she was up in the sky, the next she was gone.¡±


    Reliving that moment makes my chest squeeze. ¡°I ended up cutting his head off with my sword, and


    that¡¯s when its body materialised. I don¡¯t know how it has disappeared, but it was there.¡±


    ¡°And by being inside of it, her entire body was exposed to high levels of its venom¡­¡± Kiara murmurs,


    ncing over at her daughter. ¡°Her body is still weakened, despite healing her.¡±


    ¡°Because that thing is not from our world.¡± Delsanra adds with a frown.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s for sure. If you didn¡¯t take measures, I don¡¯t know if I would have been able to heal her to


    this extent.¡± Kiara whispers, looking at me.


    Our eyes meet and I have a feeling she realised what I had done to Sk¡¯s body¡­


    ¡°Then you brought her here.¡± Alejandro states.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I reply simply.


    Silence follows, and Alejandro sighs.


    ¡°At least it¡¯s dead, or I fucking hope it is. Maybe it¡¯s somehow still fucking out there. Alive. I mean, you


    know how these otherworld fuckers just don¡¯t stay dead.¡±


    I¡¯m not sure¡­ I fried the entire fucking thing¡­


    ¡°I hope not¡­¡± I say quietly.


    ¡°Well, even if it¡¯s linked to Apophis, as Kataleya said, then who knows what was at work? Maybe some


    divine fucker took the body. Someone who doesn¡¯t want that thing to be found or, then again, maybe


    the snake just feared your father, even in death. I mean, the fucker likes to experiment on every little


    shit he can get his hand on.¡± Alejandro smirks.


    The words feel like a punch to the gut.


    I know that about Dad. I¡¯ve been his test subject for years¡­


    I can hear Charlotte¡¯s heart thud before she moves closer to me, her eyes filled with sadness as she


    wraps her arms around one of mine.


    Kiara and Delsanra exchange looks, and Alejandro¡¯s smirk fades as he watches us intently.


    ¡°So uh¡­ Apophis, as in the Egyptian god of Chaos?¡± Charlotte asks, trying to lighten the tension.


    Delsanra nods, as she crosses her arms.


    ¡°Yes, Apophis is one of the names of the god of darkness, chaos and monsters. Around the world,


    different cultures, religions and history itself will have their own take on mythology.¡± Delsanra takes a


    pause before continuing.


    ¡°For example, Apophis is the same as the Greek god Typhon, who is the god of darkness and


    monsters, mainly Apophis is tied to serpents, and some say he can take that form himself. Mythology


    changes over time and around the world. There are so many versions that not everything we know is


    the truth, but one thing is for certain, the serpent is what represents Apophis, darkness and chaos.¡±


    Delsanra exins.


    I know witches are said to be smart, but I¡¯m impressed, and what she said actually makes sense.


    ¡°So, Kataleya calling him Apophis, would mean, that is the name he recognises himself most by?¡±


    Kiara asks, frowning slightly.


    ¡°I would assume so.¡± Delsanra says.


    I nce back at the bed. Her chest is rising and falling steadily, her pouty lips slightly parted.


    Fuck.


    I hate seeing her like this¡­


    Charlotte digs her nails into my arm, and I¡¯m snapped from my thoughts and look down at her. She


    side-eyes Alejandro and I nce at him, to see he¡¯s watching me with that same calcting look.


    Shoot.


    ¡°The weather is really bad, isn¡¯t it?¡± Charlotte asks innocently, giving one of her gentlest smiles to


    Alejandro and I¡¯m relieved when he turns his attention to her.


    ¡°Yeah, it is¡­¡± he says, before frowning slightly as he observes her. Something seems to cross his


    mind, his frown deepening, when the sound of a small whimper makes all our attention go to the bed.


    My heart thuds as Sk stirs slightly, her fingers moving, a small frown on her face before another little


    moan leaves her.


    Sky¡­


    Kiara and Delsanra rush to her side as I stay rooted in my spot.


    ¡°Royce¡­¡± Sk whimpers.


    My eyes widen as she murmurs my name, making all eyes turn back on me¡­

 52. My Resolve

    52. My Resolve


    ROYCE.


    But this time, there¡¯s curiosity in them.


    ¡°Well now, isn¡¯t this shit fucking interesting.¡± Alejandro remarks.


    ¡°Sk, Sky baby.¡± Kiara whispers, caressing her hair.


    ¡°Royce¡­¡±


    Stop saying my name, Love¡­


    It¡¯s already hard not to go to her and harder to stop my heart from racing wildly.


    ¡°She¡¯s calling you.¡± Kiara says quietly. ¡°Come.¡±


    Alejandro scoffs and I don¡¯t know what to do. I¡¯m sure Kiara is just concerned and wants to see her


    daughter wake up but I¡¯m so fucking close to breaking down.


    I walk to the bed, trying to calm my thundering heart as I look at the goddess on the bed.


    She¡¯s going to be ok¡­


    Another moan leaves her lips and Delsanra moves back, allowing me to step closer.


    ¡°Sk¡­ Can you hear me?¡± I ask quietly.


    Her heart rate quickens and reaching over, I tenderly brush her hair back.


    Wake up, Love.


    It¡¯s taking my all not to break down right here and just pull her into myp and tell her, fuck the world


    and let''s do whatever we want. The fact her parents are here no longer feels important, but life isn¡¯t a


    fairy tale¡­


    ¡°She¡¯s a fighter.¡± I say quietly, forcing myself to move my hand back. ¡°We should head back; I¡¯d


    appreciate it if my involvement does not get to my father.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and why would that be?¡± Alejandro asks.


    ¡°I prefer my business to remain my own.¡± I say simply, turning to the women, about to bid them farewell


    when Kiara speaks.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you stay for a while longer? She seems to¡­ have an attachment to you. Perhaps she¡¯ll want


    you to be here when she wakes up, if that¡¯s ok of course.¡± She smiles at me.


    I see Alejandro frown, and I¡¯m certain she mind-linked him.


    This is the woman they say tamed the Lycan King, and it¡¯s clear she has him wrapped around her


    finger.


    ¡°I need to go deal with what¡¯s happened and see if the girls who were killed have been identified. One


    is a werewolf; their Alpha would have felt the pack link break.¡± Alejandro says, running his hand


    through his hair before he wraps his hand around Kiara¡¯s waist and kisses her. ¡°I¡¯ll be back once I¡¯m


    done.¡±


    ¡°I wille with you. If the other is a witch, then I¡¯ll talk to the coven.¡± Delsanra says, stepping closer to


    the bed and kissing Sk¡¯s forehead before looking across at Kiara. ¡°She¡¯s going to be ok.¡±


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Kiara smiles slightly and nods.


    ¡°Thank you once again.¡± I say to Delsanra.


    She tilts her head, ¡°No need to thank me, you saved our Sky.¡± She says. ¡°It was lovely to meet you,


    Charlotte.¡±


    ¡°You too.¡± Charlotte gives her a small wave, and only then does Delsanra head to the door, where


    Alejandro has it held open with his foot, as he takes out a cigarette and lights it.


    ¡°Sit down.¡± Kiara offers, gesturing to the chair.


    ¡°No need, I¡¯m ok thank you.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Charlotte hums. ¡°So mind if I go see if I can get a drink?¡±


    I can see the way she¡¯s scanning the room, I know she just wants to explore, but this is a foreign pack.


    If something happened to her¡­


    ¡°Charl-¡±


    ¡°I think I need a drink too. How about the two of us go together?¡± Kiara offers her.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Charlotte agrees. ¡°Is that alright Royce?¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± I reply, tugging her cheek.


    ¡°Would you like a drink, Royce?¡± Kiara asks me.


    I nce at Sk, thinking just earlier we were ying with cream, and she had made me a hot drink.


    I don¡¯t want my next drink without her.


    ¡°No thanks.¡± I say quietly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be back. Please keep an eye on her, just in case she wakes up.¡± Kiara says.


    I nod, ncing at her. She¡¯s willingly leaving her daughter alone with me¡­ Is she assuming there¡¯s


    more between us, or is she generally just trusting?


    They walk to the door as Kiara begins talking to Charlotte.


    ¡°How old are you now, Charlotte?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sixteen¡­¡± The door shuts behind them, and I¡¯m left alone with Sk. I exhale as I sit down on


    the edge of the bed, taking her hand in mine, my eyes running over her tattooed arm.


    I look at her face, but fuck, it¡¯s hard to keep myself under control.


    I kiss the back of her hand softly, feeling her smooth skin beneath my lips as I inhale her scent.


    She could have died¡­


    ¡°If me almost dying made me get to see this side of you¡­ I¡¯ll do it all over again.¡±


    My eyes widen as I turn sharply. She¡¯s awake.


    She¡¯s lying there, her gorgeous green eyes look tired yet still as radiant as ever, her plump lips curled


    in a weak, faint smirk.


    Fuck, this beautiful doll is awake!


    She¡¯s ok, she¡¯s going to be ok.


    I can¡¯t say anything, too consumed by emotions.


    Her heart is thumping and so is mine. Our eyes lock, and I know she can see the emotions in my eyes.


    This time I¡¯m not strong enough to mask them, not when I almost lost her.


    She¡¯s my Lil Lucifer¡­


    Her smile fades, her heart pounding as she tries to sit up, but she¡¯s too weak.


    I¡¯m still holding her hand and I turn slightly, tugging her up, my other hand snaking around her waist to


    support her.


    She gasps, wrapping her free hand around my neck to help keep her bnce and I realise what a big


    mistake this is¡­


    Her nose brushes mine, her gaze on my lips, her heart pounding before hershes flutter, and she


    looks straight up into my eyes.


    I¡¯m in a trance, one that she¡¯s sucked me into...


    Somehow, she breaks down every wall I have ever built around me. She¡¯s cracked the shield of self-


    control I have worked on for years¡­


    From the very first day when she sent that text telling me to get my head out of my ass and watch who


    wins that match. She had caught my attention.


    That spunky goddess who always riles me up¡­ the one who fucking makes me want to live my life in


    every way without feeling so tied down and the only one who can make me lose my cool.


    I know we shouldn¡¯t do this¡­ at the back of my mind; I know that one day she¡¯ll find her mate and


    me¡­ well my fate is written but I don¡¯t want that¡­ I want her to want me¡­ not just for one night, but


    forever.


    Dreams that at this moment feel within my grasp.


    Grey eyes hold green, but with every passing second, that pull is bing ever more intense and


    electrifying.


    I look away, but instead, my gaze falls on her lips, and pleasure rushes south.


    ¡°I¡­¡± She begins, but she isn¡¯t able to continue.


    ¡°You?¡± I coax, her scent enveloping me.


    She shakes her head gently, her eyes dipping to my lips and her breath hitches.


    My hand tightens around her tiny waist, giving her hand that I hold to my bare chest a squeeze.


    Our noses brush, and I know I shouldn¡¯t, but heck I want to¡­


    Our foreheads are pressed against one another, our hearts beating to a rhythm they share.


    I nudge her nose gently, caressing her waist, satisfied when her eyes flutter shut for a moment, and


    she bites her lips.


    It¡¯s just the two of us¡­ the sound of the faint beeping of the machine or the pattering rain outside fades


    away¡­


    And I know I¡¯m gone.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re ok¡­¡± I whisper huskily.


    How do I tell her how fucking crazy I was going?


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be, when I have a hero watching out for me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no hero.¡±


    She rolls her eyes, her arm tightening around the back of my neck, her fingers caressing my skin.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not. You¡¯re a god or an angel.¡± She whispers, her eyes glimmering plum and I can see the


    desire in them.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    Her nose brushes mine, her warm breath mingling with mine.


    ¡°Just kiss me already.¡± She whispers, making me smile slightly despite the pleasure she ignites within


    me.


    Why does that make me fall a little harder?


    Because tonight¡­ I don¡¯t want to be Royce¡­ tonight¡­ I want to be Reign.


    And so I do.


    Letting go of her hand that I was holding against my chest, I cup the back of her neck, before iming


    those beautiful, luscious lips in a kiss that creates the fire to my ice.


    I¡¯ve never experienced a kiss like this before¡­


    Intense pleasure rushes through me and the moment she kisses me back, I lose thest grasp on my


    self-control.


    Fuck Love, I¡¯m yours.

 53. Ice to my Fire

    53. Ice to my Fire


    SKYLA.


    The moment he cups the back of my neck, his fingers threading into my hair, my heart leaps. His grip is


    firm but not rough. There¡¯s enough strength to show me he¡¯s in charge, yet not so rough that I can¡¯t


    relish and enjoy the feel of his touch on me.


    And then his lips are on mine, making every thought leave my head, reced by intense passion and


    pleasure. I feel giddy and light-headed as intense tingles rush through me, sending a jolt straight to my


    pussy.


    I can¡¯t help but whimper against his lips.


    Lord¡­ I get it¡­


    Fuck, I get why I can¡¯t get over him since that moment in the club.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    This man has magic in his every touch.


    He kisses me slowly yet deeply, every brush of our lips igniting a volcano of heat and desire within me.


    It¡¯s even hotter knowing he¡¯s trying to control himself. He doesn¡¯t kiss me to satisfy himself; he kisses


    me in a way that makes my toes curl from the pleasure.


    I moan against his lips helplessly, feeling like I¡¯m in heaven.


    God, he¡¯s such a good kisser¡­


    I run my hand down his chest, savouring the feel of his perfect body beneath my fingertips.


    His arm tightens around my waist, the thumb of his other hand caressing my cheek.


    Fuck, he may be ice but he¡¯s fire¡­


    My entire body is burning with emotions and heat, and my stomach is fluttering.


    The moment his tongue runs along my lower lip, I part them, allowing him entrance.


    My pussy clenches with dangerous desire, wanting more. I pull my legs under me, getting up on my


    knees, wanting to close the gap between us.


    He ravishes my mouth before he ys with my tongue sensually.


    I whimper against him. The kiss has shifted, from passionate and deep to dangerously erotic. There¡¯s


    something so sexy yet dirty with the way he¡¯s teasing me. I¡¯m wet, fuck I can feel it under this gown.


    He pulls me into hisp, making me gasp, but he cuts me off, plunging his tongue into my mouth,


    sucking on my tongue, hisrge hand squeezing my peach.


    Oh yes, Daddy, just like that.


    Who would have thought he¡¯d be the one to pull me into hisp first¡­


    I cup his face with my hands, kissing him harder and he allows me to. His hands run up and down my


    back before resting them on my ass.


    He isn¡¯t so innocent. After all, he¡¯s the same hunk from the club who was such a tease¡­


    I sigh softly, my arousal scenting the air as I sit on hisp, whimpering when I brush against his cock.


    I really don¡¯t care if he can smell me, and the low guttural growl that escapes him, tells me he does.


    Baby, I¡¯ll do whatever you want me to¡­


    I moan when his cock throbs against my pussy, and I press down on him.


    Oh fuck, he¡¯s only in sweats¡­ I can feel him¡­


    My heart thunders as I break away, gasping for air, trying not to grind against him. His lips brush my


    jaw as he ces soft sensual kisses down my neck, but when his lips meet the corner of my neck, I


    feel lightheaded.


    He sucks on the most sensitive part, sending pleasure through me that I can¡¯t help but moan loudly.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± I whimper.


    My hand twists in his hair, and he throbs against me. His hands squeeze my ass before he ces a


    soft kiss on top of where I know he¡¯s left a hickey.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ fuck.¡± He says breathlessly, in that sexy ent of his.


    Our hearts are thundering, and I know the reality of what we have just done has settled in. His nose


    brushes my neck, and I bite my lip, trying to not feel so giddy.


    Fuck, when did I turn into a little girl feeling like mush?


    I¡¯m not sure¡­ but I feel totally weak right now and it¡¯s definitely not because I almost became snake


    food.


    I don¡¯t move, my hand still on his shoulder, the other still cupping the back of his neck.


    Will he pull away?


    I smirk when his hand runs up my ass once more.


    Does the Ice Prince like my booty?


    I arch my back, pressing myself against him and letting him enjoy feeling me up, because baby, I¡¯m


    enjoying it just as much.


    ¡°Shoot.¡± He mutters, taking a deep breath before exhaling and moving back slightly.


    He tilts his head up and looks into my eyes.


    Those gorgeous grey that I truly love look into mine and I know reality is sinking in, yet I can¡¯t deny they


    hold so much emotions.


    ¡°You¡¯re the guy I want to kiss again and again¡­ Don¡¯t pull away¡­¡± I whisper seductively, as I search


    his eyes, tucking a strand of his hair behind his ear.


    ¡°Sky-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want me¡­?¡± I murmur, brushing my thumbs across his chiselled jaw.


    He truly was carved to perfection¡­ I can feel the slight prickle of the start of a very faint stubble


    beneath my fingertips.


    He smiles faintly and even that makes him look sexy, his dimples appearing on both cheeks.


    ¡°That would be a lie, but if your father shows up, I may end up as nothing more but dead meat.¡± He


    says,


    I can¡¯t help but smirk, pressing my lips against his.


    ¡®Not on my watch.¡¯ I whisper, pushing that through the bond. I feel the dull ache in my head for using


    that link and I know I¡¯m overexerting myself.


    I¡¯m just not used to feeling so¡­weak.


    He smiles slightly against my lips as he kisses me back, his hands wrapping around my waist firmly.


    ¡°Alright, Little Miss Feisty¡­¡± He murmurs, but before I can deepen it, the faint sound of Mama talking to


    someone reaches my ears, and I pull back.


    ¡°Mama.¡± I whisper to him, quickly sliding off hisp, almost tumbling off the bed in the process.


    But my Winter God saves me, grabbing hold of me and ces me on the bed.


    He¡¯s busy moving the sheet back when my gaze falls on his package.


    Oh yes, please¡­


    I reach down and steal a quick feel of his semi-hard cock, giving him a yful wink and smirk when he


    throbs in my hold.


    He tilts his head, moving back as he narrows his eyes. I ce a finger to my lips, and it¡¯s obvious from


    his nce towards the door that he can now hear them too.


    He sits down on the chair, much to my dismay, even though he reaches out and takes my hand, giving


    it a gentle squeeze.


    ¡°You were brave out there, reckless and dangerous, but incredible.¡± He says quietly and I can tell he


    means it.


    I want to know what exactly happened.


    I¡¯m about to reply when the door opens.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± Mama says, her eyes full of emotion.


    She doesn¡¯t seem as shocked as I would have thought she would be at seeing me awake.


    Did she expect me to wake up? And if she¡¯s here, how did she possibly leave me alone with Royce?


    She¡¯s holding two Styrofoam cups that she quickly puts down on the table and rushes over to me


    before enveloping me in a warm hug.


    ¡°I¡¯m ok Mama.¡±


    I close my eyes, a Mama¡¯sforting embrace.


    There¡¯s something so special about it. Telling you, I know it¡¯s ok to cry and be vulnerable¡­ but I never


    really let myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m d my Angel.¡± Mama whispers, kissing the top of my head.


    I hug her back, giving her a gentle squeeze, but I do feel pretty exhausted and it¡¯s clear there¡¯s not


    much strength left in me.


    I move back and Mama plumps up the pillows behind me. Lifting up the hospital bed so I can rx in


    an upright position.


    I just wish Royce hadn¡¯t let go of my hand¡­


    My attention now falls on the blonde girl standing next to Royce holding two cups as well, a curious


    look in her eyes as she observes me, or more like my lips.


    Fuck, can you tell I¡¯ve been kissing?


    I nce at Royce to see even his look a little redder.


    Awe fuck, can this guy get any sexier?


    I turn my attention back to the blonde in front of me.


    Who¡¯s this chick?


    Our eyes meet and I see a bit of Royce in her.


    ¡°I¡¯m Charlotte Sophia Arden, Royce¡¯s sister.¡± She introduces, observing me keenly. ¡°Has he never


    talked about me?¡±


    ¡°Charlotte, let her rest,¡± Royce says, looking up at his sister, and I take the chance to admire his square


    jawline.


    She nods. ¡°Mhmm, just like you let her rest.¡± She mutters, making Royce¡¯s eyebrow shoot up.


    He makes the mistake of looking at me, and his stormy eyes soften a little before he swallows, looking


    away.


    Oh fuck¡­


    I want to know where do we go from here?


    What are we?


    Was that kiss just one in the moment for him?


    Will he regret it?


    But I also know I won¡¯t get those answers for now.


    Malevolent!


    My heart thumps as everything rushes back.


    ¡°The girls! Malevolent!¡± I say, trying to get out of bed, but Mama firmly holds me back.


    I¡¯ve never realised how strong she is¡­ argh! I¡¯m damn exhausted!


    Why am I so weak?


    Mama was here, meaning I¡¯m healed!


    ¡°Sky¡­ calm down, Malevolent is with one of the guards. She¡¯s out of the rain and safe¡­ as for the


    girls, they¡¯re both dead I¡¯m afraid.¡± Mama¡¯s voice is full of sadness.


    I frown, so I failed¡­ I couldn¡¯t even protect them¡­


    ¡°How did thest one die? I thought she got away.¡± I whisper, trying to hide the emotions that are


    threatening to overwhelm me.


    My Lycan is bing restless, and the frustration I feel threatening to take over.


    ¡°She was found in the forest.¡± Mama exins sympathetically. ¡°The high level of venom on her body


    killed her, unlike the one who died from fatal injuries alongside the venom.¡±


    ¡°And the third?¡± I ask, my heart sinking.


    Mama and Royce both look up sharply, exchanging looks with each other before ncing at me.


    ¡°Third?¡± Royce asks.


    ¡°There was another witch. I told the two in the forest to run, but¡­ she left her friend and ran. She


    wasn¡¯t injured.¡± I exin, my heart thumping.


    She¡¯s got to be ok¡­


    ¡°Wow, so she abandoned her friend¡­¡± Charlotte says, ncing at her brother, but there¡¯s no sarcasm


    in her voice. She¡¯s genuinely shocked.


    ¡°I will notify Alejandro immediately.¡± Mama says, turning away to mind-link him when I hear the sound


    of his voice approaching.


    ¡°Dad¡¯sing.¡± I say, tilting my head when I realise I recognise the voice of the man he¡¯s speaking to.


    Uncle Marcel?


    I frown as I tilt my head, wondering what he¡¯s doing here


    There¡¯s someone else with them, someone with lighter footsteps, a woman.


    Suddenly the door opens by Dad, his concerned gaze finding me.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± He says to me, and I can see the relief in his eyes.


    ¡°Yup, you know me. I can survive anything.¡± I say with a flick of my head.


    Thanks to Royce, of course¡­


    ¡°Good.¡± Dad says stepping inside anding over. He kisses my forehead.


    He frowns slightly, his gaze flicks to Royce, his frown deepening, and I know he can smell him off me.


    Oh fuck.


    ¡°Hello there Sk.¡± Uncle Marcel, Dad¡¯s older brother, and also Leo¡¯s Dad says as he holds the door


    open.


    ¡°Hi Uncle.¡± I say, just as Uncle¡¯s pretty little mate enters.


    ¡°Hello, Sk.¡± Winona says, a gentle smile on her beautiful face. Her blond hair is styled in a stylish


    bun and from her sexy dress, I think they must have been on a date nearby¡­


    ¡°Hi, Winona.¡± I respond before I smirk. ¡°Damn girl, you look fine.¡±

 54. Pushing his Buttons

    54. Pushing his Buttons


    ROYCE.


    I don¡¯t miss the frown on Alejandro¡¯s face when he hugged Sk or the way his frown deepened when


    his eyes flick to me. He can probably smell me all over her¡­


    I can¡¯t me him for being protective, but he doesn¡¯t need to fear me hurting her¡­


    I know I need to talk to him, I¡¯m ready to resign from my spot at the academy, but at the same time do I


    want her in that school where Aleric will still y his games? I n to tell her about him. I have to.


    She looks beautiful, there¡¯s not a speck of make-up on her face, and it makes her features glow


    radiantly. She has long thickshes that surround those vivid green eyes. Her nose is slender and her


    plump pouting lips that are often in smirk are a gorgeous soft pink¡­


    I nce at the door as Sk greets her uncle, Marcel Rossi. He¡¯s a few years older than Alejandro and


    I heard recently he has found his second chance mate. Rumour has it she¡¯s far younger than him.


    He has his hair up in a man bun, wearing tan pants, and a white shirt with his sleeves pushed up. He


    steps aside, holding the door open for a slim woman. She¡¯s wearing a knee-length dress.


    Her golden blond hair is styled in an updo, but what strikes me the most is I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve never seen her


    before, but she seems familiar, as if I¡¯ve seen her somewhere.


    ¡°Hi, Winona.¡± Sk says with a sexy smirk, ¡°Damn girl, you look fine.¡±


    I cock my brow. Does this doll need to flirt with everyone?


    I nce back at Winona, who blushes in response, as the couple walk over to the bed.


    ¡°d to see you¡¯re doing fine. You gave us all a fright.¡± Marcel says hugging his niece.


    The Rossis have a distinct look to them. You could probably enter a room and know which one is a


    Rossi, but then again it¡¯s the same with us Ardens.


    Charlotte takes a sip of her hot chocte, still holding the other one as she observes them all.


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine. So what are you two doing here?¡± Sky replies, sounding pretty normal, but I know


    she¡¯s still not one hundred percent.


    ¡°Alejandro called to fill us in and we were in town on a date. We heard you were hurt, and so we


    wanted toe to see you. I hope we are not imposing.¡± Marcel says as Kiara meets Winona with a


    hug and a kiss on the cheek.


    ¡°Not at all.¡± Kiara says with a smile.


    ¡°Dang, Dad, did you need to ruin their date? Uncle¡¯s going to have blue-balls for the rest of the night.


    Ah, poor uncle, even I¡¯d have blue balls if I had balls,¡± Sk says, winking at Winona, who blushes,


    and I look away trying to hide my smile.


    This girl.


    I know her uncle thinks she¡¯s teasing, and she probably is, but there¡¯s definitely truth in her words. She


    finds the woman hot.


    Does she have a thing for blondes?


    Marcel chuckles as Kiara shakes her head, smiling.


    Marcel now turns to me, and Alejandro steps forward. ¡°Marcel, Royce Arden, the younger of Keh¡¯s


    twins.¡± He says.


    It¡¯s clear he knows Dad too, but he is also on the council.


    ¡°Ah. Nice to meet you, son.¡± Marcel says, holding his hand out to me.


    I stand up and ept his offered hand. ¡°It¡¯s an honour to meet you, Alpha Marcel,¡± I say as he gives it


    a firm shake.


    ¡°Likewise. Thank you for saving our feisty princess. We are indebted to you.¡± Marcel says as Alejandro


    scoffs.


    I nce at him before politely turning to the woman beside Marcel.


    Why does she look so familiar? Have I seen her before? It¡¯s a little irritating not knowing.


    ¡°Luna Winona, nice to meet you.¡± I say smoothly, holding my hand out to her.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too, Alpha Royce.¡± She says, smiling politely as she takes my hand gracefully.


    The moment her hand touches mine, an odd sensation washes over me and she looks up sharply, her


    heart thudding. Her eyes flicker a deep amber gold as I let go quickly.


    She¡¯s a Sris¡­


    I felt her power. It¡¯s not as strong as some of ours, but she does hold Sris'' blood.


    I look away, feeling all eyes on us.


    ¡°My sister Charlotte,¡± I say, cupping Charlotte¡¯s shoulders, gently pushing her forward. She¡¯s holding


    both cups, looking a tad ridiculous.


    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± Winona says, giving her a small wave.


    ¡°Thanks, same!¡± Charlotte murmurs as Marcel gives her a grin.


    A strange silence falls in the room, and I dare to take a nce at Sk. She¡¯s frowning slightly,


    watching me intently.


    I hope no one picked up on our strange exchange.


    I raise my eyebrows at her, and her frown vanishes. Instead, she lets her gaze trail over my torso,


    licking her lips.


    Seriously Love, in front of your Dad?


    As if on cue, Alejandro growls. ¡°Someone get him a fucking shirt.¡±


    ¡°Luckily, there¡¯s no one to give him one.¡± Sky remarks, as she and Charlotte snicker and I¡¯m actually


    wishing I did have a shirt right now. This Doll¡¯s going to get me killed at this rate.


    ¡°You really like to rile your father up.¡± I remark, trying to lighten the mood.


    ¡°Who me? Not at all.¡± She winks.


    I know you better than you think.


    And I need to tell you I¡¯m Reign¡­


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Fucking hospital. Even a bin bag will do.¡± Alejandro grumbles.


    I bite the inside of my cheek.


    Is he serious?


    Then, to my surprise, he pulls off his own shirt and tosses it at me.


    ¡°Now that view got better, sorry Queen Ki.¡± Charlotte whispers, sounding far from apologetic, and I


    frown at her.


    The three women simply find it amusing.


    ¡°I hope you weren¡¯t feeling insecure after seeing Royce¡¯s body, Dad.¡± Sky taunts Alejandro as I look at


    the shirt I had caught. ¡°I mean, I get why you would¡­ Damn now those abs are fine¡­¡±


    Does he really want me to wear this?


    ¡°Put the fucking thing on.¡± Alejandro growls.


    I guess I can¡¯t really refuse¡­ but I also need to make sure Dad doesn¡¯t catch his scent on me.


    ¡°Dad¡¯s jelly.¡±


    ¡°I think so too.¡± Marcel smirks.


    ¡°I fucking ain¡¯t. Now stop fucking drooling.¡± Alejandro growls at Sk and I pull the shirt on.


    At least it¡¯ll stop these two from arguing.


    She¡¯s checked me out¡­ but she obviously hasn¡¯t noticed that I¡¯m Reign. Did the pizza I ate that day


    really blow me up that badly?


    I roll it down when Sk whistles.


    ¡°Mmm yes, Daddy...¡± I look up sharply, to see her looking directly at me, or my V line anyway.


    She¡¯s making it harder for me too¡­


    Fuck girl, I want to kiss you.


    ¡°Al¡­ She¡¯s teasing you.¡± Kiara says softly, trying to calm the king down.


    Charlotte stifles a giggle and pretends to cough. I give her a pointed look, but she just shrugs


    innocently.


    We really need to go. If this continues, Sky will be causing her dad to lose his crap.


    ¡°It sure is working,¡± Marcel remarks. ¡°But in all honesty, I¡¯m d she¡¯s ok.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely. Azura was really upset too, and worried.¡± Winona replies. I nce at her as she speaks,


    and our eyes meet once again.


    Who is she?


    I know most of those directly from the Sris lines, even in America, and she didn¡¯t really have an


    American ent and the only ones in Ennd are us, the Ardens.


    I look away first and nce at the Rossis. I think I¡¯ve stayed way past my wee.


    ¡°We should be heading home. If you need to ask me anything further regarding what happened, you


    have my number, Alpha Alejandro.¡± I say, ncing at Charlotte, who seems to be enjoying the view of


    the shirtless king.


    ¡°Ah, the hot drink¡­ Do you want it, Royce?¡± She asks.


    I gesture towards Winona.


    ¡°Offer it to Luna Winona.¡± I say. Charlotte nods, offering it to her.


    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s ok, you have it.¡± Winona says, refusing it gently.


    ¡°It¡¯spletely ok.¡± Charlotte says.


    Winona epts it and thanks her.


    I turn to Sk, feeling her gaze burning into me, and as much as I want to kiss her again, I can¡¯t.


    ¡°Take care of yourself.¡± I say to her.


    She pouts, displeased and she frowns.


    ¡°What if I want you to take care of me?¡± She asks, and I¡¯m unable to hide the sh of surprise from my


    face.


    ¡°Oh boy.¡± Charlotte says walking to the door. ¡°Nice to meet you all. Something tells me we will surely


    meet again¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, maybe at a funeral.¡± Alejandro growls.


    I nce at him and hide my amusement.


    He really is something else.


    ¡°Thank you once again for saving Sk, Royce. You should visit our pack, perhaps in the holidays? We


    would love to have you.¡± Kiara says.


    Why do I feel she¡¯s totally ok with this, and I know she noticed my scent on Sk too.


    ¡°No, we fucking won¡¯t.¡± Alejandro grumbles, making me chuckle.


    ¡°I might take you up on that offer.¡± I say to Kiara before turning back to Sky.


    ¡®You better kiss me goodbye, or are you scared?¡¯ Sk¡¯s voicees through the link. She¡¯s smirking


    slightly and crosses her arms, watching me challengingly.


    Challenge epted Love.

 55. Not in my Cards

    55. Not in my Cards


    ROYCE.


    I walk over to her, taking her hand and raising it to my lips, keeping my eyes locked with hers, I ce a


    soft kiss on her knuckles.


    I''m satisfied when her heart skips a beat, her pout fading as she looks into my eyes, not expecting me


    to do that.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡± I say softly before I step back and turn away.


    ¡°Bye¡­¡± She replies.


    Did I just leave her speechless?


    I don¡¯t think she realised that I¡¯m not scared of her father. I respect him, but it¡¯s not the same thing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you out.¡± Alejandro grumbles.


    Well, one thing is probably clear. He didn¡¯t seem to mind before, but he probably hates me now.


    ¡°y nice, Dad.¡± Sk warns.


    Alejandro turns back to look at her from the door and both stare at one another and I know they¡¯re


    mind-linking.


    I step out and see Charlotte far ahead, walking down the hall sipping on her hot chocte.


    I know she likes the freedom without two guards glued to her constantly. Even if it¡¯s just down a


    hospital hallway.


    At home, if we were ever ill, the doctors woulde to the mansion, not us going to the hospital. As for


    Charlotte, she¡¯s never allowed out of the pack unless she¡¯s with her guards or Dad, me or Aleric are


    present.


    Aleric¡­ I told Mom he¡¯s preying on students¡­ What the hell am I doing right now?


    Way to go Royce.


    I sigh as I walk silently alongside Alejandro, knowing he¡¯ll speak soon enough. We head down the


    stairs to the ground floor and only then does he speak.


    ¡°So care to share what exactly you fucking want?¡± Alejandro asks.


    Your daughter? Although want isn¡¯t the word I would use.


    ¡°I think that depends on what you mean by ¡®want¡¯¡± I reply lightly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb, unless of course you and Sky both decided to get lip fillers in the short fucking time I


    was gone from the room. I know what you two were fucking up to.¡± He growls and I can¡¯t help but smile


    faintly.


    Lip fillers?


    That¡¯s a new one.


    But I be serious once again and look at him.


    ¡°I actually want to talk to you about that¡­¡± I say quietly. ¡°I never meant to abuse the position I was in¡­


    if you see fit, I will step down as one of the trainers at the school.¡±


    He frowns and stops, looking at me, crossing his arms. ¡°Oh yeah? So you¡¯re not going to deny shit?¡±


    ¡°No. I like your daughter and despite trying to keep my feelings separate from my professional job, after


    tonight¡­ I can¡¯t.¡± I say quietly, looking him square in the eye.


    It¡¯s clear he wasn¡¯t expecting me to admit it.


    He takes out a cigarette, ncing at Charlotte, who is sipping her hot chocte down the corridor.


    Lighting the cigarette, he takes a long drag and looks me dead in the eye.


    ¡°She¡¯s eighteen. She could find her mate in around two months or even the following Blood Moon.


    Nothing is going toe of this. You¡¯re what, in your mid-twenties?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-five, yes, but age is just a number. I¡¯m not asking for your approval, Alpha Alejandro, but if you


    prefer me to leave the academy, I will. I can continue to train her if she so wishes.¡±


    He frowns, taking another drag on his cigarette. ¡°Train, yeah right. Look, I¡¯m going to be frank with


    you¡­ I can¡¯t control either of you¡­ and I¡¯m trusting Kiara''s and my own intuition that you are not like


    your father¡­ but I¡¯m telling you, know that if you hurt my girl¡­¡±


    He leaves his threat open, and I cock a brow.


    ¡°I will not hurt her, I can promise you that. I have a question¡­ If you don¡¯t trust my father, why have you


    allowed him on the council?¡±


    His eyes meet mine and he frowns. ¡°Good question, and not one I want to discuss here¡­ you said


    Sk won¡¯t get hurt¡­ what if your mate shows up?¡±


    I feel a squeeze in my chest.


    ¡°That won¡¯t happen.¡± I say quietly, turning away. If that was the case, I would wish for her to be my


    mate. I¡¯ve never felt so strongly about anyone before, but I know she¡¯s not. ¡°Goodnight Alpha


    Alejandro, let me know what you decide and I will respect your decision.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t respond, and I can feel him watching me as I walk over to Charlotte.


    ¡°Bye Alpha King!¡± She says waving at Alejandro.


    ¡°Goodbye, I¡¯ll see you soon kid.¡± Alejandro calls back.


    She nods and steps closer to the exit of the hospital and the doors slide open.


    The rain is still pouring down and I¡¯m actually grateful that someone collected my car from the woods. I


    step out and a man walks over to me.


    ¡°Your phone, wallet and keys, Alpha Royce.¡± The warrior of the Luminaria pack says handing me my


    items.


    ¡°Aww thank you.¡± Charlotte says sweetly, and I give him a nod.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I say before I head to the car.


    Charlotte waits under the entrance, and only when I hold the door open for her does she run over and


    gets in as fast as possible.


    I shut the door for her and nce back at the hospital.


    Sky¡­


    I don¡¯t know what we are or what will happen from here¡­ but either way, she doesn¡¯t need to worry


    about me finding my mate¡­ but even then I can¡¯t remove Alejandro¡¯s words from my mind.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    They remain there as I get in the car and drive out.


    ¡°So, what was all that about?¡± Charlotte asks, sitting back.


    ¡°Nothing much¡­¡± I reply as I turn some music on trying to clear my head.


    Tonight was¡­ crazy.


    ¡°You and Sk¡­ she¡¯s pretty.¡±


    I nce at her but say nothing.


    She sure is.


    ¡°And that blond Winona, she seems familiar. Who exactly is she?¡± Charlotte asks thoughtfully.


    I frown. ¡°Alpha Marcel¡¯s mate?¡± I say, remembering that odd sense of familiarity I had gotten.


    A Sris¡­.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Yeah, I mean do you know about her family or pack, because I swear she reminded me of a


    female Aleric.¡±


    Our eyes met, and I know what she¡¯s insinuating.


    ¡°Charlotte-¡±


    ¡°No Royce, I mean, she looks like an Arden.¡±


    I raise my eyebrow sceptically.


    ¡°I know you want to find Victoria Charlotte¡­ but you can¡¯t just go around assuming everyone is our


    long-lost sister, besides her eyes were brown.¡±


    She frowns. ¡°Our grandmother on mother¡¯s side has brown eyes. Even if it isn¡¯tmon for two blue


    and grey-eyed parents to have a brown-eyed kid, it¡¯s possible.¡±


    We''re werewolves, anything is possible.


    ¡°But notmon.¡± I say.


    ¡°Well, the sooner you talk to Beta Quade¡­ the better I¡¯ll feel.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I say quietly.


    I need to do that¡­ but I also need to talk to Sk when we have time and are alone.


    I¡¯m not one to y¡­ so I need to see where she stands¡­


    If she¡¯s serious¡­ then I will try not to think of her finding her mate¡­ I know it can happen¡­ and if she


    does find her mate, and wants to go to him, there is nothing I will be able to do to stop her.


    After all, the testaments state that the Sris Kings were never blessed with mates.


    I know who I am, even if I hide it from the court and the world, and with that knowledge, I also know my


    destiny.


    I don¡¯t have a mate and I never will.


    It''s simply not in my cards.

 56. A Heart to Heart

    56. A Heart to Heart


    SKYLA.


    It''s muchter, and I am irritated to find I have to stay at the hospital, but after arguing with Mama and


    Dad for a few minutes I was too exhausted to continue and had simplyid down again, giving them a


    re and ignoring them.


    I had spoken to Azura, Kataleya and Song on video call earlier, which had been nice. Uncle and


    Winona had left after an hour, too.


    It¡¯s been a few hours since I shut my eyes as I pretend to sleep with Malevolent in my arms as I cuddle


    her. But, I¡¯m unable to sleep, despite how weak and exhausted I feel.


    Mama is sitting in the chair beside the bed, whilst Dad is out trying to hunt for clues.


    ¡°So want to tell me about him?¡± Mama asks.


    She knows I am awake.


    I open my eyes, looking across to her in the room that is only lit by the lighting through the ss


    above the door.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to say.¡± I reply softly.


    I mean, I slept with his brother. I also thought I liked his brother, who I¡¯ve been flirting with all through


    the summer holidays¡­


    Urgh


    That is something I am going to have to address with Royce¡­ this isn¡¯t like thest times that I¡¯ve been


    in rtionships. There¡¯s more to it, so much more to Royce.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there? I won¡¯t judge.¡± Mama says, crossing her legs as she leans forward.


    Iugh. ¡°Yeah, I mean aside from Dad, did you ever fuck stuff up or, like, fuck with other people that


    could affect things with Dad or others who are important to you?¡±


    Mama smiles softly before she sighs. ¡°Yes¡­ yes, I have. I was pretty reckless at your age, and I acted


    on emotion. I did something really stupid once¡­ something I never should have and in the process, I


    did hurt your dad, badly. He didn¡¯t make matters easier at the time, agreeing to marry someone else


    and I was hurt and acted stupidly, but it¡¯s something I know hurt him for a while.


    Wow.


    ¡°Now I want to know who you banged.¡± I say suspiciously.


    Mama raises an eyebrow, and I know that is something I won¡¯t ever learn.


    Dammit.


    ¡°So, tell me, why is itplicated with Royce? You two seem very much in love.¡± She says, ruffling her


    long hair.


    I sigh. ¡°Royce is a good boy.¡±


    I scrunch my nose up, mulling over Royce. My hair falls across my face, but I don¡¯t bother pushing it


    back and Mama smiles amused, as she watches me.


    ¡°I never knew you liked good boys.¡± She teases, reaching over and brushing my hair off my face.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t either¡­ But he doesn¡¯t fear me, he doesn¡¯t treat me like I¡¯m a problem and above all, he has


    this calmness around him that¡­¡± I suddenly feel emotional, an influx of feelings hitting me as I try to


    voice the words that I dare not speak. I take a deep, shaky breath and close my eyes for a moment.


    ¡°When I¡¯m with him, I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯m drowning in my emotions, and I don¡¯t feel suffocated. I feel light,


    I feel like I can be me, without something bad happening. Like I know he¡¯ll be there to fix¡­ fuck.¡±


    I turn onto my back, looking the other way, not wanting her to see my tears. I hear her getting up and


    adjusting the bed into an upright position.


    Malevolent meows before she moves to the end of the bed and curls up once more.


    ¡°You love him.¡± Mama says softly as she sits on the bed.


    She isn¡¯t asking, she¡¯s stating it.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± I roll my eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t do that shit.¡±


    To my surprise, she bursts outughing, startling Malevolent, who hisses and jumps off the bed.


    ¡°Oops, I¡¯m sorry Mal.¡± Mama says, but she¡¯s still smiling from ear to ear as she shakes her head. ¡°Your


    father also didn¡¯t do that¡­ shit.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but grin. ¡°Until Mama, his little nympho, came along, right?¡±


    She nods, ¡°Sky¡­ you have always kept up a front, I see it, but I can¡¯t break through¡­ Ever since that


    time when you were children¡­¡±


    I know she means when Kataleya was taken, I can see the harrowed expression on her face, knowing


    those memories still haunted her.


    Those memories haunt me too¡­


    ¡°Yeah. I know what you¡¯re trying to say¡­ but I tried to be a big girl¡­ I didn¡¯t want anyone having to


    worry about me because Kat needed you guys. She went through so much more.¡± I shrug.


    Mama shakes her head, tears in her eyes. ¡°No my angel, you needed us too, and until this day you


    hide your pain¡­ I love you, your dad loves you. Dante¡­ Kat¡­ Alessandra¡­ we all love you.¡± She


    strokes my cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I say, I don¡¯t like this emotional shit. ¡°So yeah, Royce, makes me feel good.¡±


    I nod slowly. I know she knows I don¡¯t want to push the topic further, and she doesn¡¯t. Instead, she


    smiles slyly.


    ¡°Oh?¡± She teases although I know she knows what I mean. ¡°Is he good?¡±


    She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively and I pout.


    ¡°Well yes he¡¯s incredible and the best kisser ever, but we haven¡¯t done the nasty yet.¡± I say, pulling a


    face.


    Mama looks surprised at that. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have expected that.¡±


    ¡°Told you he¡¯s a good boy.¡± I grumble. ¡°I¡¯m your teacher. I will never take advantage of my student.¡± I


    add in a very posh ent.


    Mama smiles. ¡°That makes me like him even more. He sounds like a keeper.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I say, feeling my cheeks heat a little.


    Damn, is this how Kataleya feels when she talks about Little Boy Hook?


    The fear that Royce¡¯s mate would show up one day suddenly enters my mind and I suddenly feel cold.


    ¡°Mama¡­ have you ever heard of anyone choosing a chosen mate over their mate? I mean, is it


    possible?¡± I ask quietly.


    Mama is silent for a moment. ¡°Often chosen mates are taken when a mate is lost¡­ I know a few


    people who have rejected their mates because of abuse or simply because they find them too weak.


    It¡¯s rare but it happens and not always are blessed mates good for us¡­ I¡¯m not saying that¡¯s the case


    often, but I remember what Aunty Indigo had be¡­ and although her mate was able to cheat on


    her countless times, she couldn¡¯t leave him.¡± She sighs heavily.


    Yeah, I know about it.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ He was a fucking dick who needed his dick grated off, millimetre by millimetre and then made


    into kebabs and fed to him,¡± I say sombrely.


    Mama looks disturbed for a moment before she shakes her head and I smirk.


    ¡°Hey, if I was around, I¡¯d have done that shit.¡± I say with a flick of my long ck nails.


    ¡°Hmm, I have no doubt about that.¡± Mama says as she tilts her head and looks into my eyes. ¡°But I also


    know there was one man who was ready to reject his fated mate when she appeared behind him at the


    Mating Ball without even taking a nce at her. He was ready to cast it all aside for the one he had


    chosen. He loved someone so dearly he didn¡¯t care to even look at his fated¡­ That man is my father,


    and he was ready to throw it all away for love.¡± Mama says.


    My heart skips a beat. There¡¯s something so beautiful about their love. My grandparents Grandad El


    and Mama Red¡­


    ¡°He started to say the words, didn¡¯t he?¡± I murmur softly.


    Mama nods. ¡°He did, until Mom ran over and stopped him.¡± She smiles. ¡°But love and the mate bond


    are two different things. Together they are perfect, but if I had to choose love or a bond, I¡¯d choose


    love.¡±


    I nod and lean back against the cushions, mulling over her words.


    Maybe Royce might turn out to be my fated mate¡­ I mean, my grandparents, Dad, Mom, and Uncle


    Liam, all fell in love with their mates prior to the bond. What if Royce is made for me?


    Just the thought makes my heart skip a beat.


    Maybe¡­ just maybe he is.


    A smile ys on my lips as Mama kisses my forehead.


    ¡°Get some rest, my angel.¡± She says softly as she pulls the nkets around me and lowers the bed


    once again. ¡°I love you.¡± Her voice is like a soft melody, soothing, gentle, and filled with a warmth that


    only a mother holds.


    ¡°I love you too, Mama¡­¡± I murmur, feeling the nket of sleep enveloping me.


    As soon as I can, at the first chance I get¡­ I¡¯ll talk to Royce¡­


    -----


    ALERIC.


    ¡°What was that?¡± I ask father.


    Royce had left a few hours ago with Charlotte and only now am I calm enough to not burn the entire


    ce down.


    My blood is still burning with anger and¡­ I hate to admit it, but jealousy too.


    Royce.


    The fucking second born!


    How is he able to bend the weather? I saw him not only manipte the weather, but physically


    generate lightning.


    I know what this makes him, and I don¡¯t want to face it!


    ¡°I will not lie to you Aleric, but that - what happened out there, was not to my knowledge.¡± Dad¡¯s anger


    is clear too, and there is a storm behind his cold eyes.


    I re at him, but I realise he is staring at the table, his fists clenched.


    ¡°So you didn¡¯t know he could just generate a storm?¡± I ask sharply.


    ¡°No, but after examining you both, I knew he held far more powers than you do. I know you both Aleric,


    and I assure you that I do wish that you were the one holding that power. It¡¯s wasted on him, but


    unfortunately, he is the one with that power.¡±


    ¡°Then we need to find a way to take it from him. This means he¡¯s the Prophesied King! Isn¡¯t he? Royce,


    a king! He¡¯s a loser.¡± I sneer.


    ¡°I agree, he would want to run this ce like a saint. Selflessly, even if it costs us everything. I have


    tried Aleric. What do you think I¡¯ve been injecting you with for thest fifteen years? I¡¯ve been working


    on a form using Royce¡¯s DNA to strengthen you, and it has been sessful to an extent. Your


    power has grown but¡­¡±


    ¡°But what?¡± I ask, not liking the ¡®but¡¯ in his sentence.


    ¡°It still doesn¡¯t match his. The level of Royce¡¯s power is¡­ almost double yours.¡± He says coldly, as his


    gaze meets mine.


    Anger zes through me as I re at him, my eyes simmering, and I can feel the level of heat in the


    room rise.


    I¡¯ve never felt more hatred for anyone than I do now towards my brother¡­


    ¡°Is this why you were pushing for me to go to The First Dawn Pack?¡±


    Dad frowns. ¡°Yes, I was hoping that the court would see you and realise you would rece me, but if


    Royce went over there, they would figure out who he is and then he would be the rightful King.¡±


    I stare at Dad, realising why he was always pushing me to go to America.


    And with satisfaction, I realise that he is on my side.


    ¡°So that¡­¡±


    ¡°I know my sons, Aleric, and I see myself in you. You may not be the Prophesied King, but you can


    be the head of the court like myself. This is why I need you to win over the Lycan¡¯s daughter. This


    will win you points with the court, Aleric.¡±


    Our eyes meet, and I nod slowly.


    ¡°Do not worry, father, Sk Rossi is mine.¡±


    ¡°Good, move faster Aleric, the Srian Ball ising up in a few months and you need to have her in


    your ws by then.¡± He says as he closes his fist, his eyes shing.


    I clench my jaw and nod.


    I have had my n rolling, but it is clearly not enough. I need to do more¡­


    ¡°She will be.¡±


    He nods with approval.


    I promise you she will be mine soon enough. I am not going to lose to Royce anymore, and as for


    him¡­ well¡­ his time wille.


    ¡°Goodnight father.¡± I say, turning away, my eyes zing with rage.


    For the first time in my life, I hate my brother with every fibre of my being.


    I will not lose to him.


    He may have the power of the Sris Alpha King, but I¡¯m no less.


    It¡¯s time he learned what happens when you mess with a true Arden.


    A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There are two teeny things I want to clear up as I


    am having people bombard my DMs on s0cial media as well. Firstly, Winona is two years older than the


    twins, she is 27 and Royce and Aleric are 25; she is not their triplet. Second, Dante¡¯s mate will be


    revealed in his book. Let¡¯s get through the books first, people! XD And what I want to say is, his mate


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    will not be mentioned prior to his book, at all. :)


    Lastly, don¡¯t forget to drop a gem, love you all!

 57. These Limits

    57. These Limits


    ROYCE.


    The rm goes off. Hitting snooze, I ce my arm over my eyes. For once, I didn¡¯t want to get out of


    bed.


    It had been a long night¡­


    A dull ache from overthinking has formed at the front of my head, but I still had no answers.


    We had gotten backte. I was able to get Charlotte to her room without anyone stopping us and told


    her to shower, so no one¡¯s scent remained on us.


    I couldn¡¯t risk Dad finding out who we had run into. After showering, I had tested Sk¡¯s blood before


    turning in. Something about the entire thing has me on edge and that had ended up taking far longer


    than I had thought it would.


    The Arden¡¯s have a variety of unique drugs at our disposal, mainly created by Dad, and several don¡¯t


    even show in the blood if tested, and the only way to bring these out was if we used specific antigens


    that work against the initial drug.


    After three hours of testing and scrutinising her blood, I was almost ready to give up and put it down to


    my paranoia. Then I tried for Sra XI 5, something that Aleric had been working on a few years back.


    It¡¯s the only Arden drug I didn¡¯t test it for. I didn¡¯t have thetest form, but I knew enough of the


    Why Aleric would give Sk this drug baffled me. The Sra XI 5 was harmless and held no real


    reasoning. Aleric was adamant that it will help open the doors to so much more in the future, but it did


    nothing.


    Nothing that I know of anyway, and it had just been ast resort just to ease my mind, but I had not


    expected it to show positive.


    It was a project that I had thought he had scrapped, but for him to still be working on it¡­


    What exactly is the purpose of it and by giving it to her, what was he trying to achieve? It does nothing,


    aside from the slight side-effect of feeling tired. You don¡¯t forget anything, and you stay aware, so there


    is nothing¡­


    So, what exactly is he up to, or does the drug serve a purpose I don¡¯t know of?


    I need to see if I can get a hand on the new version of the serum. Does it now have another purpose?


    Aleric wouldn¡¯t do something for no reason¡­ but the fact it was in her system showed he was up to


    something.


    The beeping of the rm going off again makes me growl.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m up!¡± I sigh as I reach over and m it off.


    Groaning, I swing my legs onto the floor and rest my elbows on my knees, running my hand through


    my hair.


    Never has waking up felt so hard¡­ I nce at the time. It¡¯s 7:05 AM.


    No wonder¡­ forty minutes is far from enough.


    I¡¯ll take the day off today and I¡¯ll stop by to visit Sky too¡­


    The memory of that kiss we shared returns and a wave of pleasure rushes through me as I rey it in


    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    my mind. I want a taste of that again, of her¡­


    And then there¡¯s her dad, whose decision I would wait on.


    Standing up, I head over to my wardrobe and take out ck pants, a white T-shirt, and a long ck


    cardigan. I wash up and get dressed quickly, tying my hair back in a pony and putting on two nes


    and ck boots.


    Pushing the sleeves of my cardigan up, I look in the mirror at my reflection for a second before I grab


    my phone, keys and wallet. I¡¯ll check up on Charlotte before I head to the shop to pick up a few items


    for Sk.


    I look down at my phone, unlocking it, I go into my settings and change the wallpaper to my unlock


    screen, smiling faintly as I admire the sizzling image. An image I had removed shortly after finding out


    who she was¡­


    The picture of her covering her breasts as she posed on the bed, showing off her sexy tattoo. Damn,


    she was an entirely next level of sizzling hot. The doll knows how to turn the heat up¡­


    My eyes rake over the curve of her waist and hips before I lock the phone and slip it into my pocket.


    Leaving my room, I walk down the hall to Charlotte¡¯s room, knocking on the door that is half open, and


    poke my head inside.


    ¡°Morning,¡± I say, spotting Charlotte still in bed, her arms crossed as she lies in bed in her pink satin


    pyjamas, her eye mask is on her forehead as Mom sits at the edge of the bed, caressing her hair.


    She¡¯s clearly upset about something.


    Charlotte doesn¡¯t reply as Mom smiles at me.


    ¡°Good morning Royce!¡± She responds, looking back at Charlotte.


    I walk over to the bed, kissing Mom¡¯s forehead before nting a kiss on top of Charlotte¡¯s head.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the cause behind you acting like a diva?¡± I ask, raising my eyebrows at her.


    ¡°Dad grounded me.¡± She says bitterly, ¡°He took away my phone, and my inte.¡±


    For what?


    My mock amusement fades as I frown and look at Mom. ¡°Did you try to speak to him? It was I who took


    Charlotte out. If he has a problem, he should take it up with me.¡± I say coldly.


    She frowns. ¡°I did try to talk to him, Royce. You know how he gets.¡±


    ¡°Then try harder, Mom.¡± I say quietly, feeling dreadful for saying that, but for someone who lives with


    him day and night, does she not see when he¡¯s in the wrong?


    ¡°Royce¡­¡± Mom sounds hurt and shocked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he does get away with doing whatever he wants all the bloody time, and frankly, I have


    had enough.¡± I say. ¡°I¡¯m heading out, I¡¯ll pick up some books for you.¡± I add to Charlotte.


    If things get worse, I¡¯m going to have to do something.


    She liked reading. Although Dad prefers her to read nonfiction and educational books, she is a fan of


    fantasy novels.


    ¡°Perfect!¡± She says.


    My eyes meet Mom¡¯s, and she smiles slightly, but she¡¯s trying to hide the fact that my words hurt her


    and as much as I wanted to walk out of these ces for good, I can¡¯t. Because Mom and Charlotte


    need me.


    I crouch down beside the bed and take Mom¡¯s hands in mine, caressing her knuckles gently as I look


    up into her beautiful eyes.


    ¡®I¡¯m tired of living under his dictatorship Mom, I¡¯m tired of the way he treats Charlotte¡­ and¡­ deep


    down you know that things do need to change around here¡­¡¯ I say through the mind link.


    ¡®Royce, your father loves you. He can be a little harsh when ites to etiquette and rules, but try to


    not be so hard on him.¡¯ She says, trying to make me understand.


    One day, the veil will be lifted from her eyes and she will see Dad for who he truly is¡­


    ¡®But he¡¯s crossed certain limits that never should have been crossed. I dealt with it mom, for years, I¡¯ve


    put up with everything he has done. Things you know of and far more things that you don¡¯t, but when it


    begins to affect those that I love¡­ that¡¯s my limit.¡¯ I say. I kiss her hands gently.


    I know my words are harsh, but this is where I draw the line.


    ¡®What do you mean by things he has done that I don¡¯t know of?¡¯ She asks, frowning.


    I stay silent for a moment before standing up. ¡®When the time is right, I will tell you everything.¡¯


    She frowns, but nods. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯ll be backte.¡± I say, ncing at my watch.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t going to work today?¡± Charlotte smirks.


    I cock a brow. ¡°None of your business.¡± I say with a small smirk.


    ¡°Ooo I know where you¡¯re going¡­ check you out, lover boy!¡± She giggles.


    Mom¡¯s head perks up in surprise.


    ¡°What does she mean?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I say, giving Charlotte a pointed look.


    ¡°Yeah right, the way you two looked at-¡±


    I ce a finger to my lips, and she nces at the open door, realising it isn¡¯t safe.


    Mom also seems to understand, and neither of them says more.


    ¡®I¡¯ll be waiting to learn more.¡¯ She says through the link.


    I nod.


    ¡°Do youdies need anything from the shops? I¡¯ll be stopping down there?¡±


    ¡°My books!¡± Charlotte says.


    ¡°Nothing at all, Thank you, Sweetheart.¡± Mom smiles before I head out of the room.


    I know Dad will probably want to talk to me. After all, yesterday I did disy more powers than I should


    have¡­ but right now I don¡¯t even want to face him. I go around the staff quarters before I slip outside,


    mind linking the valet to have my car ready.


    ¡®Beta Quade.¡¯ I call through the link.


    The pack house was a few miles from the mansion but still within mind link range.


    ¡®Alpha Royce, what an honour. How are you?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m great, thank you. Is it alright if I can have a word with youter tonight?¡¯ I ask.


    ¡®Well, I am heading out on business, but I will be back next week. Is it urgent? I can stop by now?¡¯


    I nce at my watch again. ¡®No, not at all. Next week is fine. Have a good trip, Beta.¡¯


    ¡®Thank you, Alpha Royce. Have a good day.¡¯


    I end the link as I get into my car. There¡¯s no point in rushing things. I will talk to him properly when he


    returns.


    -


    Two hourster, I have parked up outside the Luminaria Pack Hospital, and nce at the two ck gift


    bags and box that sit on the passenger side.


    Too corny?


    I lift the lid off therge round box, looking at the roses.


    Yes, maybe a bit much.


    Toote now Royce¡­


    A knock on my window makes me turn and I roll the window down ande face to face with the King


    himself.


    His eyebrow shoots up as he nces at the items on the passenger side before he scoffs and takes a


    puff on his cigarette


    ¡°Now I know you came here trying to be Prince Charming or some shit, but how about we finish that


    conversation first, and I make my decision?¡±


    I cock my own eyebrow.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯d actually prefer to get it over with.¡± I say.


    Reaching over, I pick up the boxes cing them in the back. ¡°We can talk in the car?¡± I offer.


    He narrows his eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t find me fucking intimidating, do you?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± I reply, looking him square in the eyes.


    A cold smirk crosses his lips.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see if that changes¡­¡± He says, his eyes glinting dangerously.


    I don¡¯t know what man has to have this conversation from the start with his girl¡¯s family, but I guess the


    fact that she¡¯s the Lycan King¡¯s daughter changes all that.


    ¡°Now get out of the car. We¡¯re going to do this my way.¡± He adds.


    ¡°And what way is that?¡± I ask as he steps back, and I get out of the car.


    A grin crosses his face as he cracks his knuckles. ¡°Like real men, let¡¯s spar, pretty boy.¡±

 58. A Match

    58. A Match


    ALEJANDRO.


    ¡°Like real men, let¡¯s spar, pretty boy.¡±


    He gets out of the car, and I stare at the younger man, who is as tall as me. He has simrities in looks


    to his father, but so far I hate to admit I haven¡¯t gotten that same vibe from him that I get from Ken-


    Fucking-Arden, but still, he is ultimately an Arden¡­


    He throws me¡­ the way he ispletely not fucking affected by me.


    There¡¯s only a small handful of people who can withstand my aura. Yet there is something about this


    one that is even more unnerving. There¡¯s not even a blink of unease from him.


    There have been moments I¡¯ve let all my aura out, yet shockingly, he didn¡¯t even realise, and I assure


    you the fucker isn¡¯t that dense that he was just dumb or some shit, just somehow¡­ it doesn¡¯t affect


    him¡­ my aura does nothing.


    But I also don¡¯t sense vast power from him, so how is he doing it?


    He killed something that no one was able to kill, the serpent¡­ Even until now, I don¡¯t get how a single


    sword killed that shit. There has to be more to it.


    He shuts the door of his fucking sleek car. How the fuck did he just climb out of a sports car looking as


    if he wasn¡¯t just cramped into that shit?


    No wonder Sk fell for the fucker¡­ he¡¯s just fucking smooth and slick.


    Like I said, pretty boy.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t mind sparring with you, Alpha Alejandro, but can I ask the reason behind it?¡±


    Why? Cause I want to fucking pummel you ever since I found out you kissed my daughter?


    ¡°I¡¯m just wondering what makes you think you¡¯re worthy of my daughter. But why the fuck are you


    asking me that? You¡¯re not scared, are you?¡±


    As long as he doesn¡¯t bring up the fact, he saved herst night. I mean that kinda makes him worthy to


    some fucking level.


    Yeah, let¡¯s not mention that shit.


    ¡°Not at all. I just need to know so I can decide the oue of this match.¡± He says calmly, but the


    arrogance in that remark makes me scoff.


    He isn¡¯t as innocent as I assumed¡­


    ¡°Oh yeah kid, you have confidence. I¡¯ll give you that.¡± I snicker mockingly. ¡°So let me put it this way, if


    you lose, you don¡¯t get to see Sk, you will take your ass and shiny car and drive right out the way


    you came and if you win, and only if you win, can you go and see her and give her whatever shit you


    brought for her.¡±


    He smiles faintly. ¡°Then I apologise in advance. However, I do have a request.¡± He says, locking his car


    and slipping his keys into his pocket.


    ¡°Oh yeah? And what is that?¡± I ask, tossing my cigarette to the ground and crushing it beneath my foot.


    His grey eyes scan the area around us before they meet mine.


    ¡°Can we make sure we don¡¯t have an audience?¡±


    What?


    ¡°Are you fucking shy or some shit?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t reply.


    He¡¯s serious¡­


    Well, I don¡¯t give a fuck either way.


    I turn my head slightly.


    ¡°I want everyone to clear out.¡± Imand. My eyes ze red and I look Royce straight in the eyes as I


    feel the few scattered guards back away.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Prescott won¡¯t mind. The fucker is a good old fucker.


    There. Once again, he doesn¡¯t even blink despite themand and power that I¡¯m exuding¡­


    What the hell is this fucker made of?


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± I say, pulling off my shirt and tossing it to the stone ground.


    He does the same, pulling his shirt and cardigan off and dropping them to the side.


    He looks at me, and any amusement on his face is now gone. There¡¯s a calcting look in his eyes as


    he steps forward.


    ¡®Make sure Sky does note out.¡¯ I say through the link to Kiara. After all, we were leaving today, and


    I knew she had gone to shower.


    The girl who was in the woods needed to be identified and although the academy had asked for


    anyone who was there toe forward, no one had done so as of yet.


    We are hoping Sky will be able to identify her.


    ¡®Why?¡¯ Kiara asks, instantly sounding worried.


    ¡®Me and Pretty Boy, about to have a little sparring match.¡¯


    ¡®Al¡­¡¯


    ¡®Calm down Amore Mio¡­ I know what I¡¯m doing.¡¯


    I cut the link as I motion Royce toe at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back, because I won¡¯t be.¡± I warn him as I crack my knuckles.


    ¡°I don¡¯t intend to, especially since me seeing Sk depends on the oue.¡± He says, as we both


    circle one another.


    ¡°Oh yeah? So tell me, when you lose, will you just drive away? I mean, if you¡¯re able to walk after I¡¯m


    done with you.¡± I remark with a cold smirk.


    ¡°Who knows¡­ Have you thought about whether you want me to continue at the academy or not?¡± He


    asks,pletely unphased.


    I don¡¯t answer immediately. I make the first move, lunging at him. I aim for a punch to the face. He


    blocks, moving back, and I frown when my fist hits his arm instead.


    He doesn¡¯t even stagger, simply knocking my hand aside.


    The fuck?


    ¡°Not yet. I¡¯ll have the answer after this match.¡± I say, my eyes zing as I attack again, only for him to


    block again and dodge me.


    We fall silent; the mood bing far more serious. We both make our next moves at the same time,


    both blocking each other.


    He spins around, aiming a kick to the knee, I dodge, only for him to kick my legs out from beneath me.


    In a sh, his foot meets my knee and I stagger.


    Flipping back, I aim a punch at him. He dodges, and my fist meets the ground instead, creating a small


    crater in the ground.


    He¡¯s on his feet again, and so am I, but he doesn¡¯t give me time to assess him. He¡¯s on the offence


    again.


    He throws blow after blow, and I block, but he¡¯s fast and he only seems to be speeding up. As if up until


    now he has only been analysing my speed.


    Each punch or kick is packed with an immense strength that when one finally connects with my chest,


    I¡¯m thrown back, hitting a tree not far behind, the wind knocked from me, and I can taste blood in my


    mouth.


    ncing up, I see him standing there, legs slightly apart, an expression ofplete calmness and


    control on his face. His hands are by his side, as he looks down at me, not striking whilst I¡¯m down.


    A sharp wind blows, his chest rises and falls, and I realise that the most deadly opponent in this world


    is someone who can remain calm in every situation.


    Gone is the pretty boy, and before me is a powerful alpha who knows exactly what he is doing and


    exactly what he wants¡­

 59. Our Future

    59. Our Future


    ALEJANDRO.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I dig my ws into the ground, jumping up as I growl, running at him. This time, I manage to knock him


    to the ground. But he instantly uses it to his advantage, throwing me over his shoulder and getting up.


    In a sh, I¡¯m in front of him, and I don¡¯t hold back, just the way I don¡¯t with Dante. That fucker is the


    only one who can beat my ass.


    But despite my ruthless attacks, I¡¯m unable to wrap my head around how Royce Arden is so strong.


    I¡¯m breathing hard, my eyes burning red and even when I kick him in the stomach, not once do his eyes


    change from their usual grey. As if this is just a game to him.


    I don¡¯t want to draw blood, but I need to see him lose control. I want to see his truth.


    ¡°Time to end this fucker.¡± I growl.


    In a sh, I¡¯m in front of him, my wsing out, one hand grabbing his neck, the other ready to


    sh through his chest and that¡¯s when his eyes sh a dazzling blue.


    ¡°Not so fast!¡± His cold replyes.


    He grips my hand that is around his neck tightly. The other hand shoots out and grabs my neck, as he


    brings his knee up, stopping me from ripping through his chest.


    Our eyes lock, red against bright blue. We¡¯re in a deadlock, a battle of strength alone and this is not


    one I usually lose¡­ but right now, I¡¯m losing.


    Growling, I reinforce my hold, my aura swirling around me like a dark cloak, and that¡¯s when I feel it, a


    surge of power as his eyes meet mine. Immense power.


    Suddenly he kicks me off him, pain rushes through my stomach and chest and I don¡¯t fucking know


    what happened, but the next thing I know, I¡¯m thrown against the hospital wall, pain shooting through


    my entire fucking body from the impact.


    He gets to his feet, brushing his fingers through the hair that hase loose from his hair tie, breathing


    hard.


    I move forward, hissing as I realise something is fucking broken.


    I look up sharply to see his eyes are back to normal, and there¡¯s a glimmer of concern in his eyes as he


    walks over to me.


    I get to my feet cause like fuck am I going to let him think he¡¯s done any fucking damage; I¡¯m healing


    already anyway.


    ¡°This ain''t over yet, fucker.¡± I say with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m having fun.¡±


    He isn¡¯t amused though, as he nces at my chest. ¡°You have several fractured bones, Alpha


    Alejandro¡­ do we really need to continue this?¡±


    ¡°Like shit we are. I¡¯m not fucking done yet.¡±


    He raises an eyebrow and exhales.


    Wait, did this fucker just act like I¡¯m fucking getting on his nerves?


    ¡°Hey what you fucking sighing about?¡±


    ¡°You really are stubborn, just like your daughter.¡± He remarks.


    ¡°Yeah, well, unlike her I ain''t falling for your shit!¡± I lunge at him, knocking him to the ground. He grunts


    as the breath is knocked from him. His head hits the floor.


    He was fucking right, something is still broken inside of me.


    I grit my teeth as another wave of pain rushes through me.


    He blocks my punch, rolling over until he¡¯s on top, but instead of getting a punch in, he gets off me, and


    instead grabs my arm and twists it behind my back, his knee pressing against my upper back.


    ¡°I¡¯m really not enjoying this, so can we call it a draw?¡± He says breathlessly.


    A draw? A fucking draw? I just got my fucking ass beat by a fucking Arden.


    That fucking hurts my ego.


    ¡°There ain¡¯t no fucking draw. You won.¡± I growl and he instantly lets go of me.


    I¡¯m d he didn¡¯t offer me a fucking hand to help me up.


    I turn to face him and notice despite his calmness, he still supports a good few grazes and bruises. He


    also has a cut along his jaw and a cut on his lip.


    We¡¯re both covered in ayer of sweat, like a lot, and I smirk.


    At least he doesn¡¯t look all dressed up and pretty anymore. Aint no way Sk will be impressed now.


    I feel smug about that.


    That¡¯s fucking better¡­


    ¡°Do you know that I rarely ever lose a sparring match?¡± I ask him, cricking my neck.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard.¡± He replies, pulling his pants up a little.


    ¡°You sure had confidence that you will win, so then why the fuck did you send everyone away? This


    was your moment of glory, shame no one was able to witness it.¡± I say, sharing the thoughts that I


    fucking can¡¯t make sense of.


    Who wouldn¡¯t want to boast that they bested the Lycan king himself?


    Especially an Arden.


    He cocks a brow.


    ¡°This match was between us. Why does anyone else need to know who won or lost? This isn¡¯t a


    moment¡¯s glory for me Alpha Alejandro. I won because you said it¡¯s the only way you will allow me to


    see my Doll today and although I probably would still find a way to see her, I''d rather not anger you in


    the process. So, can I go see her?¡± He says, turning away and picking up his shirt.


    But it¡¯s his next words that really hit something inside of me. He turns his head to nce back over his


    shoulder at me and gives me the faintest of smirks.


    ¡°I¡¯m not my father, and I find no pride in another¡¯s loss.¡±


    I¡¯m about to reply, when I see a sh of white as the hospital doors open and the next thing I see is


    Sk flinging her arms around the fucker¡¯s neck.


    He catches her by the waist. Neither seems to fucking care that I¡¯m standing right here.


    Yeah, maybe I¡¯m fucking bruised and shit, but I¡¯m still here and I¡¯m not fucking invisible, but right now


    it¡¯s almost as if I am.


    ¡°Careful love, I¡¯m sweaty and covered in blood and dirt.¡± The fucker says as he looks down at my


    daughter.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking care. I like you dirty, it just sucks I''m not the one who got you all hot and sweaty.¡± Sk


    whispers, and to my fucking irritation, she kisses him straight on his fucking lips.


    I clench my jaw, hating the fact that I have to ept this.


    It¡¯s not because of who he is¡­ but the fact that my little girl is all grown up¡­


    A calming touch sends tingles through me. Her touch still feels the way it did long ago and I feel my


    pain from the injuries fade away and turn to look at my own beautiful woman as she heals me.


    Her gorgeous eyes meet mine, and I know she gets what I¡¯m feeling.


    ¡®They are the future Alejandro¡­ the next generation¡­ they are perfect for one another. Give them your


    blessings, because I do.¡¯ She says softly through the mind link.


    I turn my attention back to the young Alpha who is stronger than I ever imagined, watching as he runs


    his fingers tenderly through my daughter¡¯s hair, tucking a strand behind her ear as he whispers


    something ever so quietly in her ear. She has her hands a tad too fucking low on his abs for my liking.


    But what I do realise is, that Kiara is right, in more ways than one¡­


    He is a match for her, if she wants him, whether that''s just for now or forever¡­ and also that our time is


    waning.


    The future of this world is in the hands of our legacies, legacies who will indeed be stronger and better


    people, alphas and protectors than their predecessors.


    They are indeed our fucking future.

 60. No Longer a Child

    60. No Longer a Child


    SKYLA.


    I was wondering why Mama was trying to prolong our leaving, but when I felt the ground tremble, I had


    run to the window only to see Dad fighting with someone¡­


    My stomach plummets fast when I recognise the sexy hunk he had just thrown to the ground.


    Royce!


    My heart thunders, my eyes zing as my head whips around, and I re at Mama.


    ¡°How could you? You know he¡¯ll hurt him!¡±


    Dad may be getting older, but he is still extremely powerful. The only person I know who has defeated


    him in a match until this day is Dante and fuck, he¡¯s a God!


    ¡°Sk! Please listen to me!¡± Mama shouts.


    Fuck no!


    Dad is a beast!


    My heart is racing, and I can feel my anger rising. I¡¯m going to lose control, but the fear of what might


    happen to Royce keeps me sane enough.


    I can hear them talking now as I run down the stairs, my heart thudding loudly in my ears.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ve heard.¡± I hear Royce say.


    ¡°You sure had confidence that you will win, so then why the fuck did you send everyone away? This


    was your moment of glory, shame no one was able to witness it.¡± I hear dad say and stop in my tracks.


    Royce won.


    How¡­?


    I know for a fact; Dad would never have let him win on purpose¡­


    I suddenly feel weak as I speed up, but I¡¯m no longer running, trying to hear what they¡¯re saying.


    Is the fight over?


    ¡°This match was between us. Why does anyone else need to know who won or lost? This isn¡¯t a


    moment¡¯s glory for me Alpha Alejandro. I won because you said it¡¯s the only way you will allow me to


    see my Doll today and although I probably would still find a way to see her. I''d rather not anger you in


    the process. So, can I go see her?¡±


    How is it possible for a girl like me to feel so emotional?


    Fuck, this guy is scrumptious, but his next words hit me even harder.


    ¡°I¡¯m not my father, and I find no pride in another¡¯s loss.¡±


    No baby, you¡¯re not. You¡¯re a fucking king who I¡¯m fucking madly in love with.


    Taking a deep breath, I break into a run to calm myself, wiping the stray tear from my eye. The hospital


    doors open before I reach them, and I skip down the steps.


    My eyesnd on Royce and although he looks entirely drool-worthy with ayer of sweat coating his


    godly body, all I care about is that he¡¯s ok.


    I fling my arms around his neck, and he instantly grabs my waist, his hands wrap around it perfectly,


    and I fit perfectly in his hold¡­


    Our eyes meet, and his soften as they look me over.


    My heart skips a beat when his gaze falls on the plunging neckline of my white peplum top and I see a


    sh of hunger in them.


    They¡¯re all yours¡­


    ¡°Careful love, I¡¯m sweaty and covered in blood dirt.¡± He says huskily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking care, I like you dirty,¡± I whisper.


    Tiptoeing, I yank him down and kiss him hard on the lips. Explosive sparks rush through me when he


    instantly kisses me back, pulling me closer to him as he kisses me deeper and more passionately,


    taking control of the kiss.


    I run my tongue along the cut on his lip, feeling a re of irritation that he was hurt, but at the same


    time, I¡¯m still shell-shocked that he won¡­


    How?


    My core clenches and I can¡¯t help but moan when he throbs against me.


    He tastes delicious¡­ My hand grips the back of his neck tightly. I want to kiss him harder, but he gently


    tugs me back.


    I want to frown but I can¡¯t when he kisses my cheek ever so softly before his breath fans my ear. His


    fingers gentlyb through my hair, making a shiver of pleasure rush through me.


    ¡°As much as I want to kiss you forever, your dad may not take it well and don¡¯t argue with me, Love.


    We¡¯ll have plenty of time to continue thister.¡± He murmurs.


    I can feel a soft wind around us and something tells me he¡¯s making sure the wind doesn¡¯t carry our


    voice.


    ¡°By the way, you look absolutely ravishing.¡± He breathes seductively into my ear as he tucks a strand of


    my hair behind it.


    I look up at him, running my hands down his chest and abs. My pussy clenches in desire, and I swear I


    just want to shove him to the ground and ride him hard.


    I bite my lip, feeling him tense as my hand brushes his V. I look down, my throat going dry as I realise


    how low his pants are sitting.


    Oh, fuck me now.


    Forcing my gaze up, I now take a moment to examine his injuries, sneakily slipping the tips of my finger


    into the band of his pants.


    Mmm¡­ Oh yes Daddy, you are fucking yummy¡­


    Dad growls, and my attention snaps to him. My eyes sh as I let go of Royce and turn to face him.


    ¡®Why?¡¯ I ask through the link, my heart thumping once again.


    ¡®I am allowed to look out for my daughter.¡¯ He says quietly through the mind link.


    There¡¯s no anger in his eyes. In fact, I can see the sadness in them despite how cold his voice sounds.


    Mama¡¯s hand rests on his arm and I realise that it must be hard for him. He often said he hoped we


    would never find our mates and how no boy should ever look at us.


    ¡®But you knew you were so fucking strong, you weren¡¯t expecting him to win. So why did you challenge


    him?¡¯ I ask usingly.


    Royce ces a hand on my elbow. Dad¡¯s gaze falls to his hand on my arm and I sigh.


    I know this must be hard for him, but he really needs to get used to it. I¡¯m not a little girl anymore.


    But I¡¯ll always be his little girl¡­


    I know that.


    Fuck.


    I clench my jaw, feeling a sting of emotion, and I¡¯m relieved when Royce speaks.


    ¡°Were you about to leave?¡± He asks and I know him well enough to know he¡¯s trying to diffuse the


    tension.


    ¡°Yes, I was discharged¡­¡± I say, ncing down at his shirt on the floor that he now picks it up and pulls


    it on.


    His hair is tied back, and he looks so fucking fine¡­


    ¡°Can I drop you home?¡± He asks, before ncing at Mama and Dad. ¡°If that is alright?¡±


    ¡°Like we have a fucking say.¡± Dad says unhappily.


    ¡°Yeah, you don¡¯t.¡± I say, going over to him. I wrap my arms around his waist. I don¡¯t say anything and


    neither does Dad, but he still hugs me. Tight.


    I close my eyes, feeling protected.


    I love you, Dad.


    We¡¯re alike, I know we are¡­ we both struggle to say what we want¡­


    We may sh a lot, but he only wants the best for me¡­ I just wish he gets that Royce is fucking


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    perfect.


    ¡°Well, 4 pm, I want you back at the academy,¡± Dad says when he releases me.


    I nod, and Royce frowns. ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°There was another girl in the woods, a witch, and well, no one¡¯se forward.¡± I frown.


    Announcements had been made, yet still, no one came forward.


    Why?


    ¡°Surely the school can narrow down who were friends with the victims?¡± Royce frowns.


    ¡°Good point¡­ Well, I¡¯m going to head over. I¡¯ll see if they can at least question the victims¡¯ friends,


    regardless we¡¯ll find her. Sky did see her.¡± Dad replies.


    Mama gives me a squeeze. ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯ She says, and I know she means regarding the fight.


    ¡®It¡¯s fine. Royce won, so it¡¯s all cool.¡¯ I say, hugging her back before I turn and look at Royce.


    ¡°So, my ce or yours?¡± I say with a sexy smirk.


    Royce smirks faintly, his dimple looking fucking gorgeous as hell before he tilts his head. ¡°You¡¯ll have to


    wait and see.¡±

 61. One in a Century

    61. One in a Century


    ROYCE.


    I hear Alejandro scoff at that, and I turn to him as I pull on my cardigan.


    He reminds me of the background audience to a TV show or something. He really must make his


    presence known, not that he¡¯s hard to miss as it is. I walk over to him.


    ¡°Mind if I take her?¡± I ask as I hold my hand out to shake as a peace offering.


    I want to put whatever happened here, behind us. This match wasn¡¯t going to be mentioned again, and


    I will never be sparring against the Lycan King again. I know my win did shock him, but I¡¯m not trying to


    make him look any lower in his daughter¡¯s eyes.


    I can tell they sh often enough and don¡¯t see eye to eye, although I put that down to their simr


    personalities, and I didn¡¯t want to cause any further rifts between them.


    ¡°I fucking do mind, so stop fucking rubbing it in, knowing you both going to do whatever the fuck you


    want, anyway.¡± He growls, but he still takes my hand. ¡°You¡¯re not like your old man, not going to say


    much else out here, but let¡¯s have that talk. You asked me a question and I¡¯ll answer it¡­ and regarding


    your spot at the academy¡­ I have no issue if you fucking continue.¡±


    I¡¯m surprised at that but I simply nod. I went there unknowingly for my Lil Lucifer and I n to stay and


    continue to train her¡­


    Fuck, as wrong as I think it is, in a way, I still need to watch out for her around Aleric¡­


    ¡°Now I feel a bit better over the fact that I was never able to ever really best you in training.¡± The green-


    eyed goddess says as she saunters over to my car.


    She¡¯s wearing ace crop top with a white mini skirt that seems to re around her with every step she


    takes.


    I drag my eyes away and look at Kiara.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you both soon.¡± I say, but she stops me by cing her hand on my arm.


    ¡°I will be looking forward to that visit in the holidays.¡± She says, as a wave of coolness spreads through


    me, and any remaining aches and pain vanish.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I reply, cing my hand over hers for a second before I step back.


    She smiles and nods as Alejandro pulls her close.


    I walk over to Sky and open the door for her, but a sh of ck blurs past me and jumps into the car


    first.


    ¡°Sorry, but where I go, so does Malevolent.¡± Sk smirks.


    ¡°Sounds like a fair deal,¡± I reply softly. She smiles and ces her hand on my waist and reaching up,


    kisses my jaw softly.


    Our eyes meet and the urge to do so much more for her ovees me. But instead, I simply give her


    a small smirk and wink and motion at her with my head to get in.


    ¡°Are you nning on just standing here, Love?¡± I ask teasingly.


    She rolls her eyes before she gets in, and I close the door behind her before getting in on the other


    side.


    The royals are watching, and I give them a small nod before shutting my door and switching the engine


    on.


    ¡°So, where are we going?¡± She asks, looking around and her gaze falls on the gifts in the back.


    Reaching over to her, I take hold of the seat belt and strap her in, cing a soft kiss on her neck as I


    inhale her intoxicating scent.


    I really need a shower¡­ I¡¯m a bloody mess.


    Buckling her in, I reach behind and grab the box of roses.


    ¡°To my ce in the city, and no, not the Arden mansion,¡± I reply,


    It was even further out than the mansion, but we had enough time. It¡¯s still early and I¡¯ll get her back


    here by 4.


    ¡°Thanks for these, they¡¯re gorgeous¡­¡± She says, brushing her fingertips over the roses. ¡°I actually love


    red roses.¡±


    Her green eyes meet mine and I nod.


    ¡°Yes, I know,¡± I nce at her tattooed arm that peeks through her sheer top. ¡°You remind me of a rose.¡±


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    ¡°Oh yeah, what about a rose reminds you of me?¡± She says, cocking one of those arched brows.


    ¡°Aside from them having sharp thorns.¡±


    She shows me her long, painted nails and I can¡¯t help but smirk.


    ¡°A rose...¡± I begin, taking one from the box. I made sure that the stems were notpletely shaved off,


    retaining their original beauty, and I brush my thumb down the stem, letting one of the thorns cut into


    my thumb. ¡°Is breathtakingly beautiful, regal¡­ yet it protects itself with its thorns¡­ but once you get


    past that exterior¡­¡±


    I brush my thumb over the soft petals, ¡°You are met with the mesmerising allure of the petalled flower


    itself. Still strong, still dangerous, yet exceptionally beautiful and tender¡­¡± I reach over, brushing the


    rose across Sk¡¯s plush lips before trailing it down her neck. Her thumping heart makes me smile


    faintly. ¡°And just like a rose in a storm, you hold your own, no matter how hard it gets.¡±


    She rolls her eyes, but I don¡¯t miss the fact her heart is thundering. It¡¯s good to know I can get her all


    crazy for me.


    ¡°You act like you know me oh so well.¡± She deres as I run the rose down her thigh, not missing how


    she presses her knees together.


    Oh, fuck, Love¡­


    My grey orbs meet her gorgeous green ones.


    ¡°Oh Love, I know you better than you think,¡± I say, and I mean it.


    Even when she shakes her head and thinks I¡¯m joking as she admires her flowers, I know that if she


    knew my truth, she¡¯ll realise I really do know her.


    Malevolent begins to peek into the gift bags and I nce back at the road.


    I¡¯m not sure how she will take it when I tell her who I am, but I n to, tonight.


    -----


    It¡¯s an hourter and we are finally at my penthouse, one of the couple I have.


    Sk had first taken a quick peek around before I had given her the gifts and went to take a quick


    shower. I¡¯m now leaning against the door, in a pair of grey sweatpants with a towel slung over my


    shoulder as I watch her look through the stuff I had brought her.


    There wasn¡¯t much, a box of doughnuts, a little kitty plushie that looked pretty cute, chocte truffles


    and a handbag. The envelope with the card sits unopened. I don¡¯t do this often, but looking at her now


    as she bites into that donut, licking her lips, makes me want to spoil her.


    I just need to learn how to treat her better.


    She¡¯s sitting with one leg tucked under the other, giving me a sexy view of her thigh, my eyes raking


    over the curves of her breasts and down her waist. Swallowing hard, I force my gaze away.


    Being alone with her is dangerous¡­ because even I have limits to my self-control¡­ I want her.


    ¡°Are you just going to check me out, or do you n to join me?¡± She asks, turning slightly and crossing


    her legs.


    I¡¯m about to reply when she pops a truffle in her mouth, closing her eyes as she moans softly. ¡°Fuck¡­


    These are delicious.¡± She whimpers, making me throb.


    I swallow hard, my gaze dipping to her thighs. I look away as I push myself away from the wall and


    walk over to her, one hand in my pocket, with the other I take hold of her chin and force her to tilt her


    head back and look at me.


    Her seductive eyes flick open, and my gaze falls to her lips.


    ¡°As much as I want to worship and devour you¡­ there¡¯s something I need to tell you first.¡± I say


    huskily. Leaning down, I pick up the envelope and pass it to her. ¡°Open it.¡±


    She looks confused for a moment before she looks down at the envelope and tears it open. She takes


    out the card, which has metallic gold writing on the front, wishing her a fast recovery, but it¡¯s what¡¯s


    inside that I need her to see¡­


    Something I had gotten for Lil Lucifer¡­ something I wanted to give to her when I was to meet her. Long


    before I even decided to meet up with her, I had made sure I got my hand on these tickets. Not


    knowing why, but I had wanted to get two¡­


    I think subconsciously I wanted to meet her, one way or another.


    She frowns, picking up the two long sleek metallic ck cards with dark tinum writing on them.


    They¡¯re in, with a few numerals and a date, but anyone who was a fan would know what these are.


    Her heart pounds as she lifts the tickets to the light, her eyes widening like saucers before they snap to


    me.


    ¡°These are¡­¡± Her heart is pounding, and her mouth is slightly parted as she stares at the tickets.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ these are¡­¡±


    I smirk as I watch her. Now, this is the reaction I wanted to see.


    ¡°Tickets to Japan Love, we¡¯re going to see the Alpha Gen X game of the century, front row.¡± I say softly.


    She takes hold of my wrist, pulling herself up as she stares at me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know... fuck how¡­ do you know how- fuck I sound like a damn girl? Shit, this is¡­ you don¡¯t


    know what this means to me.¡± She says, her eyes meeting mine as she grips my shoulders.


    I can¡¯t help smirk at her reaction. Those tickets were fucking hard to get, but I had nned to get them


    the moment the game was announced. Sure, there¡¯s a lot of time left, but our seats are secured.


    I grip her hips tightly, pulling her against me. The feel of her body against mine sends a wave of


    pleasure through me, our hearts racing as we stare into one another¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I told you; I know you better than you know¡­ In a week''s time, I want to take you on a date. I¡¯ll treat


    you like the goddess you are¡­ but before I ask you out for a weekend away¡­¡± I begin, gazing into her


    gorgeous eyes. ¡°First¡­ Reign wants to ask his Luciferess out¡­ On a date long overdue, don¡¯t you


    think? Let¡¯s make that dream a reality. Come with me¡­ to the game that we first bonded over¡­ be my


    date to the Game of the Century.¡± I whisper, my nose brushing hers.


    It takes her a second to process what I just said, her face paling as she stares at me, her heart


    thundering louder than ever as the truth of who I am, dawns upon her¡­


    ¡°Say yes Love, because Reign needs his Lil Lucifer.¡± I whisper before iming her lips in a soft, sizzling


    kiss¡­

 62. This Storm Inside of Me

    62. This Storm Inside of Me


    SKYLA.


    First¡­ Reign wants to ask his Luciferess out¡­


    On a date long overdue, don¡¯t you think? Let¡¯s make that dream a reality, Lil Lucifer,e with me¡­


    To the game that we first bonded over¡­


    Be my date to the Game of the Century.


    Those words ring in my head. My heart is pounding as I try toprehend what he has just said, what


    he¡¯s insinuating.


    I¡¯m unable to speak as I stare at him.


    What is he going on about?


    How? How is this even possible?


    I¡¯m trying to understand.


    He¡¯s iming he¡¯s Reign, although isn¡¯t Aleric Reign?


    But¡­ Why does this just make so much sense?


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Aleric¡­


    ¡°Reign needs his Lil Lucifer.¡± He murmurs before he ims my lips in a kiss that makes me go weak at


    the knees¡­ or is it those words that got me melting?


    My mind is spinning and I¡¯m unable to kiss him back, despite the intensity of this toe-curling kiss.


    A thousand thoughts going through my head¡­


    Royce at the club, saying he was stood up¡­


    The way he often reminded me of Reign¡­


    I know it¡¯s not just me wanting to believe he is Reign.


    I know Royce, and I know he wouldn¡¯t lie to me.


    The way he talks acts and everything about him just¡­ clicks¡­


    Suddenly, a wave of guilt, regret, and disgust hits me hard and I pull away from him, stepping back.


    His anger after he learned I slept with Aleric¡­ His words, on self-respect, return with Vengeance.


    He was Reign, and he watched me fuck it all up like he meant nothing to me¡­


    I slept with his brother, for fuck¡¯s sake.


    Way to fucking go, Sky.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± He says, concern shing in his eyes.


    He doesn¡¯t move and he tries to reach for me, but I take another step further back. My heart is


    pounding, and I wish I could turn back time and change what I¡¯ve done.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me before?¡± I ask hoarsely. ¡°Why did you change your mind!¡±


    If he hadn¡¯t stood me up, I wouldn''t have fucked shit up.


    ¡°Sky¡­¡±


    ¡°You were Reign, yet you got cold feet? Why?¡± My voice is calmer and quiet, but inside of me, the


    storm that is brewing is dizzying.


    ¡°When I realised who you were, and the fact that I was supposed to be your teacher¡­ plus being with


    me, would have made thingsplicated in other aspects... I honestly had no idea what I should do so


    I stayed silent. You were the King¡¯s daughter who I was supposed to help, but you turned out to be


    Luciferess so I just¡­¡± He trails off and my mind returns to that moment in the bathroom.


    Call me a hypocrite. But did Luciferess even mean shit to him, if he randomly picked up a girl at a club?


    ¡°You¡¯re not me¡­ I fuck stuff up¡­ Tell me, Royce, did Luciferess ever mean anything to you? Because


    after what went down at the club, I don¡¯t think she did.¡±


    He frowns slightly and shakes his head.


    ¡°After you said you didn¡¯t want to meet up that night, no matter how much I tried to get you to talk, you


    ignored me. I realised you must have gotten cold feet and in apse of judgement¡­ I saw you at the


    club and you were the perfect distraction¡­¡±


    His eyes meet mine, almost as if he¡¯s searching for something, but I don¡¯t budge, staring at him.


    We both made mistakes¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it¡­ We were both there¡­ you were the one who said to me you needed to cancel,


    remember?¡± I remind him, my heart is pounding, and I feel sick.


    ¡°No¡­ You said you didn¡¯t want¡­¡± He trails off, and a frown creases his forehead.


    He takes his phone out, his heart thudding as he unlocks it.


    I¡¯ve been yed... or we have been yed¡­


    And it¡¯s kinda obvious by who¡­


    Aleric.


    My head is screaming at me that he had a hand in this¡­


    Sure, he said he was Reign, but nothing about him reminded me of Reign, and then especially since I


    felt exhausted after that drink he gave me¡­


    ¡°Did you test my blood?¡± I ask suddenly.


    Royce looks up from his phone, and the slight change in his heartbeat tells me has¡­


    ¡°There were traces of a substance of which purpose it serves, I¡¯m uncertain, but I will get to the bottom


    of it¡­ Why did you ask me that?¡± He asks me as he holds his phone out to me.


    ¡°Just.¡± I say, taking it. Our fingers brush and our eyes meet.


    Aleric...


    Did he mix it into my hot drink?


    I look down at the phone skimming over our conversation¡­ The theme of the chat is the same as the


    one he had sent a screenshot from once or twice¡­ On Aleric¡¯s device, it was a nk white


    background¡­


    My heart thumps loudly as I look at the messages. There is not one message saying he thinks it¡¯s a


    bad idea, but there¡¯s my reply¡­


    LuciferessX: I didn¡¯t really want to meet you, anyway.¡¯


    Reign707: Hey, what¡¯s wrong? We can meet somewhere else if you prefer?


    Reign707: Talk to me. Did I do something wrong?


    I exhale, my heart thumping as I keep reading.


    Reign707: I¡¯m going to be there. If you change your mind, I¡¯ll be at the bar.


    Reign707: I don¡¯t want to force you. That¡¯s never been my intention. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll be waiting.


    I can¡¯t read anymore, and I look up, I never received these¡­


    ¡°And at the club, you didn¡¯t recognise me because I was wearing that ck dress that covered my


    tattoopletely¡­¡± I trail off. Oh, how I wish I had at least had a little of my tattoo on show¡­


    Our eyes meet and he¡¯s frowning deeply, his eyes zing blue.


    Unknowingly, we still ended up drawn to one another¡­ isn¡¯t that sign enough that there¡¯s more


    between us regardless of how fucked up this is?


    This time when he reaches for me, I don¡¯t move, his hands rubbing my upper arms, sending tingles


    through me.


    Does he know someone yed us? That maybe¡­ his brother somehow did this¡­?


    Why though? What incentive does Aleric have to do that¡­ He seems to like me, but¡­ does he, really?


    mes of anger lick at my insides as I remember hisments,


    ¡®The thing is Sky, if you were not Luciferess, I would not have crossed that line¡­ I miss those bets and


    our jokes¡­ I miss the woman who became my best friend¡­¡¯


    ¡°Before we began chatting¡­ we met on a forum¡­¡± Content that was livementary and would now


    be gone¡­ ¡°Tell me something I said back then¡­¡±


    He nces at the tickets that now sat on the sofa and looks back at me.


    ¡°When I told you who I thought would win, you said, someone whose hair is that pretty ain¡¯t winning this


    fight. It stuck because I had long hair too.¡± He says with a small smirk.


    Fuck Aleric!


    Every little thing he said was a fucking lie.


    That guilt doubles tenfold, and I look up at Royce.


    ¡°Someone yed us.¡± I say bitterly.


    ¡°I have my assumptions.¡± He says, his eyes shing. ¡°Mind showing me your messages?¡±


    His nostrils re, his jaw ticking, and something tells me he knows who it is without me even telling him.


    They are brothers¡­ Aleric gaining ess to his device would be far easier than a stranger.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I look down at his phone, identally closing the chat app, and my heart skips a beat when I see


    my own image in the background.


    Me, naked, with my arms covering my breasts and showing him my tattoos.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± He takes the phone from me and runs his fingers through his wet hair. ¡°I only put that there


    this morning. It wasn¡¯t there-¡±


    ¡°When you were my teacher?¡± I tease with a small smirk, but despite that, I still feel a mess. ¡°You don¡¯t


    need to justify you finding me hot.¡± I add lightly.


    But it¡¯s not unbelievable, knowing his truth, I mean,


    seeing him as Reign¡­ I realise that they just¡­ blend into one.


    Royce is Reign.


    Fuck.


    ¡°Mind if I see the messages you received?¡± He persists.


    I look up at him sharply, and I know he¡¯s far angrier than he¡¯s letting on¡­


    I no longer think he knows, because I¡¯m fucking certain he does.


    I can¡¯t deny him what he wants.

 63. Nothing Remains a Secret

    63. Nothing Remains a Secret


    SKYLA.


    However, I also don¡¯t want him to get angry.


    ¡°I¡­ Did you tell Aleric about us?¡± I ask, I¡¯m the fiery one usually¡­ but right now I know I need to be the


    calm one because I¡¯m not sure I want to see Royce lose it¡­ often the most patient can be the deadliest


    when pissed off.


    His aura rises as his eyes slowly meet mine, gone is the gentle Royce, he¡¯s controlling himself but even


    I can see the burning rage within him.


    ¡°Why do you ask? Tell me, Love, did he say something to you?¡± His voice is low, deeper than usual,


    almost a growl and there¡¯s a deadly aura around him.


    A crack of thunder outside makes my head snap to the windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling


    as a downpour of rain darkens the sky outside.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me.¡± I say softly, cing my hands on his chest. My gaze dips to his abs and fuck, I


    wish I had paid more attention¡­


    I mean, I fucking did pay a lot of attention to every lickable inch, but I neverpared¡­


    Now thinking about it¡­ Aleric¡¯s abs were not as defined as Royce¡¯s; he was slimmer too than Royce.


    Even if the picture he sent was of him sitting, I should have clicked¡­


    ¡°No, I never told him, but I will say that I have been careless enough to leave my phone lying around in


    his presence. However, why do you ask that? Has he really not said something to you?¡± His icy gaze


    only bing harder.


    ¡°Sit down.¡± I say, pushing him firmly yet gently back onto the sofa. He¡¯s pissed, but he doesn¡¯t resist.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to hate what you are about to tell me, am I not?¡± He says, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s his anger, but


    his ent sounds thicker.


    ¡°You really are sexy.¡± I murmur, making him raise an eyebrow, but at least it takes the edge off his


    anger.


    I climb onto hisp, straddling him as I ce my hands on his shoulder.


    The temperature in the room has dropped, and I can feel the cold beginning to bite into me.


    ¡°This is a change¡­ you¡¯re usually the calm one.¡± I say,


    ¡°I am calm.¡± He replies, as his hands brush my waist, sending a jolt through me.


    No, you¡¯re not babe¡­ You¡¯re containing a storm¡­ one that will cause destruction if ites out¡­ do I


    tell him about Aleric?


    The truth never stays hidden¡­


    ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t flip out.¡± I say.


    He frowns deeply. ¡°What did he do?¡± He asks, and I know he won¡¯t listen.


    ¡°He imed he was Reign.¡± I say quietly as I lean over and pick up my phone.


    I feel him tense, but he doesn¡¯t say anything for a moment.


    Unlocking my phone, I go to our chat and scroll back to where he told me he was creating a new name.


    Why did it all feel so weird now?


    The red g was there¡­


    ¡°He did, did he¡­ How stupid have I been¡­¡± Royce says, turning his head away. ¡°I just¡­ how he made


    the link between you being Luciferess. I have no idea, but he crossed a line he never should have¡­¡±


    I tilt my head and hold the phone out to him. He takes it from me as he scrolls through the messages,


    ¡°I think I know how, the day we were meant to meet, he popped down to the cottage. I was out for a


    run, I came back and he was there, he had saved Malevolent or some shit, now I¡¯m fucking wondering


    if that was a lie too¡­ Well he came in and my phone was on the table and he did nce at it when a


    notification popped up, your message was there too, so maybe¡­¡± I trail off, clenching my jaw.


    Because he sure didn¡¯t fucking react when he saw me tats and all outside the cottage¡­


    Fuck!


    I¡¯ve been yed.


    We¡¯re both silent as we try to process exactly what¡¯s happened and I know if it wasn¡¯t for him being on


    the brink of losing control that I would have lost my shit already.


    I slept with Aleric, and he has simply tried to fuck me over and lied¡­


    ¡°Is that why you slept with him?¡± He asks quietly and I jump, thinking we had been thinking about the


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    same thing, somewhat.


    My stomach twists and I look into his eyes, feeling worse than before.


    No.


    I shake my head. ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was Reign at the time¡­ he told me that after.¡± I reply quietly, as I


    look away.


    I feel sick, and I slowly move back, ready to get off hisp. I unknowingly hurt him more than I knew.


    Just because I didn¡¯t get what I wanted from him, I had turned to Aleric, and I feel way fucking worse


    because I feel used and cheap.


    ¡°Look at me.¡± Hemands quietly.


    I take a silent deep breath before trying to ce my mask of indifference on my face before I meet his


    eyes.


    They¡¯re softer, and he doesn¡¯t say anything. He simply shakes his head and wraps his arms around me


    tightly, pulling me flush against him.


    I gasp, my hands are crushed between our chests, and I bite my lip as I feel his cock right against my


    core and he buries his face into my neck.


    Comforting, and protected¡­ that¡¯s how I feel in his arms.


    It¡¯s strange¡­ I¡¯m not a person who likes hugs¡­ but with Royce, I feel as if I belong, that I can be who I


    want to be and I want those hugs, I want his arms around me¡­ I want his protection¡­


    And not only do I want that, but I also want him to be able to handle me¡­ I know I can be around him


    because he¡¯s fucking strong.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I say quietly, words that weren¡¯t me¡­ but I owe him that and so much more¡­


    His arms tighten around me possessively.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault¡­¡±


    ¡°Why are you ming yourself?¡± I ask quietly, inhaling his scent.


    How did the morning turn so¡­ serious?


    He¡¯s silent, but I can sense his conflict as he moves back slightly, still holding me tightly.


    ¡°I knew of his intentions; I should have warned you.¡±


    ¡°What intentions?¡± I ask sharply, tilting my head back to look up at him.


    He¡¯s silent for a moment before he sighs softly and when he looks at me, his eyes are full of regret.


    ¡°To win you over.¡±


    The words feel like a p in my face, but they only fuel my anger and hatred towards Aleric. He is a


    disgusting piece of shit, and he will fucking pay.


    ¡°He took this a step too far, and for that, he will have me to deal with.¡± Royce says, his eyes a brilliant


    blue. ¡°I¡¯ve let things go on for far too long¡­ I think it is high time for me to step up and hold them


    ountable for the crimes that taint their hands. I¡¯ve been selfish for far too long, just wanting to be


    free from it all¡­ I¡¯m meant to do the right thing¡­¡±


    I don¡¯t know who he means by ¡®they¡¯ but I can see the pain and regret in his eyes, despite his voice


    remaining calm.


    ¡°And you will.¡± I reply, my eyes sh as I feel my own anger spiralling out of control.


    ¡°No, he won¡¯t have just you to deal with. He¡¯s going to pay for this, and I swear, even the fucking earth


    will tremble in the face of my vengeance. You don¡¯t mess with me¡­ not like that¡­¡± I growl, my eyes


    zing plum as they meet Royce¡¯s.


    Aleric yed a dirty game. To think he was trying to be someone he isn¡¯t¡­ he tried to take me away


    from Reign¡­ but even then, he failed.


    I sigh heavily, cing a hand on his jaw.


    ¡°Regardless of what he wanted to do¡­ in the end, we found our way to one another¡­ So let¡¯s show


    him how Reign and Lucifer roll.¡± I murmur.


    His eyes meet mine, and there¡¯s a fire in them, mixed with anger, hunger, and desirebined, to


    create something far more intense and this time¡­ This time, I kiss him first.


    It¡¯s not soft, nor is it tender¡­


    It¡¯s fuelled by our anger, our emotions and the fact we finally found one another.


    A kiss of pure carnal hunger and fire¡­


    He is my man, my Royce¡­ my Reign¡­


    Fuck, I love you.

 64. Its Getting Hot in Here

    64. It''s Getting Hot in Here


    SKYLA.


    He kisses me back with equal hunger and passion, but even as he reciprocates, his self-control is


    impressive.


    He throbs against me, yet despite the intense desire that I know courses through him, he¡¯s still kissing


    me like I¡¯m something he wants to worship and treasure.


    Each caress of his tongue, each brush of his lips and each touch hold so much more, making my core


    knot in a pleasure that is so different.


    He makes me weak in the knees.


    His hands run down my ass and thighs as if memorising the feel of my skin.


    I love how well I fit in his hands, and how his fingers feel on my skin.


    Royce may be ice, but he¡¯s hotter than the Sahara.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    And when he brushes his knuckles up my legs, the temperature rises faster than you can count to


    three.


    Fuck¡­


    I can¡¯t think straight. I kiss him harder, plunging my tongue into his mouth, but even when I¡¯m being so


    rough and demanding, feeling horny as hell, he still holds control over me.


    He meets my every move, sucking on my tongue before caressing it with his own.


    My own hands roam his sexy body, my nails scraping down his firm chest and chiselled abs, wanting to


    leave my mark.


    I¡¯m so fucking d he isn¡¯t wearing a shirt, because if he was, it would be on the floor, in fucking


    shreds.


    My core clenches as I grind against him, sucking in my stomach the moment his fingers brush my taut


    abs.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± I whisper, he doesn¡¯t stop, his knuckles brushing up the centre of my stomach and travelling


    higher.


    My nipples are stiff, begging to be touched, but he doesn¡¯t, continuing his path up between my breasts


    ever so teasingly.


    ¡°You¡­ are¡­ a work of art¡­ breath-taking and beautiful, Love.¡± He says, breaking away from my lips.


    He kisses my jaw ever so tantalisingly.


    I sigh as pleasure consumes me. His hand wraps around my throat, and I bite my lip as sinful pleasure


    courses through me.


    His touch isn¡¯t rough, but neither is it gentle. It¡¯s firm, but teasing, sensual, yet confident. He knows me


    and he¡¯s iming me.


    A moan escapes me when his lips meet the corner of my neck. His scent is an added drug that


    consumes me entirely.


    It¡¯s crazy how he ys my body¡­


    Knowing what pleases me¡­


    Another kiss follows, and it sends a shiver of pleasure through me. I¡¯m so turned on and we haven¡¯t


    even fucked.


    He hasn¡¯t touched my breasts, nor has he touched my pussy, and yet I¡¯m already aching for more.


    Royce doesn¡¯t just fuck, he pleasures¡­ and he¡¯s a master at it.


    I wrap my hand around his wrist, holding his arm against me. My eyes flutter as he continues to kiss


    me sensually along my neck. His other hand slips under the back of my top, his fingers caressing my


    bare skin.


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking sexy¡­¡± He murmurs, kissing my shoulder.


    I tug his head up, iming his lips once again as his cock throbs against me.


    ¡°And you¡¯re hard.¡± I whisper, pulling back and kissing him with passion along his jaw and neck.


    I run my tongue along his neck, satisfied when a low groan he tries to silence escapes him.


    ¡°Of course, I am, Love.¡± He whispers.


    His hand tightens on my throat slightly.


    The other hand that was teasing the hem of my top now runs back down my ass, squeezing it before it


    slips under my skirt and curls around my ass cheek as he kneads it.


    Yes, Daddy¡­


    He delivers a light tap that I¡¯m not expecting.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I whimper as his fingers graze my thighs, tantalisingly brushing between my legs.


    I¡¯m soaking wet for him, my pussy throbbing with a thirst that only he can quench and when his fingers


    brush my panties, tugging on them as they pull between my ass cheeks, I bite my tongue trying not to


    cry out when all I want to do is spread my legs.


    I can feel his hard shaft through his sweatpants, and I can hear his racing heart despite my own


    moans.


    He nibbles and bites my lower lip as his fingers tantalise me yet refusing to touch me where I crave him


    the most.


    I want him. Now.


    ¡°Fuck me now.¡± I moan, grinding against his hard cock sensually as I twist my fingers into his locks. ¡°I


    want you buried inside me,¡±


    His zing blue eyes meet mine for a moment.


    Fuck, he looks so fucking sexy turned on and sizzling.


    ¡°Not today, Love.¡± He murmurs, shocking me.


    I freeze, staring down at him, my eyes zing plum.


    ¡°Why not?¡± I ask, as he kisses my neck. ¡°I¡¯m not a virgin, My Sexy Ice Prince. Trust me, I¡¯m ready for


    anything. I¡¯ve fucked before.¡±


    He knows this stuff; he kisses my lips harder before he forces himself back.


    There¡¯s an animalistic glint in his eyes as our eyes meet and he touches his forehead to mine.


    We are both breathing hard, and he brushes his thumb over my plump lips.


    ¡°I know, Doll, but that is the difference. I don¡¯t n on being one of your befores¡­ I n to be more¡­


    I¡¯m not taking you here like this.¡±


    His words get to me, and I stare at him sharply.


    I want to argue, fuck I want him so damn bad. I want to argue that he really doesn¡¯t seem to want to


    fuck me if he can still control himself despite me literally grinding on his cock.


    But I can see the struggle, the glimmer of struggle in those eyes that are zing with fire.


    I stare at him, realising this wasn¡¯t just going to be a one-time fuck, or a casual sex rtionship¡­ I


    want him, fuck I want him forever.


    My heart is thundering as I stare at the man I know I¡¯ve fucking fallen in love with.


    His gorgeous blond hair is a sexy mess, his pouty lips a little sore and his eyes are dark with hunger,


    passion and so much more.


    For the first time in my life, I¡¯m in love with someone and that thought¡­ terrifies me.


    I love Royce¡­ I thought I loved Reign¡­ but then Royce walked into my life and took that away¡­ and


    when I knew they¡¯re both one and the same¡­ That love intensified¡­


    ¡°Hey¡­ don¡¯t overthink it. You¡¯re a Goddess, Love, and I n to treat you like one¡­ in your style.¡± He


    says, his hand squeezing my ass, and reaching down, I run my hand along his cock.


    He tenses, sucking in a breath and as much as I want to yank his pants down, I have to settle for


    feeling him up through his pants.


    ¡°As much as I love that, I want to lick your lollipop, have you choke me with it and tell me I¡¯m yours.¡± I


    growl, kissing his neck. This time I bite him, sucking hard.


    He tugs me back, smirking slightly.


    ¡°I love when you get your freak on, but let¡¯s not get ahead¡­¡± He whispers, his fingers brushing over my


    ass and I get up onto my knees, giving him even better ess to his teasing. ¡°Look how wet you are


    for me¡­ now I can¡¯t really leave you like this¡­¡±


    His finger brushes the soaking patch at the centre of my panties, and I bite my lip, pulling him close.


    He kisses my chest softly before he reaches up with his free hand, his hand threading into my hair and


    tugs me down and then his lips im mine in a dominant kiss. One that is rougher than before.


    His hand slips under my panties and I whimper into his mouth as he brushes my soaking pussy,


    rubbing his fingers between my slit before he finds my clit and runs his hand in a circr motion.


    Fuck!


    I gasp, pulling away and he buries his head in my neck, sucking and nipping it whilst he continues to


    y with my clit. Every flick and every rub sends currents of pleasure through me and I part my legs.


    I¡¯m writhing helplessly in his arms, my arms gripping his shoulders just as his fingers plunge into my


    pussy.


    ¡°Fuck Baby, that¡¯s it¡­¡± I breathe in pleasure as he begins fucking me harder with them.


    Each thrust hits my G-spot and I can hear my juices as he speeds up. Faster and deeper.


    His tongue slips into my mouth as he kisses me, ravishing every inch of my mouth as he now grips my


    face and neck, guiding the kiss.


    The pressure builds and I¡¯m tightening.


    I¡¯m so¡­ close¡­


    Fuck! That¡¯s it¡­ oh fuck¡­


    Pleasure erupts through me, as my orgasm hits. Sizzling jolts of tingling electricity travel through me,


    sending delicious waves of euphoria through me as Ie undone around his fingers.


    I¡¯m drowning in pure ecstasy, feeling my juices squirt from me, my legs trembling and if he didn¡¯t have


    his fingers in me, I would have copsed.


    I cry out, my moans of pleasure fill the room as I slump against his chest no longer able to kiss him, as


    he keeps finger fucking me into me until I stop squirting all over his hand. My juices trickle down my


    legs and I can see sshes all over his chest and his pants.


    I just find that fucking hotter¡­


    Our eyes meet as he slips his fingers out.


    ¡°You¡¯re bloody tight¡­¡± He murmurs, rubbing my pussy before he slips his fingers into my mouth.


    I lick them, but before I can clean them all; he grips my face with his other hand and I stick my tongue


    out, wanting to have his fingers in my mouth, but instead he leans in licking my tongue with his. ¡°And


    fucking delicious¡­¡± He growls.


    His eyes sh, and I gasp when I¡¯m suddenly on my back on the sofa.


    My skirt is pushed up, my panties pulled off and then his tongue is on me.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I gasp, closing my eyes as white dots appear in my vision.


    He¡¯s gripping my thighs as his tongue runs up them, flicking and licking my pussy as he licks up my


    juices.


    I¡¯m getting turned on again¡­ fuck Royce¡­


    But just when I feel that I can no longer hold back, he moves back, licking his lips as he wipes his


    thumb slowly along his bottom lip.


    That one move looks so fucking hot before he runs his fingers through his hair, pushing it back.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s a good little girl.¡± He whispers, bending down. He kisses my lips as he slowly pulls my skirt


    down.


    I can taste myself on him, but my legs feel like jelly and I can¡¯t even move. He moves back faster than I


    like, and I look up at him.


    ¡°My turn.¡± I say.


    He smirks faintly, that dimple of his making me swoon.


    ¡°As I said, Love, I¡¯m not fucking you today.¡± He whispers huskily.


    He gets off the sofa and holds up my panties, spinning them on his finger. ¡°But I¡¯ll keep these.¡±


    I cock a brow as he winks before slowly backing away from the sofa. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a few.¡±


    I simply nod, a small smile on my lips as I watch him walk off, my gaze stuck on that sexy back and


    ass.


    Every nerve in my body is buzzing, and my pussy feels so sensitive¡­


    He may not give me what I want today, but one thing I know for a fact¡­ when he does, it¡¯s going to be


    fucking mind-blowingly insane¡­


    Oh and I will be sucking that cock every fucking chance I get.

 65. Her Name

    65. Her Name


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Look through the student profiles and see if you can identify her.¡± Rivers says to me as he ces


    several files on the desk.


    We are back at school after we had gotten ate lunch and we are sitting in an empty ssroom;


    school is over and it¡¯s a lot quieter around here.


    Dad and Royce are also present and I can¡¯t help but get distracted by Royce. What happened earlier


    only makes me want him even more.


    He¡¯s teasing me¡­ but I know it¡¯s probably worse for him, so his loss.


    He didn¡¯t give my panties back either, and right now I¡¯m not wearing any and he knows that¡­


    Our eyes meet, my stomach flutters and my throat feels dry. I swallow, watching as his eyes slowly trail


    over me, almost as if he¡¯s undressing me with his eyes, before I look away.


    I can feel Dad watching us.


    Our necks were a mess of hickeys, but we both heal pretty fast, and they had faded before we had


    gotten back to school.


    I turn the page, looking through the pictures carefully, my mind skimming back to the conversation we


    had in the car¡­


    (FLASHBACK)


    ¡°I have a request¡­¡± I say, trying to not get so turned on by the way his fingers are trailing patterns over


    my thigh, teasing the hem of my skirt and brushing my inner thighs¡­


    ¡°Anything.¡± He says, ncing at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to say anything to Aleric until I have confronted him.¡± I say, my eyes shing as I turn


    and look him dead in the eye.


    ¡°Fair enough. Until after you have had a word.¡± He says, his eyes shing.


    His hand tightens on the steering wheel, and I scrunch my nose, seeing the indent he¡¯s left on the


    steering wheel.


    Clearly he¡¯s still raging, but refusing to unleash it all.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t dy it for too long. I don¡¯t think I can hold back for long.¡± He adds.


    I nod. ¡°Thanks.¡± I say, leaning over, I kiss his jaw softly before moving back.


    ¡°Sky¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I wish I could say that things will be perfect from here on, but they won¡¯t. I mentioned earlier how we


    will need to keep this on the low, and I mean it¡­ my father is the one who instigated Aleric to get close


    to you and this in no way means Aleric is innocent, but I don¡¯t trust either of them. From the get-go, he


    has always wanted to build an alliance with your family and, because of that very reason, I don¡¯t want


    him to know about us.¡±


    ¡°Why not? He¡¯ll get off your back won¡¯t he, and won¡¯t Aleric back off too if they know about us?¡± I ask.


    He rests his head back for a moment, before ncing at me for a second and then turning his attention


    back on the road.


    ¡°You are not a trophy or a trump card for anyone to use or disy. We deserve some privacy¡­ I¡¯m


    going to figure it out as there are things that need to be worked on within the pack itself¡­¡± He trails off,


    almost as if thinking what to say. ¡°Putting it bluntly, he¡¯s not a good person¡­ there¡¯s a lot I need to


    figure out. What will be best for my family, for my pack and for us¡­¡±


    Us¡­


    That hits me again and I realise how important this is to me, but I also know I¡¯m going to mess it up.


    I fuck everything up.


    ¡°Hey¡­ I¡¯m not asking you to marry me, rx Love.¡± He says with a faint smirk.


    My heart skips a beat, and I roll my eyes. ¡°Please, can you even imagine me in a wedding dress?¡±


    Silence.


    I nce at him, my smirk vanishing and I stare at him. ¡°Please tell me you¡¯re not imagining me in one.¡±


    ¡°Actually, since you brought it up, yes I was actually, and to answer your question, I can see you in one,


    but I think it would be red or ck, right?¡±


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s cheating. I told you I would wear ck to a wedding any chance I get.¡± I shoot back.


    ¡°You never said your wedding.¡± He counters, cocking a brow.


    I shake my head. ¡°Hmm, when and if that day everes, I¡¯ll make a bet. If I wear red or ck, then I


    will give you ¡ê50, and if I wear any other colour, you will give me ¡ê500.¡±


    He lets out a little chuckle. ¡°That ratio is so you. I love how all your bets always favour you, and you will


    probably wear another colour just to make me lose.¡± He says, poking my stomach lightly, making me


    jump.


    Malevolent jumps before meowing unhappily as, to my utter horror, I giggle.


    Like a fucking girl.


    The fuck is this shit.


    Oh, my goddess! That¡¯s fucking embarrassing.


    He will get so damn turned off if I keep this crap up.


    ¡°Hey, you owe me a shit tonne already, better cough up.¡± I say haughtily, trying to hide my


    embarrassment, but the way he¡¯s watching me, that smirk on his face, makes me wonder if my cheeks


    have turned red.


    ¡°Sure, how much are we standing at?¡±


    Hmm¡­ didn¡¯t I owe Reign more¡­


    ¡°A lot¡­¡± I toss my hair, ¡°I¡¯ll be nice and just forgive you up till now. We¡¯ll start with a clean te.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, what¡¯s mine is yours. I really don¡¯t mind to lose to you, Doll.¡± He murmurs.


    Our eyes meet before he takes hold of my chin, brushing his lips against mine¡­


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    I close the file and pick up the next file, running my fingers through my hair.


    ¡°No one came forward either, Alpha Alejandro.¡± Rivers says, just as I pause on a page.


    The werewolf¡­


    I look down at her name, my heart squeezing.


    Maya Williams¡­


    ¡°You alright?¡± Royce asks quietly.


    I nod, but I can feel my restlessness and anger growing. More at myself for failing than anyone else.


    I had told Dad and Mama what the snake had said to me, because it sounded fucking crazy, but they


    needed to know.


    What if this isn¡¯t over?


    Kat said it''s linked to Apophis. If that is the case, then a god won¡¯t just sit back.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    What if- Stop girl.


    A ray of sunshine spreads its warmth through the windows, casting a glow over the pages. But despite


    the calm warmth of the atmosphere, I feel cold.


    My eyes skim down the page, and the girl who was thrown at my car is looking back at me, a smile on


    her face.


    Guilt fills me and I ball my fists in myp.


    I should have been able to kill it!


    I wasn¡¯t able to save either of them!


    Fuck!


    I should have been able to save those girls!


    I should have-


    ¡°Sky.¡± Dad says, as he reaches for me at the same time as Royce ces his hand on my shoulder.


    Both men look at one another, a moment of tension settling before Royce gives my shoulder a small


    squeeze before he moves his hand to the back of my chair, whilst Dad strokes the side of my hair.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. Whatever happened was not in your hands¡­ we¡¯ve lost many warriors to this


    monster, Sk¡­¡± Dad says quietly.


    Nodding, I frown slightly. I hate showing my vulnerable side.


    I look down at the file and flip the page when I freeze as Ie face to face with the girl in the woods.


    My heart skips a beat as I zone in on her name, Heather Penbrook.


    We found you.

 66. Her Misunderstanding

    66. Her Misunderstanding


    SKYLA.


    My heart clenches wondering why she didn¡¯te forward. Her friends died, and she didn¡¯t care to


    even speak up or even pretend to care?


    Like why?


    I wonder what their families are going through.


    ¡°Is that her?¡± Royce asks, leaning down, his shoulder brushing the back of my shoulder.


    He can see from afar, but having him move closer isforting. Something I need¡­


    I nod, ncing at him, as he crouches down beside the chair I¡¯m sitting on.


    ¡°Can you call for her, Headmaster?¡± He says, his eyes cold as he looks at Rivers.


    Rivers nods as he nces at the girl¡¯s image before he turns.


    ¡°Ah, of course¡­ I will¡­ she has been in school¡­ for her not to say anything is troubling¡­.¡± He


    mutters.


    ¡°Maybe yeah¡­ but we¡¯ll fucking find out why.¡± Dad says,pletely ignoring the no-smoking policy of


    the school as he lights up a cigarette.


    Rivers excuses himself from the room. The door shuts behind him and I sigh, running my fingers


    through my hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m assuming you shifted, and she saw you?¡± Dad remarks.


    I nod.


    ¡°Obviously, I had to give it my all.¡± I mutter, closing my eyes as the pressure in my mind increases.


    ¡°That¡¯s fucking understandable.¡± Dad says, smoking his cigarette.


    Royce cups the back of my neck, his thumb caressing my cheek, and I lean into his touch.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t get why she didn¡¯te forward. I specifically told her to call for help. To make a call, I told


    them both, but¡­¡± I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. ¡°I just don¡¯t get how anyone can leave anyone


    else behind. Wouldn¡¯t you give your all to help others?¡±


    ¡°Not everyone thinks the same way. Survival instincts¡­ Can make one selfish¡­ She probably thought


    saving herself would guarantee her life more than if she saved the other girl.¡± Dad says quietly.


    I can hear the guilt in his voice, and I know it¡¯s because of what happened when we were children.


    A long time ago, we were attacked, and Kataleya was kidnapped¡­ to save Dante and me, Dad had to


    let her go and until this day he feels guilty about it¡­ He had to turn his back on her so me and Dante


    could live, a choice no father should have to face.


    ¡°Yes¡­ but this was just about herself¡­ I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll never get not putting others first.¡± I mutter.


    ¡°And I¡¯m not even a nice person.¡±


    ¡°Yeah right.¡± Royce says, amused. ¡°You just like to say that. We know you would risk anything for


    others and you did.¡±


    Our eyes meet, my heart pounding as I try to squash the turmoil of emotions in my chest.


    Leaning forward, I press my forehead to his for a second, taking a deep breath and inhaling his


    intoxicating scent. His hand wraps around mine before he kisses my cheek softly.


    ¡°You did your best, you risked your life for them, and you almost died. This is not on you.¡± He says


    quietly.


    I nod, before I hear footsteps and move back.


    I nce at Dad, but despite him watching us with those sharp eyes; he says nothing, his face


    unreadable.


    Royce lets go of me smoothly just as the door opens and Rivers enters with the girl from the woods.


    She scans the room, looking a little fidgety before she pales upon seeing Dad and me and takes a step


    back.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok Heather, we just want to talk to you about the attack in the woods¡­ Why didn¡¯t youe


    forward?¡± Rivers asks her gently.


    Her heart is thundering as she stares at us, all staying glued to the entrance.


    ¡°She did it! She killed them!¡± She shouts suddenly.


    ¡°What?¡± My eyes fly open in surprise.


    Dad frowns as both he and Royce look up sharply.


    I stare at Heather, trying to understand how she even put me in that situation.


    ¡°You¡­ you were the one in the woods! You¡¯re the one who killed them¡­ Please don¡¯t kill me, I won¡¯t


    tell anyone¡­ please¡­¡±


    ¡°I was trying to protect you? The fuck?¡± I ask, my gaze snaps to Rivers who, to my fucking irritation,


    looks uneasy.


    Heather looks between Dad and me, almost as if terrified of being killed.


    ¡°No one will hurt you for speaking up.¡± Rivers says quietly.


    Wait, is he believing this shit?


    ¡°There was nothing else there!¡± She cries. ¡°You changed into a monster¡­¡±


    She backs out the door, her heart thumping before she turns and runs.


    ¡°This is serious Alpha Alejandro, if the coven hears of this-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fucking lies! My daughter is not a killer?¡± Dad snarls, standing up.


    ¡°We know what she is capable of, we have seen-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. I was there, and I can vouch that she had nothing to do with it. She was fighting that


    thing. I¡¯m the one who killed that thing, and it¡¯s no secret that we have been facing monster attacks.¡±


    Royce says, his voice dangerously low as he stands up,


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t want your old man to know you were involved¡­and he will if you fucking vouch for


    her.¡± Dad says quietly, ncing at Royce.


    ¡°It¡¯s necessary. I¡¯m not letting her be used of something she had no hand in. Heather, think clearly,


    or you know there is magic that can be used to probe your memory.¡± Royce says.


    Heather turns and runs, and Royce sighs before he nces at Dad. Their eyes meet, red against blue


    and I feel like there¡¯s this silent exchange of understanding between them.


    Who would have thought Dad would approve of my choice? In his own grumpy unapproving way.


    ¡°You saw it?¡± Rivers asks sharply.


    ¡°He just fucking said that he saw that shit.¡± Dad growls and I realise he¡¯s pissed.


    ¡°And Headmaster Rivers, why would Sk end up in the hospital if she was the attacker? Think the


    facts through before jumping to assumptions. I think it¡¯s high time the Academy students are made


    aware of the attacks.¡± Royce says, frowning.


    ¡°But without that serpent¡¯s body, will anyone believe it or even fucking appreciate being told after it¡¯s


    dead and no longer a threat to us?¡± Dad questions.


    ¡°People have known of the attacks; we just need to make it clear the thing was caught and killed.¡±


    Royce says, ¡°We¡¯ve had samples of its poison. That¡¯s proof enough.¡±


    ¡°But people can also say she was behind all those attacks, Alpha¡­ I am not trying to cause problems


    but stating my concern.¡± Rivers says quietly.


    ¡®The coven can probe my mind, too.¡± I say, frowning.


    ¡°And mine.¡± Royce adds. I look up at him, feeling fucking grateful for him.


    I frown, wondering if that¡¯s how badly everything thinks of me?


    They continue to discuss, because I¡¯m unable to control my emotions¡­ because of my temper, people


    have been pushed to fear me¡­


    The sound of a pair of footsteps approaching from the open door reaches my ear, and I look up.


    Aleric¡¯s familiar scent, along with another scent I don¡¯t recognise, fills my nose.


    Royce moves away, putting extra space between us, just before two men enter through the open door,


    giving Rivers a nod as they pass him.


    ¡°I do apologise for the intrusion; I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡± The Alpha apanying Aleric says, both


    men are watching Alejandro and suddenly I make the link between the older man and the twins.


    Blond hair, icy blue eyes, and an aura that is impressive.


    I know who this is before Dad even speaks.


    ¡°Keh, what a fucking surprise.¡± Dad drawls, as I turn and nce at Royce, whose eyes are cold, as


    he watches the two men who had just entered¡­


    The man smiles, a smile eerily simr to Aleric¡¯s.


    ¡°Not as surprised as I am to see you all here¡­¡± He says as his eyes flick from me to Royce and back


    to Dad, but it¡¯s that second longer that they linger on Royce that tells me that there¡¯s definitely


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    something not right between them¡­


    Aleric steps forward as he walks over to the table, giving me a smile that makes my blood boil.


    Don¡¯t you dare fucking smile at me.


    He¡¯s nothing inparison to Royce, fucking twat.


    ¡°Well, look what we have here, the other Arden princess. Good to see you aren¡¯t keeping them locked


    away any longer.¡± Dad drawls.


    Aleric doesn¡¯t react to Dad¡¯s mockery, instead offers his hand.


    ¡°Alpha King Alejandro, what a pleasant surprise, it is an honour to officially meet you. I am Aleric.¡±


    Aleric says and I can¡¯t help but nce up to observe the exchange.


    I¡¯m seeing him in an entirely different light now. Dad¡¯s watching him intently and after a second, he


    takes his offered hand.


    ¡°Good to fucking meet you too¡­¡± Dad says. ¡°Although I¡¯m surprised that you two are here. Are we


    fucking partying or some shit?¡±


    ¡°Well, we were concerned too, and well, we heard what happened to the princess.¡± Keh says.


    Sly cunt.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a princess.¡± I say, unable to stop my voice from sounding harsh. I hate the way those words


    sound on his lips.


    Dad smirks slightly as Aleric looks at me, a glimmer of surprise in his eyes.


    ¡°Are you alright Sk? I was worried.¡± He says.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you were.¡± I say, forcing a sarcastic smile.


    He seems confused but simply smiles smoothly.


    Slick fucker.


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t stop on our behalf, do continue.¡± Keh says, gesturing to Rivers.


    ¡®Wait, he can stay?¡¯ I ask Dad through the link.


    ¡®He¡¯s on the board of governors¡­ I can¡¯t kick him out.¡¯ Dad replies sounding irritated as he nces at


    Royce, who remains emotionless despite seeing Aleric and his father there. He¡¯s doing a way better job


    at hiding his irritation than I am.


    ¡°Well, do take a seat so we can continue.¡± Royce now says icily, as he nces at his dad and brother,


    although he himself is simply leaning against one of the desks.


    Dad smirks, looking at the intruders. ¡°You heard him. Sit the fuck down. ss has fucking


    <pmenced.¡±

 67. Unfairness

    67. Unfairness


    ROYCE.


    ¡®And what are you doing here, Royce? Answer me. You are with the Lycan King¡­ I do not want you to


    mess this up for us. Understood?¡¯ Dad warns as he takes a seat, his face not betraying his emotions.


    I ignore him. After how he behaved, does he really think I¡¯m just going to agree with anything that he


    says?


    I cross my arms, ignoring the two of them. I can see the signs that Aleric is irritated with the fact that I¡¯m


    here, he¡¯s trying to cover it and the way he keeps looking at Sk is irritating me more than ever.


    The fact that he lied to her and pretended to be me, has only made me extremely furious and it¡¯s not


    something I am going to simply let slide. But until she¡¯s had a word with him as she requested, I will


    have to control myself. Something that is fucking hard.


    I¡¯ve never felt angrier at him as I do over this¡­


    Speaking of control, even trying to control myself around her is bloody difficult. She makes me crazy,


    and I want her.


    She crosses her long legs sexily as she turns slightly to face Rivers, her sexy thighs capturing my


    attention and I have to look away because fuck, I want her so bloody much. She¡¯s not wearing her


    thong underneath, and I know with just one lift of her skirt, that perfect pussy of hers could be wrapped


    around my fingers or better, my cock.


    Because she would willingly allow me, but I¡¯m trying to show her she means more to me than just that.


    If I knew who she was back then at the club, I wouldn¡¯t have pleasured her in a restroom¡­ I want to do


    the right thing now.


    And when I do take her, I n to make it perfect.


    Focus Royce.


    I groan internally, pushing those thoughts away and instead, I return to thinking about the matter at


    hand.


    ¡°So, you are saying Heather may have misunderstood, then?¡± Rivers asks.


    Of course, she bloody misunderstood.


    ¡°Yes, clearly.¡± I say sharply.


    Dad¡¯s watching me intently before his gaze flicks to Alejandro. ¡°I¡¯m shocked the council weren¡¯t told all


    the details regarding the matter, Alpha Alejandro.¡±


    ¡°My daughter was in the hospital. When the fuck did I get time to fill everyone in?¡± Alejandro counters


    coldly. ¡°Call the coven and tell them to get down here, the girl¡¯s parents and one of the elders at the


    least. I want to sort this shit out today.¡±


    Rivers hesitates. ¡°Right away, Alpha Alejandro, but she is ming Sk and saying she was the


    attacker-¡±


    ¡°That is ridiculous. We have been fighting this monster for a while and we all know it isn¡¯t visible to the


    naked eye, she may have misread and misunderstood the situation.¡± Dad cuts in.


    He¡¯s doing it all to please Alejandro, but I have to give him credit for at least making some valid points.


    I almost scoff, resisting shaking my head.


    I will never understand why people can be such suck-ups.


    ¡°That is a fair point¡­¡± Rivers says, sighing, ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯ll summon them.¡± With that, he leaves the


    room.


    Dad sighs as he turns to Alejandro. ¡°This is a problem. I¡¯m just confused why she would think it was


    Princess Sk. Unless she couldn¡¯t see her wolf properly, no doubt the Princess¡¯s wolf is-¡±


    ¡°Please, Alpha Keh, don¡¯t call me princess.¡± Sk says, her jaw is clenched and despite her trying


    to remain calm, she¡¯s pissed.


    Dad smiles apologetically. ¡°Do forgive me, Sk.¡±


    Sk doesn¡¯t reply as Aleric smiles at her, leaning forward.


    Move back, asshole.


    ¡°I heard the serpent¡¯s dead. That was incredibly brave and impressive of you.¡± He says, his words


    grinding on my nerves.


    Sk tilts her head and smiles sweetly. ¡°Thanks, but I think thatpliment goes to Royce. He¡¯s the


    one who saved my life and yed the monster. He¡¯s the true hero.¡± She says, batting her eyelids at


    me.


    Didn¡¯t I say let¡¯s lie low, Love?


    She looks gorgeous though.


    Though I can¡¯t help but smirk faintly, especially as Aleric¡¯s smile falters as he turns to me, his heartbeat


    quickening.


    ¡°Royce was there?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter. The main thing is, it¡¯s dead.¡± I reply.


    ¡°Ah¡­ indeed,¡± Dad says, but I can sense his hesitance and he¡¯s observing me again. ¡®You used your


    powers.¡¯


    ¡®Does it matter?¡¯ I finally respond through the link.


    He doesn¡¯t look impressed, and I know Alejandro is watching and observing us as he smokes.


    Dad doesn¡¯t say anything more, but I can guarantee I¡¯ll face his wrathter.


    Alejandro clearly seems to know Dad¡¯s personality, and I doubt Aleric¡¯s fa?ade will get past him.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, Royce.¡± Aleric says, our eyes meet, and his glimmer of gold for a second.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I reply simply.


    ¡°You should have told us what was going on Royce. Think sensibly.¡± Dad says just as we hear


    footsteps, and the door opens again.


    This time Rivers isn¡¯t alone, Heather is with him as well as a man and woman who, by appearance,


    seem to be Heather¡¯s parents and High Witch Magdalene. I¡¯ve seen her before.


    ¡°The party keeps growing.¡± Alejandro says as he stands up.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not due to pleasant reasons.¡± Magdalene says gravely. ¡°This matter is serious.¡±


    ¡°No, but there has been a big misconception here.¡± Alejandro replies seriously. There¡¯s no trace of


    humour left in his voice as he talks directly to the high witch.


    ¡°Yes perhaps, but we will need to handle things properly before the Supernatural Court of Justice.¡±


    Magdalene answers, her eyes meeting his.


    ¡°Why the fuck does this need to go to court when you can probe their minds and get the answers right


    here and right fucking now?¡± Alejandro snarls.


    ¡°Because that is protocol¡­ and our young witch isn¡¯t lying.¡± Magdalene replies. The girl¡¯s parents have


    their arms protectively around the young witch but I can tell this isn¡¯t what Alejandro was expecting


    from them.


    ¡°Have you checked her mind for the y out of the events?¡± Alejandro questions.


    ¡°I am with Alpha Alejandro on this one.¡± Dad says seriously. ¡°Why take it to the court when there¡¯s a


    simple solution?¡±


    ¡°Because that is thew that the king himself created. The child is terrified and there should be no


    special rules for the children of the king. Equality for all, remember?¡±


    I nce at Alejandro; it¡¯s obvious Magdalene¡¯s stance has troubled him.


    ¡°And right now, my daughter is being wronged but very well, Sk has nothing to hide.¡± He replies. ¡°But


    keep in mind, Heather may have been confused. Fear can do that.¡±


    ¡°Of course. You may not know this, but Heather is the granddaughter of an elder and one of our most


    potential young witches, as Headmaster Rivers knows. She is no ordinary witch that would simply get


    confused.¡±


    ¡°Then she¡¯s lying.¡± Sk says icily, ring at the girl who flinches and begins crying.


    Something isn¡¯t right here; I step forward, cing a hand on Sk¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Sk.¡± I say quietly. She res up at me, and I give her the slightest shake of my head.


    Her eyes are zing plum, and she¡¯s trying to control her emotions.


    ¡°Those were the eyes!¡± Heather sobs.


    ¡°What more proof do we need? Miss Rossi clearly cannot control herself.¡± Magdalene says quietly.


    ¡°I was a witness. I heard Sk¡¯s shout for help, and I saw her fighting the real monster. She took a


    stance so Heather could get her friend and herself out of there.¡± I say quietly, yet firmly.


    ¡®If this goes to court, Royce, you will not testify.¡¯ He snarls through the link. I ignore him.


    ¡°And you are?¡± Magdalene asks icily.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Royce Arden.¡± I say, my eyes shing at her cold tone. ¡°High Witch Magdalene, let¡¯s not just jump to


    assumptions on hearsay, set a date and I will be there to testify and you can probe my mind to see the


    events from my point of view as well.¡±


    ¡®Royce, that is risky! If they probe your mind-¡¯ Dad begins.


    ¡®I don¡¯t really care, and I see no reason for me to keep my abilities a secret any longer.¡¯ I look Dad


    square in the eye before Alejandro sighs, making me look up at him.


    ¡°Very well.¡± He says, frowning deeply. ¡°We¡¯ll ask the court to set a date for the hearing.¡±


    Sk¡¯s heart thumps and she jumps up from her seat, knocking the chair to the ground, making


    Heather flinch.


    ¡°I love the price one has to pay for doing the right thing.¡± She says sarcastically before kicking the


    upturned chair and storming to the door. ¡°Maybe I should have just left you to be snake food.


    Fucking hell.¡±


    Magdalene¡¯s eyes widen as she clenches her jaw, but to be honest, they deserved it.


    ¡°That behaviour will not help her case.¡± Magdalene says to Alejandro, making him growl.


    ¡°She¡¯s pissed off, like Heather. She¡¯s young too and she¡¯s getting fucking penalised for trying to fucking


    help.¡± He snarls. ¡°We¡¯ll deal with this at court and when she¡¯s fucking proven innocent, we¡¯ll talk then!¡±


    ¡°And until that happens, Heather will not be attending school.¡± Her mother says quietly yet firmly, but


    she can¡¯t look up to meet Alejandro¡¯s gaze. Simply hugging her daughter and staring at the ground.


    ¡°Or Miss Rossi should be suspended until proven innocent.¡± Magdalene says.


    ¡°Like fuck, my daughter¡¯s going to be removed!¡± Alejandro snarls, his aura raging around him.


    He may be the king, but because of it, he¡¯s being forced like this. The witch¡¯s words clearly making


    jabs. I¡¯m angry too. This entire thing was fucking unfair.


    ¡°You are the king, but we can¡¯tpromise the safety of the students-¡± Magdalene begins.


    ¡°Yet you seem to be treating her worse simply because she is the daughter of a King. If Sk Rossi is


    proven innocent, then Heather, who is, as you said,a prodigy should be punished for false allegations.¡±


    ¡°Mr Arden!¡± Magdalene says sharply, but I¡¯m not having it.


    ¡°Lady Magdalene. We are here talkingws, rules and equality, then as an outsider I can assure you,


    you are discriminating against a student who has done nothing wrong.¡± I say icily, my eyes shing.


    ¡°The King has always stood for the right thing, and now that he¡¯s doing the same, just because she is


    his daughter, you are almost forcing him to stand down.¡±


    The woman clenches her jaw, and I can feel all eyes on me, but I really don¡¯t give a toss about it.


    ¡°Now now, let¡¯s calm down. I don¡¯t think Sk Rossi needs to be removed from school, it is your wish


    to keep Heather off and it is understandable and fair. To be fair, she must also be grieving.¡± Dad


    intervenes.


    ¡°Headmaster Rivers?¡± Magdalene says.


    Rivers sighs and looks down at his hands. ¡°I understand both parties¡­ but¡­ I think, I think it¡¯s better


    for Heather to take a break for now.¡± He says, smiling gently at the girl.


    I clench my jaw; I can sense Alejandro¡¯s anger, and I also want to go after Sk.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Heather¡¯s dad says. ¡°Let¡¯s go pack your things.¡±


    ¡°We will await the court date.¡± Magdalene says, looking at Alejandro.


    I¡¯m so fucking done.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± I mutter, heading to the door, before Heather and her dad can move.


    I¡¯m absolutely done with this.


    ¡®Where are you going?¡¯ Aleric asks sharply.


    I simply ignore him, needing to find her.


    I leave the room, as they begin discussing the date, the sooner the better.


    It¡¯s easy to sniff her out and I follow her scent. It leads me outside and soon I find her beneath the


    bleachers. I can see her legs, her knees pulled up against her chest, and her head buried in her arms,


    resting on her knees.


    ¡°Leave me alone.¡± She says coldly.


    My heart clenches and it¡¯s not because of her words, but the fact she¡¯s hiding her pain.


    I ignore her and make my way over to her before I drop down beside her.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so annoying.¡± She mutters.


    ¡°And you¡¯re so perfect and beautiful.¡± I counter, making her growl.


    I ignore it, and wrapping my arms around her, I pull her into myp.


    Her heart is thumping, and she¡¯s trembling slightly.


    She¡¯s that girl who will hide a world of pain just, so she appears strong.


    ¡°Showing emotions is not a weakness.¡± I say softly, caressing her backfortingly as I inhale her hair.


    ¡®Says the king of impassiveness.¡± She retorts.


    I smile faintly, kissing her shoulder.


    ¡°Yes, but I am still right.¡± I reply.


    She remains silent for a few moments.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it. I must be fucking awful in everyone¡¯s eyes if they think I¡¯m capable of that shit.¡±


    ¡°No. They¡¯re all just idiots.¡± I reply, ¡°But this will all be proven soon enough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure Royce, I feel like something is wrong, there¡¯s something at work here¡­ bigger than us¡­.


    Or maybe I¡¯m being paranoid.¡±


    Malevolent purrs and I turn sharply as she climbs into Sk¡¯sp, not even having noticed her


    approach.


    Sk hugs her as I frown slightly at her words.


    She isn¡¯t wrong¡­ this entire situation has made me uneasy.


    Something is indeed amiss¡­


    ¡°Either way, Love, we¡¯re going to be ok.¡±

 68. Confrontation

    68. Confrontation


    SKYLA.


    Night has fallen, and I am packing up. Dad doesn¡¯t want me here anymore and, in all honesty, I can¡¯t


    me him for worrying. I scan the boxes I¡¯ve packed, there aren¡¯t many, and my suitcases are almost


    done too. This sure was short-lived.


    Royce had offered to help pack up, but I told him I¡¯m all good, besides I know he¡¯s barely slept, and I


    have a feeling he has a lot to deal with, with his own Dad. I had seen the looks his father had been


    giving him and there is clear tension between them,


    unlike Aleric who seems to be in his father¡¯s good graces. Speaking of the cunt, I had told him toe


    down and I didn¡¯t want Royce here when I called him. I¡¯m so fucking pissed at that snake. Seeing the


    way, he was behaving at school¡­ fuck how blind was I? He is such a fucking suck-up.


    I saw how what happened with the witches affected Dad. I mean he has always done everything for


    others, trying to protect them, doing what¡¯s right but I also sensed his struggle¡­


    He stood down because it was me, because I was his daughter, and he didn¡¯t want to make it out as if


    he was abusing his power and that hurt him. I had heard him on the phone to Mama; he didn¡¯t know I


    was near, but those words stuck in my mind, the emotion in them¡­ I¡¯ve never heard Dad sound so¡­


    vulnerable.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of this position or power if I can¡¯t use it to protect my own pup?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t realise he¡¯s the best damn Dad in the world. Everyone else can go fuck themselves. You


    ain''t ever finding a Dad cooler or better than mine.


    Only I¡¯ll never say that out loud. I¡¯m taking that to my fucking grave.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We¡¯ll like our new ce, right Malevolent?¡± I whisper, crouching down beside her as I scratch under


    her neck.


    ¡°Meow.¡± She confirms.


    I can¡¯t help but blush as I remember that conversation earlier¡­


    (FLASHBACK)


    ¡°So where do I go?¡± I ask, ring at Dad.


    ¡°What about one of my ces? You are wee to move there, and the security is good.¡± Royce


    offers.


    Dad growls. ¡°Hold your fucking horses. Aren¡¯t you two moving too fast?¡±


    ¡°Stallion indeed¡­¡± I mutter, smirking as I nce at the front of Royce¡¯s pants before snickering.


    And yes, I like it fast.


    ¡°The penthouse has multiple bedrooms, and I won¡¯t always be there. I just thought it would be safer. I


    don¡¯t think the Academy itself is an option.¡± Royce replies, ah ever the logical one.


    ¡°I-¡± Dad began,


    ¡°Dad! He won¡¯t even fuck me! He¡¯s a fucking saint, stop it!¡± I growl.


    That shut Dad up, and Royce looks a little embarrassed maybe? I think so. He runs his fingers through


    his hair, looking away.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Dad grunts, and an awkward silence falls over us. ¡°Not sure why you¡¯re fucking with him then¡­¡±


    He grumbles.


    I can¡¯t help but smirk.


    Hahaha, I think I embarrassed him.


    Dad leaves pretty soon after that.


    Royce pulls me against him from behind, sending a rivet of pleasure through me. My heart skips a beat


    as his hand presses against my stomach, the other running down my arm, making my core clench.


    ¡°I assure you princess; I am no saint.¡± He murmurs, running his tongue lightly up my neck, something


    that makes me whimper in pleasure. He flicks the lobe of my ear and I close my eyes, letting myself


    melt into his tantalising touch¡­


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    That was damn hot¡­


    ¡°Urgh Malevolent, I hate that he makes me blush.¡± I mumble, smiling faintly.


    She tilts her head before nuzzling against my hand. Just then the doorbell rings and I stand up, my


    smile vanishing.


    The twat is here.


    I nce at the shelf in the hall, where my phone is secretly going to be recording this because you


    know what? I need fucking proof for every damn thing in life, because I¡¯m always painted as the fucking


    bad guy.


    I go over to it, making sure once again the phone is on airne mode, so I don¡¯t get any disturbances


    and then I click record¡­ Making sure it¡¯s hidden, I walk over to the front door and pull it open.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I say, raising an eyebrow when I see the huge bouquet of dyed ck roses he¡¯s holding with a


    sprinkle of gold. Yeah, they are fucking gorgeous, but if you knew me, you would know I still love red


    roses above all¡­ He¡¯s also holding a hamper of gifts.


    Stuff those where the sun doesn¡¯t shine, fucking prick.


    ¡°Hey, Princess. I owe you an apology. I never even knew you were hospitalised.¡± He says softly,


    concern in his eyes as he holds the flowers out to me.


    Fake Bastard.


    ¡°Yeah well, you don¡¯t want anyone to know about us and we can¡¯t really talk on text so.¡± I shrug as I


    turn, not bothering to take the flowers from him.


    ¡°Hey, is everything fine?¡± He asks, cing the bouquet down and closing the door.


    Malevolent hisses and darts from the room, apparently scared.


    I frown. Strange, she¡¯s never had issues around him before. Guess even she¡¯s realised we don¡¯t like


    him anymore.


    I roll my eyes before I turn to him.


    ¡°Sure, do you remember that time we talked about going to a Water Park? You, me and Malevolent, I


    think it was probably July time?¡± I say suddenly.


    He thinks for a moment before smiling and nodding. ¡°Vaguely yes, that did sound fun. Is that how I can


    make it up to you?¡±


    I scoff, ¡°Really? Cus you know what?¡±


    He frowns, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That conversation never happened, Reign. Malevolent hates water¡­ Why the fuck would I take her to


    a water park? I hate lies and you know what they say, nothing remains hidden. I truly detest being


    deceived.¡± I say venomously as I close the distance between us, my eyes shing.


    His smile fades and he¡¯s clicked. ¡°I¡¯m not quite following.¡± He says softly, cing the hamper down.


    Oh, you fucking are.


    ¡°Oh, you aren¡¯t? Reign?¡± I ask, mocking innocence.


    He remains emotionless, before speaking after a while. He says only one word.


    ¡°Royce.¡± I can hear the anger he¡¯s trying to hide in his voice. His eyes ze a brilliant deep gold.


    ¡°Royce? No, he never knew you were fucking pretending to be him. He didn¡¯t know what a snake his


    fucking brother is.¡± I hiss. ¡°You lied to me! I hate liars.¡±


    My heart is thundering, and the urge to rip into him is consuming me. ¡°I didn¡¯t lie, Royce is manipting


    you-¡±


    ¡°Are you actually going to stand there and pretend that you aren¡¯t in the fucking wrong?! Royce is my


    Reign and you, you¡¯re a fucking snake!¡± I shout, my anger res inside of me and I backhand him


    across the face, unable to hold back.


    The resounding thwack as my hand connects rings in the silence. The force behind my p makes my


    hand sting a little.


    That definitely hurt.


    ¡°SKYLA!¡± He snarls, his aura raging around him, his hand shoots out wrapping around my throat, his


    ws out as he grips my neck painfully tight.


    He just fucking doesn¡¯t know who he¡¯s messing with!


    I reach out, wrapping my own hand around his throat, letting my ws dig into his neck with equal


    force.


    ¡°Do not fucking bark at me!¡± I hiss, letting my aura out too.


    I have a concealment spell that Raihana or Del reinforce every now and then, to take the edge of my


    aura away, but at will I can bring it out and it¡¯s fucking satisfying seeing him pale slightly.


    I wonder¡­ was it my aura that terrified Heather? I push the thought away, focusing on the cunt in front


    of me.


    ¡°Do not disrespect me.¡± He says warningly.


    I scoff. ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever the fuck I want, and you don¡¯t deserve any respect¡­ If I tell my father, whose


    arse you were trying so hard to lick, what you did - any respect you think you fucking have will be


    gone!¡± I snarl. ¡°And remember who you¡¯re talking to!¡±


    With those words, I bring my knee up and kick him straight in the stomach. He¡¯s thrown back, hitting


    the door behind him, but he¡¯s back up pretty fast.


    ¡°You¡¯re crossing a line you never should have.¡± He warns.


    I¡¯m fucking doing my best not to fucking shift.


    I smirk fearlessly. ¡°You crossed that line when you lied to me. Now get the fuck out of my face, fucking


    dickhead.¡±


    ¡°You will regret this Sk, I assure you, you will regret this with every fibre of your being.¡± He threatens


    quietly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared of a fucking twat, now get out before I w that face of yours to fucking shreds!¡± I storm


    over to him, shoving him aside and rip the door open.


    I point outside. The moonlight bathes the front garden brightly, but it does nothing to calm me, like it


    usually would. ¡°Leave! And maybe you should learn something from your brother.¡± I hiss.


    He pauses mid-step, his heart thundering.


    I guess those words really triggered him.


    ¡°Take that back.¡± He says, and I can feel the heat rising from him.


    Ice and Fire?


    It¡¯sing off him in waves, fucking so intense that I can see the heat waves in the air.


    ¡°I won¡¯t. If you were even a tenth of the man your brother is, I would take it back.¡± I snarl.


    Our eyes meet and I know then that I¡¯ve made an enemy. I can see the unbridled hatred in them that I


    have never seen from anyone before.


    Like fuck, I care.


    ¡°We will see¡­¡± He says, he raises his hand, but I hold my ground. I¡¯m not afraid of him.


    But then he has the fucking cheek to ce his finger on my cheek. I grab hold of it, snapping it


    backwards.


    He pulls away, hissing in pain or shock, and I don¡¯t really give a fuck that I broke it. He stares at his


    broken finger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Fucking. Touch. Me.¡± I say before I storm inside, mming the door shut behind me and locking


    it.


    My heart is raging, and I take a moment to calm down, realising I¡¯m coated in sweat. How hot was it out


    there?


    I hear him walking away and then a car engine starting. I stare down at the hamper and flowers, and


    picking them up, I open the door and throw them as far as I can.


    ¡°Keep your shit!¡± I growl before locking the door again.


    I¡¯m shaking slightly from anger, but I¡¯m damn proud I didn¡¯t go all Lycan on him.


    I grab my phone, sending the video to my storage drive to keep safe before deleting it from my phone.


    I head to my bedroom to grab some clothes from the open suitcase, needing a shower.


    I feel good, but at the same time, something about him made me uneasy¡­


    Yeah, I think I¡¯m done with this ce. Sighing, I head to the bathroom and close the door behind me.


    Stripping out of my clothes, I feel a cold draft, I pause, turning sharply to see the boarded-up window is


    now¡­ unboarded.


    Unease fills me as I walk over to it, when suddenly I feel a presence behind me. I turn sharply and


    What the fuck?


    ¡°How did you get in here?¡± I ask, ignoring the way his eyes rake over my body appreciatively, making


    my skin crawl.


    ¡°I have my ways.¡± He whispers, and then he darts at me faster than I canprehend.


    White hot shooting pain rushes through my neck, spreading through my body and a scream leaves my


    lips before everything goes dark¡­

 69. Deadly Intentions

    69. Deadly Intentions


    ALERIC.


    I catch her before she falls to the floor, watching as the contents of the syringe empties into her neck


    disrespect me?


    I feel angry at her, and at the same time, I want to im her and make her mine, break her to


    submission.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    I slip the syringe into my pocket, grabbing her face tightly in my hand.


    She¡¯s much more beautiful when she¡¯s not awake¡­ When she isn¡¯t so arrogant and feisty.


    Soon¡­. Soon she¡¯ll be mine, she¡¯ll obey me like a bitch does her owner.


    I chuckle darkly at my thoughts, leaning down and kissing her lips softly.


    Ah, she tastes delicious¡­


    I nce around the bathroom, contemting my next move, before turning and carrying her out of the


    room.


    She won¡¯t remember any of this in the morning.


    Her stupid cat hisses at me as she rushes to Sk the moment I ce her on the bed. The dumb feline


    darts at me, scratching me across the face and I snarl, the sting burning me and I grab her around the


    muzzle.


    I feel something breaking as she ws my hand before I throw her across the room. She hits the


    corner of the chest of drawers hard, and I¡¯m satisfied when I hear something break. She lets out a


    pitiful meow before her tiny body tumbles to the floor.


    Better.


    Stupid cat.


    What kind of werewolf keeps a cat, anyway?


    I nce down at her neck. This one was a little different¡­ but he said it would aplish what I was


    failing at¡­


    The little pinprick on her neck is already healing¡­


    I quickly slip her into the shorts and crop top that wereid on the bed. Something I know she wears to


    bed and ce her under the covers. I rather she wearsce or slips.


    I guess that will be one of mymands when the timees.


    I turn to leave, the anger I felt earlier still burning within me, I turn back to the bed, raising my fist as her


    insults from earlier ring in my head and I backhand her across the face, fucking hard.


    How dare she hit me¡­


    My chest is heaving, my eyes simmering with rage as her cat limps over to her, meowing as she begins


    to nudge her.


    I re coldly at her, hissing at her, only for her to hiss back, and I smirk.


    ¡°Oh, you will be the first I will get rid of.¡± I mutter, ncing around the room. I frown, noticing all the


    boxes in the room.


    Why is she packing?


    If she¡¯s leaving that will prove a little problematic for me, but I can¡¯t give her the final dose yet¡­ not


    until the Blood Moon¡­ I will just have to find a way to get close to her, regardless of ce.


    I have to be patient, no matter how hard that might be.


    I head to the bathroom to rece the board over the window. He¡¯s given me the ability to shift, but it


    wasn¡¯t the same as shifting into my wolf and I don¡¯t n to use it when I don¡¯t need to¡­


    Silently, I leave through the front door.


    Soon.


    Soon she¡¯ll be mine¡­


    As for Royce¡­


    My eyes ze as I think of him.


    I wish I killed him in the womb.


    He doesn¡¯t deserve to live; he doesn¡¯t deserve her and above all; he doesn¡¯t fucking deserve those


    powers.


    I¡¯m stronger now, or I will be¡­ I will be the king and he¡­ I will leave him with nothing.


    I know Royce¡¯s weaknesses, and it will be his downfall that he thinks of them as his very strengths¡­


    What a fool.


    I will target them, and he will crumble, and right now, his greatest weakness is Sk herself.


    I truly believe this time he is in love and if he is, ruining him will be even easier¡­


    I just need to try to remain patient for a while longer¡­


    -----


    SKYLA.


    I wake suddenly, my heart racing and I have no idea why.


    I look around frowning, and it takes a moment for me to gather my bearings.


    The sound of birds chirping makes my attention turn to the window. The sun is shining through, and I


    realise it¡¯s morning.


    Huh?


    ¡°What the fuck is the matter with me?¡± I groan, rubbing my forehead.


    Malevolent is lying next to me, but she¡¯s asleep. I stroke her soft fur and she jerks away, before she


    turns her head slowly up to me and meows.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s just me.¡± I smile as she gently brushes her face against my hand. ¡°Aww missed me?¡±


    She meows again, and I look around, frowning.


    I don¡¯t even remember getting into bed. I remember mming the door on Aleric and then I went to


    shower.


    Did I lose control?


    Urgh.


    I grab my phone and skim through my messages before opening Royce¡¯s message.


    ¡®Morning Love, I¡¯m bringing breakfast.¡¯ I smile as I lean back. He had sent it fifteen minutes ago.


    ¡°Oh yeah, he was going to take my stuff to his ce, wasn¡¯t he?


    Then I better get dressed quickly. I get out of bed looking down, hmm I think I¡¯ll take a shower.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get your brekky ready Malevolent.¡± I say as I leave the room.


    Entering the kitchen, I open a pouch of food into her bowl before I head to the bathroom.


    Closing the door, I freeze, ncing at the boarded-up window. For a split second, I don¡¯t know why, but


    I felt as if it wasn¡¯t¡­


    I shake my head, and sniff my armpit, urgh the joys of being a Lycan the smallest of smells get to me


    and to think I bathedst night.


    I take a quick shower before wrapping a towel around myself and head to my bedroom.


    I switch some music on, and as I decide what to wear, a devious smile crosses my lips.


    ¡°The Ice Prince is on his way¡­ I can¡¯t simply not tease him.¡±


    Rummaging around in my suitcase, I pull out a sexy littlece lingerie set. It¡¯s strappy and skimpy and


    pushes my boobs up nicely. I¡¯m not huge, but I have enough cleavage to entice a man, or woman, if


    they roll that way.


    Hmm, what to put on top¡­


    The doorbell goes and I smirk.


    ¡°Guess I have no time to look for anything to put on top.¡± I hum before I nce at Malevolent, who is


    curled up on the bed.


    She¡¯s beingzy today¡­


    I hurry to the front door, his scent hits me and I smirk, ncing in the mirror again.


    I can see my piercings peeking through thece, and my red matching thongs go well with my skin


    tone. I turn, ncing over my shoulder at my reflection. My sexy ass looks damn fine.


    Satisfied, I pull open the door with a smirk.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I say, running my fingers through my hair.


    ¡°Morn¡­ ing¡­¡± He trails off, his eyes zing blue the moment they rake over me.


    My own stomach flutters as I watch him swallow, his gaze lingering on my breasts before it travels


    downwards, and I¡¯m pleased when a low growl leaves his lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrecking me, Love.¡± He murmurs huskily as he steps inside, shutting and locking the door


    behind him.


    ¡°And I want you to wreck me.¡± I whisper seductively.


    He ces the paper bags and drinks down on the table beside the door and in a sh; he has me


    pinned against the wall behind me, his hands on my waist.


    I look up at him, my heart pounding. Every nerve in my body is on edge as he presses his body against


    mine.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tempt a beast, Doll¡­¡± His rough, sexy growles as his lips meet my neck.


    My eyes flutter shut for a moment, relishing in his touch, my nipples hardening as his fingers dig into


    my waist.


    Fuck, I want him so bad¡­


    My body is screaming to be touched and fucked by him and I know once that wall is brought down that


    I will see a side of him that I will never get enough of.


    ¡°What if I want to?¡± I whisper seductively.


    I gasp when his hand wraps around my neck, applying pressure, his eyes meeting mine.


    A faint smirk crosses his lips before he bends down and brushes his lips against mine.


    ¡°You have no idea what you are asking for, Love, because the moment I take you¡­ you will want to


    keep those sexy thighs of yours spread apart like a naughty little nymph, all the fucking time¡­¡±


    Those words send a jolt of pleasure to my pussy and fuck, I want that now.


    ¡°Hmm, show me then, show me that you are not just all talk.¡± I challenge him breathlessly. His eyes


    darken, and I know he can smell my arousal when his nostrils re slightly, and he inhales deeply.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you be the judge of that.¡± He says, and I bite my lip, feeling his hard-on as he kisses me deeply.


    I can feel his hard-on against my stomach.


    Hunger, desire, and passion consume me as every nerve in my body reacts to him. I moan against his


    lips as his free hand slips down my stomach, tracing my abs softly before brushing over thece front


    of my panties.


    Our tongues dance erotically, and just when his hand is about to touch my pussy, I hear a pained


    meow.


    We both freeze, and he pulls away, turning towards Malevolent and I do the same.


    My heart almost stops when I see Malevolent limping as she tries to make her way to the kitchen.


    My body, which was feeling hot moments ago, now feels ice cold as I rush to her side. Dropping to my


    knees, I scoop her into my arms tenderly. My heart thumps violently as she whimpers and with horror, I


    realise she¡¯s hurt.


    ¡°What happened to her?¡± Royce asks, concerned.


    I can¡¯t breathe, and my eyes sting.


    Not my Malevolent.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I whisper, ¡°She needs Mama!¡±


    I stand up, looking at the door before I realise I don¡¯t have my car either.


    Then I¡¯ll shift, but how will I take her? What if-


    ¡°Hey¡­ I¡¯ll take you.¡± He says. ¡°Pass me Malevolent, and get dressed?¡±


    It takes me a moment to realise what he means, and I look down at the little bundle in my arms.


    She is hurt, and I didn¡¯t even notice¡­ how did she get hurt? We were inside all night; she didn¡¯t even


    go out.


    Did I shift and hurt her?


    Fuck, did my Lycan hurt her?


    I begin shaking, and my vision blurs as tears I refuse to let fall blind me.


    Royce cups my face, forcing me to look up at him and I blink,ing out of my thoughts.


    ¡°Will you give her to me?¡± He asks softly.


    I nod, my heart squeezing as I tenderly ce her in his arms. She whimpers pitifully, but I know she¡¯s


    safe with him.


    ¡°Go get dressed.¡± He urges gently, and I nod, rushing to my bedroom as fast as I can.


    I¡¯m shaking as I pull on an oversized hoodie dress and grab a pair of sneakers. I have to take her to


    Mama right now!


    Ie out of the bedroom, to see Royce has ced a nket in a basket and is tucking Malevolent in.


    He¡¯s handling her with care¡­


    I watch him, my heart warming before he stands up and I quickly hurry over, picking the basket up.


    ¡°Ready?¡± He says and I nod.


    ¡°My phone.¡± I say, about to turn back to get it when he walks past me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll grab it.¡±


    He returns quickly and opens the front door, and I nce at the food bags.


    ¡°We can eat on the way?¡± I suggest, feeling guilty.


    He nods, kissing my forehead before he grabs the bags and my keys, his foot holding the door open


    before he steps out and locks up.


    I look down at Malevolent as Royce pauses, ncing at the ground, and I hurry to the car. I can¡¯t waste


    time.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be ok.¡± I whisper to Malevolent, kissing her softly before getting into Royce¡¯s car the


    moment he unlocks the doors¡­


    Time to go see Mama.

 70. Tracks

    70. Tracks


    ROYCE.


    ¡°There. All better.¡± Kiara says, stroking Malevolent¡¯s head before she leans down and kisses Sk¡¯s


    forehead.


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± Sk says quietly.


    Kiara looks concerned, but she doesn¡¯t say anything more to Sk.


    I¡¯m sitting beside Sk, and it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen her so scared and upset.


    Her heart was thumping hard for the entire drive here and there were times when she had been close


    to tears, which only made me feel useless - knowing she¡¯s hurting and there was nothing I could do to


    help.


    Even when she forced herself to eat in the car, for my sake, she didn¡¯t have an appetite and she could


    only think of Malevolent. I had told her not to force herself. Malevolent means the world to her.


    Only when her Mom had healed Malevolent did her troubled emotions calm, but for some reason there


    is guilt in her eyes.


    I hope she isn¡¯t ming herself for the fact Malevolent somehow got injured.


    We¡¯re at the Night Walkers Pack now. We had arrived here as fast as possible, and Sk had guided


    me straight to her family''s mansion.


    Her younger sister is now sitting at the edge of the sofa, watching us quietly. She¡¯s not said a word.


    Aside from when we entered, she¡¯s been watching me intently, and she still is staring, her face


    emotionless, but her dark eyes are burning into me. She sure has an intense gaze.


    The three sisters are theplete opposites of one another, but that¡¯s siblings. No two are ever alike.


    It makes me wonder about our own older sister¡­ is she really out there?


    There¡¯s something that I want to ask Sk but now isn¡¯t the time.


    I had seen the scorch mark on the ground outside the front door of the cottage, the clear outline of


    formal smart shoes in the scuff marks.


    Exactly the kind of shoes Aleric wears and just the type of marks his fire ability makes¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get some refreshments,¡± Kiara says with a small smile, as she nces between us before


    motioning her younger daughter to follow her after casting me one final nce.


    Ok¡­


    We¡¯re left alone in the room, and I watch Sk as she cuddles her cat, that expression is still there¡­


    ¡°Hey¡­ she¡¯s ok now.¡± I say, ncing at the furball that is now fast asleep. Content.


    Her hands tense, and I frown seeing the slight tremble in them.


    ¡°I think I did it.¡± She whispers, taking me by surprise.


    She¡¯s looking down, her hair curtaining her face, but I don¡¯t know how she thinks she¡¯s responsible for


    this.


    ¡°Love, you didn¡¯t even know she was hurt this morning.¡± I say, reaching over and taking hold of her


    chin.


    She shakes her head. ¡°No, butst night when I told Aleric I wanted to have a word with him. Well¡­


    after he left, I was so angry¡­ what if I lost control¡­ I mean, I don¡¯t even remember when I got into


    bed?¡± She whispers.


    I frown, again? And once again she was around Aleric¡­ Something isn¡¯t right, and I need to get to the


    bottom of it.


    As much as I want to spend time with her, there¡¯s more going on that I need to face at home and


    perhaps¡­ I need to make a trip to the States, to ska, the home of the Sris court.


    ¡°Look¡­ you didn¡¯t do this. You have lost control around Malevolent before, right? And you have never


    hurt her. You wouldn¡¯t hurt her. Sk, you are not a monster¡­ but someone did this¡­ we just need to


    figure out who and I have some assumptions.¡±


    She fights back her tears and reaching over, I flick one up with the tip of my tongue, allowing the salty


    taste to linger on my tongue. Her cheeks flush before she looks away.


    ¡°I¡¯m so pathetic¡­¡± She says, wiping away a few more tears, she groans in frustration before she looks


    back at me. ¡°Then who do you think hurt her? Mama said she had broken bones.¡±


    ¡°Possibly from impact¡­ You said Aleric was there. How did that go?¡± I ask quietly, my eyes flickering


    blue. ¡°You said you were angry. He said something?¡±


    Aleric.


    I hate how I sound, like I¡¯m instigating her against him. That¡¯s not it, but he is a snake and I don¡¯t want


    them anywhere near one another. I don¡¯t trust him.


    I know his rage and I have seen the ugly side of him.


    But would he hurt a cat? That part is hard to stomach, abusing a defenceless animal¡­


    The worst of scum would do that¡­


    There¡¯s only one way to find out and I intend to.


    ¡°Trust me, it¡¯ll be ok. We will figure this out.¡± I say, brushing a stray tear from her cheeks.


    She frowns, turning away.


    Her eyes turn cold. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s a bastard.¡± She says icily.


    ¡°We¡¯re twins. Does that make me one?¡± I joke.


    She smirks. ¡°Nope, even if that was the case, you¡¯re a sexy bastard, but you two are pr opposites.¡±


    ¡°Good to hear.¡± I murmur, kissing her neck.


    A few minutester, she finishes telling me exactly what happened.


    He threatened her.


    Who the fuck does he even think he is?


    I wish she had waited for me. I even told her I wanted to be somewhere close when she confronted him


    and to at least wait until she had moved, as it would be so much more secure.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you thinking he did this?¡± She asks, cocking a brow. As she turns towards me, she crosses her


    legs and drapes one leg over mine, her hand goes to my thigh.


    Our hot moment from this morning shes through my mind and I swallow. I almost lost control¡­


    seeing her like that¡­


    She¡¯s weakening my resolve¡­ really¡­ really badly¡­


    And the temptation to sin in every way is blinding me and it¡¯s definitely not because I haven¡¯t fucked in


    a while. Just the thought of her gets me hard¡­


    Her other arm is still around Malevolent but even one hand is dangerous enough as she squeezes my


    leg slightly, tilting her head as she watches me. She¡¯s not even doing it on purpose right now.


    She¡¯s waiting for an answer, and I need to stop thinking with my cock right now.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s just coincidental that you forgot when you headed to bed¡­ After being in his


    presence. There is an easy way to find out and that would be to have Malevolent be in the same room


    as him.¡± I say, frowning. ¡°But I also understand that might upset her, regardless¡­ I¡¯ll find out.¡±


    She tightens her arm around Malevolent possessively. ¡°You know¡­ if he did this¡­ I will kill him.¡±


    ¡°Makes two of us.¡± I reply.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    I nce at her as she trails off before she reaches over and yanks me closer to her, crashing her lips


    against mine in a deep sizzling kiss. My arms snake around her waist and I lift her onto myp, careful


    not to hurt her kitty cat.


    She moans softly against my lips, tracing her tongue along my bottom lip, seeking entry, and I allow her


    entrance.


    What she wants, she shall get¡­ sooner orter anyway.


    I smirk slightly against her lips before I suck on her tongue, trying not to get turned on as I take control


    of the kiss, dominating her. My free hand threads into her hair, tugging her head up slightly.


    We¡¯re so consumed in the kiss that it takes me a few seconds to sense the powerful aura that is


    approaching, and when I say powerful, I mean indescribable power¡­

 71. Touched by a God

    71. Touched by a God


    ROYCE.


    What on earth¡­


    The hair at the back of my neck stands on edge and I break the kiss, turning towards the door, my eyes


    shing.


    Then, I hear it.


    The footfalls, albeit quiet, seem to ring in my head and I frown.


    I¡¯ve never felt such power¡­


    Someone steps into the entrance and I find myself looking at a tall, muscr, well-built man that isn¡¯t


    just omitting an immense aura, but he himself is the entity of pure power.


    He must be nearly 7 feet tall, with a head full of ck curls. He¡¯s wearing sunsses despite being


    inside and he has an angled jaw and a light stubble. He¡¯s dressed in ck jeans, boots and a baggy t-


    shirt with a few nes, one that stands out with a crystal at the end.


    His attention is on us. The power radiating off him is so intense that even Malevolent wakes up and


    runs off to the corner, hiding under a table before curling up and settling to sleep again.


    ¡°I seem to be intruding.¡± He says, raising a brow, and I realise Sk is still in myp. I lift her off and


    stand up, as does Sk.


    ¡°Dante, you¡¯re here.¡± Sk says.


    I turn sharply to the man, realising it¡¯s the King¡¯s son. The mysterious Dante Rossi who remains hidden


    away from the world, and I can see why. He¡¯s a powerhouse¡­. And there¡¯s something about him that


    isn¡¯t¡­ normal.


    If we ss werewolves, lycans and witches as normal.


    ¡°I am, and I am surprised that you¡¯re here.¡± He says quietly, a small smile lingering on his lips.


    She cocks a brow as they both close the gap between one another.


    ¡°Really?¡± She asks before he hugs her tightly, kissing the top of her head. His smile fades and I wonder


    what¡¯s going through his mind as he gives her a squeeze before she moves back. ¡°Well, that¡¯s pretty


    much a first.¡±


    ¡°Not really, I heard what happened to mini-Lucifer, d she¡¯s ok now.¡± He nces at Malevolent.


    Sky nods before both siblings turn to me. ¡°Dante, my boyfriend, Royce. Royce, my brother, Dante.¡±


    Sk introduces me.


    Boyfriend. I like that.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Dante.¡± I say, offering my hand. I am not sure if I should address him as Alpha, but


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    it¡¯s a littlete now.


    He doesn¡¯t reply for a moment, as if not sure how to respond.


    ¡°Sooner than I expected¡­¡± He murmurs, a frown crosses his forehead for a second before his head


    dips a little and I know he¡¯s looking at my hand.


    ¡°Dante! Don¡¯t be rude, take his hand.¡± Sk growls, clearly offended just when I was about to retract it.


    ¡°Hm? I apologise for being¡­ rude.¡± He says, ncing at his sister and smirking before turning back to


    me.


    Strange fellow.


    He reaches out hesitantly as if touching me is going to hurt, and I can¡¯t help but smile faintly in


    amusement.


    ¡°I don¡¯t burn, it¡¯s just a handshake.¡± I say.


    ¡°Is it?¡± He asks, making me cock a brow, and then his hand connects with mine.


    My eyes ze blue as I feel my powere forward. The entire room seems to mute out, and it¡¯s just


    the two of us.


    For a split second, our hair seems to defy gravity as his head snaps up, and I know behind those


    sunsses he¡¯s looking at me. Through them, I can faintly make out his red orbs. Orbs that are


    currently burning with shes of images that suck me in.


    Blinding golden light fills my vision.


    ¡®You are taking a stance.¡¯ A woman¡¯s ethereal voice sounds in my mind, one filled with mirth.


    ¡®Oh absolutely, even I am allowed favourites¡­¡¯ A powerful male voice follows, one that makes me bow


    my head.


    The light vanishes far too fast and for a second, I forget where I am.


    My heart thuds and I see a golden glow around me, and then time seems to move again.


    I suck in a breath, pulling my hand from his, and an intense wave of energy sts off me and to my


    utter horror it shatters every ss panel and window.


    Oh, shoot!


    Sk gasps shielding her face and I instantly cup the back of her head, pulling her into my chest,


    making sure no flying piece of ss shardes near her as I try to rein in the involuntary wave of


    power.


    But the damage has been done. The entire ss-panelled wall is destroyed.


    I have never lost control like that.


    My heart is thumping as I look around.


    What the hell was that?


    ¡°What on earth¡­¡± Sk murmurs before she turns sharply to Dante. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    She didn¡¯t realise that it came from me.


    I hear the sound of running footsteps, but I¡¯m unable to look away from the man before me.


    Dante ignores her, now removing his sunsses, and looks me square in the eye.


    Burning red meets dazzling blue and despite it making me feel bare, I don¡¯t back down.


    He¡¯s clearly incredibly strong, but there¡¯s something challenging in those eyes and the Alpha in me


    refuses to submit.


    ¡°A handshake also represents an oath of peace and unity¡­¡± He murmurs and then his voice echoes in


    my mind as a faint smile crosses his lips.


    ¡®So, it seems you are touched by a God, Royce Jonathan Arden. Congrattions on stepping into full


    power. May your enemies fear you and your people yield to you.¡¯


    I cock a brow, but he isn¡¯t done, even as Kiara enters and Sk tries to reassure her Mom, I¡¯m unable


    to look away.


    His gaze flicks to Sk, his eyes holding conflict before he looks back at me almost regretfully.


    This time when he speaks, his voice holds far more weight.


    ¡®Even when the darkness tries to destroy you¡­ remember that you stand for the light¡­ no matter what


    form that darkness takes, withstand it.¡¯


    For the first time in my life, I¡¯m rendered speechless. His words echo within my mind¡­


    He¡¯s giving me a warning, but a warning of what?

 72. His Opinion

    72. His Opinion


    SKYLA.


    Mama had made a delicious meal, and Royce had not failed inplimenting her several times,


    making her blush happily.


    ¡°No really, it¡¯s delicious.¡± Royce says as he eats Mama¡¯s signature brownies with hot custard. ¡°You


    went out of your way to make so much.¡±


    ¡°Oh thank you, it really wasn¡¯t much at all!¡± Mama exims, waving her hand.


    I cock a brow.


    Wasn¡¯t much? She went full out with six different dishes and three desserts¡­


    ¡°You are too modest Kiara.¡± Royce replies, cing his spoon down, and I can¡¯t help but notice the way


    his tongue runs along his lips.


    Yeah, Mama had been adamant he calls her Kiara. I bet Dad wouldn¡¯t be happy with these two getting


    on so well, but with everything going on with the witches and the death noodle, he had to stay down


    there to deal with matters.


    Night has fallen and Mama has told us to stay the night, and to be fair, I don¡¯t mind. I need the break


    away from everything and even better; she was insistent that Royce also stay, and that is something I


    am not going to argue with. I want him right now, by my side.


    I owe him for dropping everything and helping me get Malevolent down here. I really do and he said he


    has things he needs to do with his pack. I need to help him too.


    ¡°So, is it true you¡¯re Sk¡¯s teacher?¡± Alessandra asks bluntly, her eyes piercing into Royce.


    His smile fades as he bes serious, and perhaps there¡¯s a hint of guilt in his eyes. I¡¯m not certain,


    as he masks it pretty well.


    ¡°Yes, that is correct, however, we did know one another from before I became her trainer, although that


    isn¡¯t an excuse.¡± He says lightly, his grip tightening slightly.


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± I ask, cocking a brow at Alessandra.


    ¡°Did I say it does? There¡¯s stuff going around, you know.¡± She counters scathingly. ¡°So, I was just


    confirming if he¡¯s the guy from the rumours.¡±


    ¡°Rumours?¡± Dante tilts his head.


    ¡°None of your damn business.¡± I growl.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not do this now.¡± Mama warns, her voice gentle yet firm.


    ¡°She¡¯s just asking. It¡¯spletely fine.¡± Royce says to me, trying to ease the tension.


    His hand rests on my thigh, and he strokes it sensually. Does he not know he¡¯s driving me fucking


    crazy?


    Mama is sitting opposite me. Next to her is Alessandra, who is opposite Royce and Dante is on


    Alessandra¡¯s other side and although they can¡¯t see his hand under the table, it¡¯s working me up.


    Alessandra stays quiet, watching him before she simply shrugs. ¡°Ok.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a harmless question.¡± Royce says, giving her a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s all good.¡±


    ¡°One that shall spread a lot of opinions sooner orter. Are you certain of your choices, Royce?¡± Dante


    says, drinking some water. His words shock me.


    What the fuck does that even mean?


    ¡°Dante¡­¡± Mama replies, clearly as surprised as me at his remark.


    I roll my eyes, him and his way of talking.


    ¡°We¡¯re not all-seeing, so let Royce and the rest of us make the choices we want, or is that an indirect


    jab at me that I¡¯m bad news?¡± I ask dangerously, cocking a brow.


    Dante frowns slightly as he looks at me from behind those shades. ¡®I love you, Sk, but you yourself


    know that your feisty and reckless nature will only get you into trouble.¡¯


    My eyes sh as I re at him.


    ¡®Don¡¯t antagonise me, Dante, just be a brother, not a fucking all-knowing god. I don¡¯t need it, and if you


    can¡¯t help me with whatever the fuck I should be careful of, then keep your shit to yourself.¡¯ I growl


    back.


    He tilts his head. ¡®You know I can¡¯t¡­ my hands are tied, in a way more than you know. All I can do is


    warn you in the only way I can.¡¯ He says softly.


    I hate that tone of his too.


    ¡®Well, I don¡¯t need your cryptic shit. Whatever happened between you and Royce earlier was fucking


    weird, too. What was that about?¡¯ I shoot back.


    ¡®That was between us, I¡¯m afraid.¡¯


    Yeah, you can¡¯t even share that.


    I clench my jaw, feeling my anger re inside of me, the urge to let my Lycane out growing and I¡¯m


    about to stand up, but Royce¡¯s hand on my thigh keeps me in ce.


    ¡°Let¡¯s drop this conversation, shall we?¡± He says, ncing at Dante. Both men stare at one another,


    and I can¡¯t read either of their damn faces.


    Royce is as emotionless as ever and Dante is hidden behind his sses, but there seems to be a


    sizzle of power between them. I can feel their auras before Dante smiles faintly.


    ¡°Very well.¡± He says after a moment.


    Mama sighs silently, but I still hear it.


    She looks at Dante, me, and Royce with concern.


    I shake my head, returning to my brownie and custard.


    Whatever happened earlier between Dante and Royce was¡­ fucking weird. There seems to be some


    sort of understanding of sorts between them, and something happened¡­


    At the time, I had thought the ss shattered because of Dante, but it had been Royce¡¯s doing.


    Dante did something, but that powerful aura was Royce¡¯s, not Dante¡¯s. Something more happened


    between them, and I n to find out when we¡¯re alone.


    But the thing that got to me the most was the way he looked Dante straight in the eye. Something that


    is no small feat. Some of us can look him in the eye for fleeting moments, but not for as long as Royce


    had, and he had done so, unblinking.


    Royce is powerful, and that¡¯s incredible, yet this fact is also eye-opening. It makes me wonder what


    else is out there or what other powers linger beyond our knowledge that we simply don¡¯t know of.


    Just how Azura¡¯s ex had been something that we had never heard of before¡­ then this serpent¡­ not


    to mention the odd increase in other happenings around the world.


    ¡°Where are you consumed?¡± Royce asks me softly, as he leans over, cing a soft butterfly kiss on my


    cheek. A tingle of pleasure rushes through me and his fingers tantalisingly brush between my thighs.


    The urge to mp my legs shut as my core knots is tempting, but that means admitting to him how his


    touch is driving me nuts and I¡¯m too angry to admit anything to anyone right now.


    His touch soothes me, his scent fogging my mind, but in a good way. I lock my arms around his neck,


    wanting so much fucking more, but the sound of a loud groan of disgust makes Royce move back.


    ¡°Ignore her. She¡¯s being a prude when we¡¯ve practically seen Mama and Dad fuck.¡±


    ¡°Sk!¡± Mama says, and I turn to her, smirking.


    ¡°Am I wrong? None of you guys ever cared for what you subjected us to. Alessandra needs to stop


    being dramatic.¡± I smirk at my little brat of a sister, sticking my tongue out, and she simply rolls her


    eyes, giving Dante the smallest of smiles when he ruffles her hair fondly.


    Mama chuckles. ¡°Alright, fair enough. She¡¯s only teasing you. Well, why don¡¯t you all go watch a movie


    and spend some time together? I will bring some snacks for you.¡± She offers.


    ¡°Good idea.¡± Dante says, and I know he¡¯s looking at me. ¡°I think that would be great.¡±


    ¡®Yeah, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve forgiven you, Dummy God.¡¯ I say through the link, smirking.


    ¡®No worries.¡¯ He gives me a small, amused smile and my anger from earlier does dissipate a little¡­


    I hate that I can¡¯t stay angry with my family for long.


    Fuckers.


    -


    It¡¯s an hourter and we¡¯re in the home cinema room watching an action movie. Aside from that initial


    strange interaction, Dante and Royce get on ok and even talk. Me and Royce are seated in the corner,


    with me sitting on hisp. Malevolent is curled up in the corner of the room and Alessandra and Dante


    are sitting more centre, opposite the TV.


    ¡°ska?¡± Dante asks.


    ¡°Yes, I grew up there and we trained there.¡± Royce says, his one arm is tightly around me, the other


    resting on my thigh as I hold a bowl of popcorn, although more than the movie I¡¯m hyper-aware of his


    sexy body against me.


    Even though I can¡¯t tell what Dante thinks of him, I kind of want to ask¡­ but at the same time, I¡¯m not


    sure I¡¯m ready for his brutally honest reply.


    ¡°Your brother, correct?¡± Dante asks, turning to look at Royce.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Royce replies. He tenses a little and I know he¡¯s trying to mask his rage towards him. His tone


    clearly disys that that is the end of that topic.


    ¡®Do you really need to sit on top of him?¡¯ Dante remarks as he nods at Royce¡¯s reply before turning his


    head away.


    ¡®Jealous?¡¯ I counter, stretching my leg and just about managing to scuff his knee with my toes. ¡®Ass.¡¯


    ¡®Not at all.¡¯ He replies arrogantly.


    ¡®So, what do you think of him?¡¯ I ask, leaning into Royce.


    I can¡¯t help but smirk as he adjusts his position a little, making sure I¡¯m notpletely pressed against


    his cock.


    Is someone getting turned on?


    I look up at him, wondering what would break his self-resolve as I run my fingers along the faint stubble


    that is sprayed across his jaw.


    Ah, my man is sexy-as-fuck.


    I smirk wickedly, making Royce narrow his eyes as he watches me suspiciously.


    ¡®Do you want the truth?¡¯ Dante¡¯s voice brings me from my devious thoughts, and I nce at him.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡®Yes, even though I know I may not like it.¡¯ I say.


    Dante looks at me, and I see the small frown on his forehead.


    ¡®He¡¯s a good person¡­ but you will destroy him.¡¯


    I feel like I¡¯ve been pped, my heart thuds and I see Royce look between us. He knows we¡¯re linking,


    but Dante¡¯s words sting far more than I could have imagined.


    ¡®What?¡¯ I manage to reply.


    ¡®If you want my honest opinion¡­ let him go, before you ruin it all. I¡¯m sorry but it¡¯s what I feel.¡¯ There¡¯s a


    sadness and regret in his voice but I don¡¯t care¡­


    He voiced my deepest, darkest fear that I truly am not worthy of Royce¡­


    Those words of his make my blood run cold as I sit there numb and frozen.


    I don¡¯t deserve him.


    I will destroy him¡­

 73. More Than My Expectations

    73. More Than My Expectations


    ROYCE.


    I don¡¯t know exactly what happened between the siblings, but when Sk¡¯s face lost all colour, and I


    saw the guilt and regret in her eyes, I had had enough. Standing up, I had excused us and led her out


    of the room.


    She refused to speak and instead had led the way upstairs to her bedroom where Kiara had told us,


    she had ced some fresh items of clothes for me.


    The moment the door shut behind us, I locked it and then turned to Sk, who walked over to her walk-


    in closet and began rummaging for something. Her movements are rushed, and she¡¯s knocking things


    as she does.


    ¡°I¡¯ll shower first if that¡¯s ok.¡± She says, as I hear something fall and break. I walk to the closet, sensing


    her aura rising fast.


    Her ws havee out and I can see the white hair beginning to sprout from her arms, and the hair


    on her head is beginning to turn white.


    ¡°Sky.¡±


    She ignores me as she bends down, cursing as she picks up the ceramic box she has broken.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± She mutters as it cuts into her finger. Instantly I¡¯m by her side, removing her hands from the


    box.


    ¡°Sk.¡± I repeat gently, but she stands up and turns away.


    She¡¯s avoiding me.


    I pick up the broken pieces, cing them aside, not wanting her to hurt herself.


    She turns, holding a towel and some blue lingerie, which I notice a little too much. She grabs


    something denim, something that looks like a jacket before she bundles it up and I cock a brow. She¡¯s


    not paying attention to what she¡¯s doing.


    ¡°Love.¡± I say, grabbing hold of her elbow as she tries to walk past me and I spin her around to face me.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    I look down at her. Her eyes are zing plum, her heart thudding as she looks at me with such pain, I


    can almost feel it. Almost as if her pain is mine.


    ¡°I just¡­ need a moment. Please.¡± She whispers, almost pleadingly.


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± I say, but before I give her what she wants, I have to tell her it¡¯s going to be alright.


    ¡°Whatever he said, Love¡­ don¡¯t let it get to you.¡±


    She looks away and I know she doesn¡¯t believe me. I let go of her elbow, cupping her face and tilt it up.


    Our eyes meet and I hide my surprise when I notice the glistening of tears in them.


    A sliver of irritation rushes through me.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± I ask, trying to keep my voice even and calm.


    She shakes her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m going to go shower.¡±


    She tries to pull away, but I pull her close, snaking one arm around her waist, the other tangling in her


    hair, and I kiss her passionately.


    Tingles of pleasure course through me and I¡¯m satisfied when she slowly begins to kiss me back, a soft


    moan leaving her lips.


    It isn¡¯t like her not to tell me what¡¯s wrong. Whatever he said to her has shaken her.


    The sweet taste of her mouth makes me kiss her harder.


    My Green-Eyed Goddess has a vulnerable side that she hides from the world, but surely her family


    knows that.


    I have half a mind to call him out on it, and I probably will before I leave tomorrow¡­


    I kiss her deeply, hoping that she can feel that she isn¡¯t alone. That I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll always be right here¡­


    We kiss passionately, and after a few moments, she gasps for air, and I slowly pull away.


    Looking down, I can see her ws have retracted and her eyes are back to their gorgeous green, but


    she¡¯s still not herself.


    She gives me a small smile before she pulls away and heads to the bathroom.


    The door shuts behind her, and I sigh. The fact she isn¡¯t sharing makes me wonder if it is to do with me.


    I hear the shower turn on. I can still hear her thumping heart, something that shouldn¡¯t be possible


    through the door.


    Ever since I shook hands with her brother, it almost felt like a wall was brought down, almost like a car


    battery rejuvenating.


    It¡¯s strange, because my powers have never been weak or dull, but now they have increased tenfold.


    His words still rey in my mind and that warning¡­


    What makes me uneasy is the way his eyes had shifted to Sk before he had said those words.


    ¡®Even when the darkness tries to destroy you, remember that you stand for the light.¡¯


    Why do I get the feeling he was insinuating Sk?


    That grates on my nerves, because even if her Lycan has rage, she is far from darkness¡­. But it could


    mean a lot more¡­ I know not to take everything straight as it is.


    I push the thoughts away and walk around the room. It¡¯s modern yet holds a timeless elegance.


    Spacious and striking, I can see Sk in this room. There is champagne colour bedding with a few red


    ent cushions.


    There¡¯s an alcove area near the entrance of her room, which is an entire cat kingdom and it''s rather


    interesting to see.


    There are several toys as well as a magnificent scratch post.


    Malevolent is sleeping on her cat bed, which looks like a miniature four-poster bed. That¡¯s truly fit for a


    Cat Queen.


    I scan her dressing table, aside from a lot of make-up there¡¯s nothing much there and I move on to her


    reading corner.


    Surprising or not, we both read and although I may not find the time as much as I would hope to,


    finding a good book to get lost in was my favourite pastime before Sk.


    Now she¡¯s the one I want to spend all my free time with, to get lost in her presence, regardless of what


    she is doing.


    I¡¯m madly and deeply in love and despite how beautiful that may sound, it¡¯s also intense. To know that I


    have given my heart unprotected to somebody else, to cherish or destroy¡­ it¡¯s in her hands now.


    I¡¯ve lived my life, protecting myself from the world, from disappointment, betrayal and lies, but with her,


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    I began to bring down those walls until I didn¡¯t even know when my feelings developed into so much


    more without even seeing a glimpse of her.


    I skim over her collection, Motorcycle Club, Mafia... Disney Viin tales¡­ and then there are the


    ssics that she identally slipped out that she reads before denying she read them.


    I crouch down. They may be at the bottom, but the books have been read and I can¡¯t help but smile.


    Jane Eyre, Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, The Thirteenth Tale¡­


    Smiling, I take out the first book in the Anne of Green Gables collection, remembering how Anne was


    the feistiest little badass and probably my first crush.


    I flip through the book when the bathroom door opens.


    Her scent invades my senses and I can¡¯t help but take a deep breath.


    ¡°Are you looking through my book collection?¡± She asks the obvious and I stand up, looking down at


    the clothbound book in my hand.


    ¡°Actually, yes, I¡¯m not sure I should be reminiscing on the past.¡± I say. I look up and I freeze.


    She¡¯s standing there, looking like a vision straight out of my dreams.


    She¡¯s running her fingers through her wet ck locks, a few droplets of water trickling down her neck


    and over her jutting corbones, but it¡¯s what adorns her sexy body that leaves my throat dry and I


    swallow hard, realising that I will be spending the entire night with her¡­


    My self-control is so close to breaking, and she¡¯s the epitome of temptation.


    She¡¯s wearing a tiny sheer organza sky blue lingerie set with pink and blue embroidery on it. Her long


    sexy legs are crossed but I can¡¯t help but stare at the front of those panties. I can see the faint outline


    of her parting and it¡¯s taking my all not to close the gap between us.


    I drag my attention up, her belly button has a tiny jewel, the perfect outline of her toned abs deserve


    appreciation and her breasts¡­ The corset bra is slightly opaque on the cups but I can still see the faint


    outline of her nips and piercings.


    The random denim she had grabbed appeared to be an oversize jacket and now I¡¯m wondering if it


    really was random because she looks fucking divine.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think Anne of Green Gables would be of your choice.¡± She says walking over to me and I look


    down at the pages, trying to clear my head.


    It¡¯s like I''ve be dumbed down in her presence and my brain clogs up.


    ¡°Actually¡­ Anne was probably my first crush.¡± I find myself saying.


    Way to go Royce¡­ You just told the sexy goddess in front of you, you crushed on a fictional character


    as a child?


    Real smooth.


    She cocks a brow, amusement lighting up her face, but even then, the look in her eyes is still there.


    ¡°Anne with an E?¡± She asks.


    ¡°Yes, actually, I tend to like girls with expressive eyes,¡± I say, cing the book down and caressing her


    cheek. ¡°Ones that have eyes that are the windows to their souls¡­¡±


    She looks down, not wanting me to observe her eyes.


    ¡°Mm, then I hope I fit that box.¡± She says, tiptoeing she pulls me down and kisses my neck, sending


    rivets of pleasure through me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t fit a box, Love; you are at an entirely new calibre where only you can ever be¡­ No box is


    and in one swift pull, I tug her against me.


    A shaky breath leaves her lips as she looks up at me. There is a raw emotion in those eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a good person¡­ you know that. I will fuck up. I always do a thousand times and you¡¯ll regret it.


    Sooner orter¡­ maybe¡­ maybe we should¡­¡±


    My heart thuds as I look down at her struggle to say the words that I truly hope are not what I think.


    ¡°Maybe we should what, Love?¡± I ask, my voice sounding sharper than I meant it to.


    She looks up at me, this time defiantly.


    ¡°Maybe we should break up.¡±

 74. Ive Sold my Soul

    74. I''ve Sold my Soul


    ROYCE.


    My eyes sh as I look at her sharply.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean that¡­ What did he say to you?¡± I ask, my suspicions confirmed. ¡°Answer me Sk.¡±


    ¡°Just the truth,¡± she responds bitterly, but I can hear the sadness in her voice.


    ¡°His opinion is not the truth.¡± I answer, clenching my jaw. Despite my anger, I caress her cheek gently.


    Don¡¯t push me away¡­


    ¡°Dante¡­ knows a lot.¡±


    ¡°He isn¡¯t God.¡± I counter coldly.


    She scoffs lightly.


    ¡°He kinda is¡­.¡± She murmurs, her eyes glistening with tears, her voice breaking as she continues.


    ¡°What he says is mostly true. He said I¡¯ll destroy you, and I probably will.¡±


    Destroy me?


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that. Even the gods are not always correct. I will fight all odds for you Sk, ask me for


    anything and it¡¯s yours. If destruction is what my future is, then so be it, because there are no others by


    whose hands I would want to be destroyed.¡±


    I let go of her, and gently take her hands in mine, I hold them to my chest as I gaze into her eyes.


    ¡°Yet you are not my destruction, but my life. You make me want to be the person I was destined to


    be. I have let far too much time pass by, selfishly. But the moment I realised I had fallen in love with


    you, the moment I realised you are all that I need, I realised I want to be the king I was born to be¡­¡±


    I¡¯ve never felt so¡­ vulnerable.


    A part of me feared sharing my feelings, knowing I shouldn¡¯t burden her with how deeply I care for her,


    but right now, she needed the assurance. She has lived alone in a way where she hid her emotions


    and feelings, and despite being surrounded by so many loved ones; she was still alone.


    Any time she let someone close, the fear of hurting them made her keep them at a distance. I need her


    to realise that she need not do the same with me.


    I am hers, and hers alone, because I know that this kind of love only happens once¡­


    I will live in the moment and cherish each one with her¡­ for I will always be hers.


    I take a slow breath as I continue.


    ¡°I love you with everything I have and everything I do not. I love you more than words can measure¡­. I


    am yours, Sk Sra Rossi. Only yours until myst breath and I assure you, you will not destroy


    me.¡±


    She closes her eyes, taking a shuddering breath as her tears trickle down her cheeks, she¡¯s trembling


    slightly and I know she hates being vulnerable but tonight¡­ I hope she realises she can let down every


    barrier, whatever happens between us, every raw part of her that she disys will be kept shielded by


    me.


    Leaning down, I kiss her forehead softly, letting my lips linger on her forehead as I inhale her scent


    deeply.


    She tilts her head up and gazes into my eyes.


    ¡°I¡­ I love you too¡­ Fuck I do.¡± She whispers, cing her hands on my chest. A wave of warmth


    washes over me and I feel content.


    When she said those words¡­ there was a confidence in her eyes and that¡¯s all I need.


    I can¡¯t help but smile as I caress her wrists, cocking a brow.


    ¡°I¡¯m thrilled you do¡­ so, since we¡¯re on the same page, don¡¯t let anything ever let you doubt that, and


    unless you genuinely want it, don¡¯t suggest breaking up, because I¡¯ll know if you mean it or not.¡±


    She smirks, but nods.


    We fall silent for a moment before she speaks. ¡°Love¡­ it¡¯s a crazy kind of feeling¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ it¡¯s intense.¡±


    ¡°This is the longest I¡¯ve gone without my vials. When I¡¯m with you, it doesn¡¯t feel like I¡¯m drowning, or


    feeling suffocated by my Lycan¡­ she¡¯s at peace¡­ she likes you.¡± She says. ¡°Like I know wolves have


    emotions but Lycans are one with their human counterparts. Do I sound weird? You get what I¡¯m


    saying, right?¡±


    Vials?


    ¡°Not at all, because although wolves¡¯ emotions are prominent, I feel so are Lycans. They just seem to


    blend with their human sides differently. It ultimately means you and your Lycan side both like me. I


    couldn¡¯t be happier to hear it¡­ yet, of course¡­¡± I take hold of her chin, running my finger along her


    bottom lip. ¡°I loved your confession even more.¡±


    A faint blush coats her cheeks before she scoffs. ¡°Don¡¯t get used to it, I don¡¯t fucking do mushy.¡± She


    says lightly, hitting my chest as she pouts.


    I smirk, cocking a brow.


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    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t, do you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She counters as I grab her hips and draw her against me.


    Oh fuck, does she feel good¡­


    ¡°So, what vials did you mean?¡± I ask curiously.


    Her face drops, and I get a feeling that they aren¡¯t good news and she just shrugs, making my stomach


    twist at how she¡¯s trying to brush it off.


    ¡°No biggie, just a little concoction to subdue my Lycan.¡±


    I tilt my head, ¡°Only, a ¡®little concoction¡¯ wouldn¡¯t be able to subdue a powerful Lycan¡­¡± I push gently,


    the unease within me growing.


    ¡°Ok, it¡¯s a strong concoction of a few poisons. Let¡¯s drop it ok, I¡¯m not using it anymore. I mean, Dad


    took myst damn batch I made and now I have fuck all.¡± She says, pulling away and is about to turn


    away when I grab hold of her elbow and force her back to face me.


    Listen to me girl.


    ¡°Hey. I¡¯m not judging. As I said, my aim was always to help you gain control of your emotions and your


    Lycan¡­ I¡¯m relieved you don¡¯t need them anymore and we both know I can control you if you were to


    go all Lycan on me.¡± I reply teasingly.


    Her eyebrow shoots up.


    ¡°Oh? Getting a little cocky, aren¡¯t you?¡± She says, ¡°I can y you for a fiddle.¡±


    ¡°And I would notin.¡± I counter as she locks her arms around my neck and presses herself fully


    against me. Delicious rivets of pleasure rush south.


    Ah fuck, how am I to spend the night in the same room as her?


    ¡°You know you¡¯re straight out of a fantasy novel, only¡­ the girl like me doesn¡¯t usually get the guy.¡±


    She says with a devilish smile as I tighten my arms around her waist,


    ¡°Then let me break it to you¡­ this is no fairy tale¡­¡± I whisper, brushing my fingers along the smooth


    skin of her hip.


    She bites her lips. ¡°Then what is this?¡±


    ¡°A reality¡­ where I shall fulfil every dream that you will ever have¡­ whether that¡¯s a goal on your


    bucket list or your dirtiest darkest fantasy¡­ I¡¯ve sold my soul to Lucifer herself¡­ I¡¯m yours tomand


    My Devilish Goddess.¡± I whisper huskily.


    Her breath hitches, her heart is racing and our noses brush gently. Suddenly, it¡¯s fucking hot in here,


    and I fear kissing her¡­ because if I do, I may not be able to stop¡­


    Her scent is an addiction, her touch an intoxication, and when I look into those beautiful green eyes


    that are staring back at me with love and, of course, that nymph-like mischievous glint - I¡¯m totally done


    for.


    ¡°Oh?¡± she questions challengingly and I know what she¡¯s going to ask for as she pulls away and turns


    her back to me.


    Lacing her hands together, behind her head, which makes her jacket rise up, giving me a full view of


    her sexy peach that makes me throb.


    Oh fuck.


    She tilts her head back, looking me in the eye from over her shoulder.


    ¡°Then fuck me, make me yours, My Ice Prince.¡± She spins on her heels and grabs my shirt, pulling me


    roughly against her. ¡°Show me what it feels like to be worshipped by a God¡­.¡±


    Our eyes meet, no longer green against grey, but plum purple against dazzling blue¡­


    And¡­ there¡¯s no way I can refuse her any longer¡­


    There¡¯s still a remnant of vulnerability left in those eyes. As much as we both want this, I realise she


    needs this.


    ¡°Then, close your eyes, my little Lucifer¡­ and don¡¯t open them until Imand you.¡± I whisper huskily,


    my voice deeper as I take a step back.


    She doesn¡¯t argue, her eyes fluttering shut as she sps her hands behind her back, twirling slightly on


    the balls of her feet.


    Good girl.


    If I couldn¡¯t take her away for her first night, and have the chance to prepare thousands of roses and


    the full works, then I could at least try to make it as special as I can with what I have at hand¡­


    My powers.


    Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. Ever since that influx of power, I need to make sure I don¡¯t use


    more than I need to.


    My eyes ze and I let ice spread from my hands¡­

 75. His Kingdom of Ice

    75. His Kingdom of Ice


    SKYLA.


    The temperature has dropped a little, and I can hear the sound of gushing water.


    No matter how tempted I am to take a peek, I won¡¯t until he gives me his permission. I am super


    curious to know where that water ising from. I can feel soft powdery snow beneath my feet, but


    somehow¡­ it isn¡¯t cold. It¡¯s falling from the sky too¡­


    Has he somehow transported me somewhere?


    ¡°Open your eyes.¡± He says,


    I obey and it takes me a moment to realise we are still in my bedroom.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    The walls are covered in ice and two waterfalls seem to be running. Soft snow is falling from the ceiling,


    which is covered in a mist and snow covers parts of the ground aside from where the river flows across


    the room, connecting the twin waterfalls.


    My gaze falls to the bed where there are petal-shaped shimmer white petals.


    My heart thuds as I turn my gaze back to Royce, as sexy as ever, as he stands there with brilliant blue


    eyes.


    A Kingdom of fucking Ice.


    Fuck.


    How wouldn¡¯t I be in love with him?


    He is perfection in every way. He sets the bar so high that it leaves me speechless and giddy.


    But this¡­ it feels¡­


    He closes the gap between us and pulls me close, making me gasp. Sparks sizzle through me and I


    bite my lip, feeling light-headed.


    This is nothing like I¡¯m used to. There¡¯s this crazy, intense chemistry. When he¡¯s close, the proximity


    makes me lose myself.


    Every touch¡­ every caress and every gaze from those gorgeous eyes makes me fall a little harder.


    Goddess¡­


    ¡°You look beautiful tonight, Love.¡± He whispers huskily, making me shiver in delight.


    His voice is deep, even when he speaks softly. There¡¯s a powerfulness to it, still melodious, still sultry


    and so so fucking sexy.


    ¡°I guess the theme is the Ice Prince¡¯s Winter Wondend. I thought I¡¯ll dress the part.¡± I whisper back,


    raking a hand down his chest as I bat my eyelids seductively, gazing up at him.


    ¡°His wondend revolves around his princess; you chose your look for the night, and I simply followed.¡±


    He winks at me, and my heart skips a beat. The chemistry between us has reached sizzling heights.


    I did choose this colour cause it reminded me of him¡­ This man fell for me for who I was, with all my


    ws and fuck, I¡¯ll always love him too.


    Our eyes meet and my heart skips a beat. I see his Adam''s apple bob as he swallows, his eyes


    darkening and we both know the time for talking hase to an end¡­


    His hands cup the side of my face, and he leans down, iming my lips in a passionate kiss, kissing


    me like he needs me to survive.


    His lips caress mine as pleasure rushes through me, making my core throb as he slowly guides us


    backward towards the bed.


    One hand is still weaved in my hair, the other now wraps around my waist and he tugs me onto hisp


    as he sits down on the bed.


    Our kisses be more passionate, and more desperate, and his hands rake over my body, digging


    into my skin. I can feel his shaft harden beneath my core, my own arousal scenting the air.


    The sound of the water gushing and the beating of our hearts creates the perfect melody that I will


    always associate with this night.


    He ravishes my mouth, exploring every part of it, leaning over me slightly as he kisses me harder.


    I can feel the animalistic hunger that he has held back in his touch, and I gasp when he suddenly flips


    me onto the bed.


    I whimper as my head hits the pillows, and he breaks away from my lips, his gaze raking over my body


    before his eyes meet mine once again and he ims my lips in another sizzling kiss.


    Pleasure erupts within me and I can¡¯t help but moan as I tug at his shirt, wanting him naked. Wanting to


    see and feel that glorious body against mine.


    His hand runs up my thigh, digging into my skin as he squeezes my ass.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I whimper as he begins to kiss me down my neck, every caress and kiss leaves my body


    wanting so much more.


    His fingers ghost up my hips and waist and then he grabs my boob, squeezing it firmly. My pussy


    clenches and I part my legs wider, sighing as his cock presses against my core.


    Fuck, I can¡¯t wait for him to be naked, and these damn pants aren¡¯t between us.


    I close my eyes, letting the pleasure of his touch consume me.


    He kisses me down my corbones, trailing them down between my breasts before he kneads both


    boobs in his hands as he ces soft sensual kisses down the centre of my stomach.


    When he reaches below my corset, his tongue flicks out, running down over my belly button, making


    me suck my stomach in, my core throbbing.


    I can smell my arousal. It¡¯s fucking strong.


    ¡°Fuck Royce.¡± I whisper.


    ¡°You¡¯re divine, Love.¡± He murmurs, his fingers ying with my thong but ever the tease, he leaves


    them on.


    I bite my lip as his nose brushes down my pubic bone and over the centre, and I blush when he takes a


    whiff of my soaking pussy.


    A low, guttural growl leaves him as his tongue flicks out, pressing against the wet patch of my panties.


    I can feel my cheeks burn as I struggle to escape him, but he keeps me pinned with ease.


    That¡¯s so fucking sexy. There¡¯s no one who''s ever been able to overpower me with such little effort, and


    I love it.


    He kisses and nibbles on every inch of my inner thighs. My hand is tangled in his hair, my legs


    trembling slightly in anticipation, and I know he¡¯s left a few marks.


    The mix of slight pain and delicious pleasure creating the perfect concoction of heavenly euphoria.


    ¡°Oh fuck Royce¡­¡± I whisper, gasping when his tongue runs down my leg to my ankle.


    He sucks on my toe for a moment, and our eyes meet as a jolt of pleasure rushes up my body. I feel a


    little tickling as his tongue flicks along the bottom of my foot before he kisses my ankle sensually. His


    eyes are dark and full of raw hunger and love.


    ¡°I intend to, Love, but not yet.¡± He murmurs as he tugs his shirt off and tosses it to the ground.


    My heart skips a beat as I let my eyes rake over his body.


    Oh yeah¡­ Fuck he¡¯s mine.


    He smirks almost as if he knows what¡¯s going through my mind, and runs a hand down his chest and


    abs.


    ¡°Now I can picture you giving me a strip show sometime,¡± I whisper, sitting up and slipping my fingers


    into the band of his pants and tugging him close.


    Oh, he¡¯s big and I love it.


    I appreciate this view of perfection up close.


    ¡°I could do that.¡± He whispers, flicking my nipples with his thumbs before lightly pinching them.


    The sharp sting of pain makes my core throb, and clench and I unzip his pants slowly.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s in a rush.¡± He says, and I look up, but his eyes are on my breasts as he straddles myp,


    allowing me to tug his pants down a little.


    He moves one leg between mine and it gives me enough room to pull his pants down further.


    Fuck¡­


    My heart pounds as I stare at his hardened cock in his grey designer boxers.


    ¡°Damn. Now that¡¯s the heaven that will make me end up in hell for sinning.¡± I purr, running my hand


    over his cock.


    I hear him suck in a sharp intake of breath, his hand tangling into my hair, forcing me to look up at him,


    seeing his eyes sh blue.


    ¡°You¡¯re a dangerous temptation, Love.¡± He growls quietly.


    Proud to be.


    I smirk slightly, looking down at his cock again, it makes my wrist look fucking small.


    My eyes ze as I peel his boxers off and the sight in front of me makes me lick my lips.


    He¡¯s perfectly groomed, the tip of his cock a smooth rounded tip and it¡¯s shining with a few drops of


    precum. He has a tattoo just over his pubic bone, to the right side, a simple word but it looks so fucking


    hot.


    ¡®Loyalty.¡¯


    I stroke his balls before leaning down and licking the tip of his cock as I wrap my hand around his shaft.


    ¡°Fuck Love.¡± He growls, sucking in a breath, his hand tightening in my hair.


    I moan softly, ¡°Fuck, you taste so good, just like salted caramel.¡± I purr.


    There¡¯s a glint of satisfaction and amusement in those eyes before he moves back.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve yed enough. Now my turn.¡± He murmurs as he reaches behind me and unhooks my


    bra.


    I run my fingers along the defined V of his Adonis belt.


    Well, it¡¯s only fair since he¡¯s already almost fully naked and as if hearing what I just said.


    His eyes rake over my breasts, and he takes a quick moment to sit back and strip his jeans off,


    dropping them to the ground.


    With the light snow falling and the fountain backdrop behind him he looks breathtakingly beautiful¡­


    He raises his hand, running it through his hair.


    Fuck, I¡¯m not letting him sleep tonight.

 76. Dirty Doll

    76. Dirty Doll


    SKYLA.


    He only lets me appreciate that view for a moment before he has me up on my knees against him. I


    gasp in pleasure as his lips crash against mine, his hands travelling over my body, faster and rougher.


    I whimper as his hands squeeze my ass before he turns me in his arms.


    His hands squeeze my breasts from behind, making me moan loudly. I rest my head against him as he


    twists my nipples, kissing and sucking on my neck hard.


    Pleasure is consuming me, and I tilt my head, giving him better ess to my neck as he continues his


    assault.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± I whisper, his hands running down my stomach, and this time, his hand slips into my panties.


    I part my legs, hoping and silently begging to be touched, and this time he doesn¡¯t disappoint.


    I cry out, swearing as his fingers part my lips and he finds my clit, sending a sensational jolt of pleasure


    through me.


    ¡°Tell me Love¡­ do you like to be teased slow and steady¡­.¡± He murmurs, his finger tantalisingly


    rubbing circles along my clit, making me moan loudly. ¡°Or¡­ fucked hard.¡±


    Suddenly, two fingers m into my soaking pussy, and I cry out as he begins fucking me hard and fast


    with them.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I curse, gripping his wrist, his other hand squeezing my breast, and I ce my hand on top of


    his. He sucks harder on my neck. The pain and pleasure are dizzying and I¡¯m so fucking close to my


    release.


    This pleasure is driving me fucking nuts.


    ¡°That¡¯s it Baby¡­ that¡¯s it!¡±


    I¡¯m so fucking close, but just as I feel the pressure beginning to reach its climax, he pulls his soaking


    fingers out rubbing my clit painstakingly slow.


    I whimper as his tongue runs up my neck, flicking and sucking my ear.


    ¡°Royce¡­¡± I murmur, not sure what I want to say.


    He speeds up his assault on my clit.


    ¡°Now you didn¡¯t answer that question, Love.¡± He breathes huskily into my ear.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    How do I choose when both make me crazy?


    I press myself back against him, reaching behind me and running my hand along his cock.


    ¡°Fuck that¡¯s it.¡± I breathe, feeling the pressure rising, only for him to slow down and run his fingers


    along my pussy instead. ¡°Fuck!¡± I growl.


    ¡°Want me to make you cum, My Beautiful Goddess?¡± he teases seductively.


    I turn my head, my heart thumping from how close to my release I was.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I say, sounding damn horny and I don¡¯t care. My eyes sh before I turn my head, looking into


    those gorgeous grey eyes.


    He licks his lush lips slowly and I realise I know exactly how I want him to make mee¡­


    In a sh, I turn, push him down onto his back, and straddle his face, tangling my hand into his hair.


    ¡°I do, and I want you to make mee with that tongue of yours.¡± Imand, staring down at him.


    There¡¯s amusement and hunger in those eyes as he yanks at my thong from behind, pulling it harder


    between my cheeks before, with one rough pull, he tears them off me, leaving a sharp sting in its wake


    and tosses them aside.


    ¡°With absolute pleasure.¡± He answers roughly, and then he plunges his tongue into my pussy.


    I cry out in pleasure as he begins fucking eating me out like a beast starved and fuck, does he eat


    pussy good.


    I¡¯m screaming in pleasure, and I gasp when I feel his fingers enter me, his tongue moving to my clit.


    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Suddenly there¡¯s something cold inside of me, I tense but the pleasure is too much to care what it is.


    I grip the headboard behind him as I grind myself against his face, as his fingers fuck me and that¡¯s


    when I realise there¡¯s a casing of smooth ice wrapped around them stretching me out and hitting my G-


    spot hard as his tongue mercilessly flicks and twirls around my clit.


    Assaulting me with delicious pleasure.


    Every thrust of his ice encased fingers, hits my core, the heat of my pussy melting the ice and he


    allows it, the water mixes with my juices which are trickling out of me, and down my inner thighs and I


    don¡¯t fucking care, wanting to cover him with them.


    From through my pleasure and lust-filled state, I can see he¡¯s enjoying this as fucking much as I am.


    This is fucking heaven.


    ¡°Fuck Baby¡­ that¡¯s it, oh yeah¡­ FUCK!¡± I scream as my orgasm hits me hard, making white hot


    pleasure m through me and Ie undone above him. My entire body shudders as he pulls his


    fingers out, the ice vanishing from around them.


    But he doesn¡¯t lift me down. Instead, his tongue slips into my tender folds as he licks up all my juices.


    I whimper as I remain there getting my breath back as a second wave hits me making me moan


    sciously.


    Oh fuck yes.


    He lifts me down, his lips meeting mine in a hungry kiss, and I can taste myself on his lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking heaven Love.¡± He murmurs, his lips against mine.


    I moan against him, feeling his hard cock against my pussy. Grinding down on him.


    I smile softly, still breathing hard from my sizzling orgasm.


    ¡°Now my turn.¡± I whisper.


    ¡°As long as I get to y too.¡± He says.


    I cock a brow and just when I¡¯m about to move down, wanting to take that cock in my mouth and show


    him how good I am at sucking dick.


    He flips me like I¡¯m a doll until my ass is in his face, but I don¡¯t protest because I¡¯m facing his very big


    cock.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± I say, wriggling my ass cheekily. ¡°Enjoy my peach.¡±


    ¡°I intend to.¡± He says, delivering a sharp p to my behind, making me yelp. Not expecting it.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± I purr.


    I bite my lip as I look down at the sight before me.


    I bend down, running my tongue along his tattoo, enjoying the way he tenses beneath me.


    ¡°Oh fuck.¡± I hear him mutter, and I slowly run my tongue along his tip before kissing it softly.


    Fuck, I¡¯ve never enjoyed sucking cock as much as I fucking do right now¡­


    I run my tongue over every inch, enjoying his groans of pleasure that he¡¯s unable to hold back.


    Even Mr Always in Control cane undone.


    His tongue delves into my pussy, running up my slit and to my ass.


    ¡°Tell me Love¡­ is there anything you are not ok with?¡± He murmurs huskily, his words ending with a


    sigh of pleasure as I fondle his balls and wrap my mouth around the tip of his cock.


    I moan against him, feeling his tongue flick my pucker hole. A different kind of pleasure rushes through


    me. I¡¯ve taken cock in my ass a couple times but I¡¯ve sure tried many toys, but something tells me he¡¯s


    going to do it a thousand fucking times better.


    I release his cock with a pop sound, moaning softly as he runs his tongue all the way up and down my


    ass crack.


    ¡°Anything goes Baby, I¡¯m your little sex doll, who is as dirty as they fucking get, treat me as sexily or


    filthily as you want.¡± I moan hornily.


    His racing heart, the spank to my ass and the growl of approval tells me he approves of my answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡± He growls huskily and I smirk, taking his cock back in my mouth but he¡¯s distracting


    me.


    So fucking badly!


    His finger is now rubbing my clit, his thumb in my pussy as he licks and rims my ass.


    Pleasure erupts within me and I can feel another orgasm building. I whimper when his tongue is


    reced by a finger, and I swear as it squeezes into my ass.


    ¡°Fuck Royce!¡± I moan as he begins fucking my ass with his finger. He removes his thumb from my


    pussy and instead shoves two fingers into me, fucking me harder and faster than before.


    Thebined pleasure from both the front and back makes me scream incoherently, and I can¡¯t focus


    on the cock before me.


    ¡°Ahh! Fuck¡­ mh¡­ AH!¡± I grip his thighs harder, my lips pressed against his cock as he continues to


    assault my ass and pussy in ways that are fucking driving me nuts and this time, I fucking squirt all


    over.


    I scream out as another orgasm tears through me, and I see fucking stars.

 77. Perfect the way she is

    77. Perfect the way she is


    Perfect The Way She Is


    ROYCE.


    She takes a few moments to recover and I fucking don¡¯t want to stop.


    There¡¯s something about every bloody inch of her that makes me want to do the dirtiest of things to her.


    I may be a gentleman¡­ but something about her makes that get thrown out of the window.


    I¡¯m starving for her. I want her in every fucking way and the moment she gave me the go-ahead; I had


    to.


    She now swears in satisfaction, her body still trembling from her orgasm, as she begins sucking on my


    cock. I let her because I¡¯m going to fucking blow at any moment.


    Fuck, she¡¯s good¡­


    To hold back until now was fucking excruciating. Just seeing her naked in front of me was enough to


    make mee, just imagining what I wanted to do to her. Intense pleasure rushes through me, as I


    caress her ass which is covered in marks where I held her tightly or sucked hard.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I slowly create a small bead of ice, rubbing itzily against her ass before running it between her sexy


    ass cheeks.


    She moans as she sucks my cock. The sound of her fucking throating me is so damn hot and I smirk


    when she trembles a little as her ass swallows up the bead of ice ever so fucking perfectly.


    The room may be cool, but the head from our bodies drowns it out.


    I groan as I hit the back of her throat. What she can¡¯t take in her mouth, she¡¯s got her hands wrapped


    around.


    I begin meeting her thrusts, the fucking pleasure making me want to speed up and m my cock down


    that pretty throat.


    Fuck, that¡¯s it, Love.


    I add another bead of ice to her ass, and follow with another, until she¡¯s got seven up that pretty little


    ass.


    The water is leaking out but I don¡¯t allow them to melt so easily, wanting them in her ass when I fuck


    her and I will be doing so, soon enough¡­


    I grip her thighs as I begin thrusting into her mouth, no longer able to focus on my little game as I¡¯m


    consumed by how bloody good this feels.


    ¡°Fuck that¡¯s it Love!¡± I growl in approval. Reaching down, I ce my hand behind her head as I fuck her


    mouth harder, pushing her down on my cock a little harder.


    Her moans grow louder, and I close my eyes, my head tilted back against the bed as an intense


    euphoric wave ms through me and I shoot my load of cum into her mouth.


    She gasps, the erotic sound of her gasping and gulping it down sounds too fucking good, and I curse


    as Ie down from my high. She licks and sucks on my balls as I ride out my orgasm, still feeling


    lightheaded from it.


    ¡°Now that is the kind of squirty cream I love.¡± She purrs seductively before she lithely turns to face me,


    her hands syed on my chest as she straddles my waist.


    She presses her soaking pussy against my abs and kisses my neck passionately as she grinds against


    me.


    Fuck, she¡¯s a tease¡­


    I¡¯m still breathing hard from my orgasm, but I¡¯m ready to go again.


    My cock is hardening as I look up at her, grabbing her gorgeous pierced boobs.


    I take one nipple in my mouth, sucking hard as I teasingly tug at her nipple ring, making her whimper


    slightly before I flick her hardened nipple teasingly and suck on it before doing the same to the other


    one as she continues to grind against me.


    I take a moment to admire her sitting above me. Her stiff nipples, that gorgeous rose tattoo of hers, that


    entuates the side of her waist and travels down her arm. It looks beautiful, and it only adds to how


    alluring the nymph above me is.


    ¡°Move down.¡± Imand her, my voice is firm yet soft. Reaching up I wrap my hand around her


    slender throat as she slowly moves back.


    Her eyes darken with lust as she obeys, wrapping her hand around my cock as she guides it to her


    entrance.


    ¡°Good girl¡­ Now ride me like a cowgirl.¡± I murmur, watching as she presses the tip of my cock to her


    pussy.


    Fuck, she is tiny, but I know she can take me. She bites her lip as she rolls her hips and allows me to


    squeeze into her.


    I sit up, moving until I¡¯m propped against the post of her bed. One hand cups her ass, the other still


    around her throat as I tug her close and kiss her bruisingly hard as I bury myself deep into her.


    She kisses me back, gasping as I begin thrusting into her. She meets my thrust, gripping my shoulders


    tightly as she bounces on my cock.


    Her nails dig into my shoulder and I can smell blood, mixed into the smell of sex and arousal, but I


    wee the pain that mixes with the pleasure ever so fucking perfectly.


    My gaze flicks between her beautiful face and her bouncing tits and down to her pussy, her perfect tight


    little pussy with that thin strip of hair.


    The sound of our skin hitting one another only gets louder as we speed up.


    Pleasure contorts her gorgeous face. Her lips are parted and her cheeks are flushed. Her hair falls


    sexily in front of her face as I tighten my hold slightly on her neck.


    She¡¯s beautiful¡­


    She¡¯s perfect, just the way she is and above all, I love her¡­ so fucking deeply.


    I pull her close, kissing her deep and passionately, wishing she could feel exactly how much she


    means to me¡­


    Her arms lock around my neck and I let go of her neck instead, gripping her waist, and with the other


    hand I press it against her ass, allowing the beads of ice I had put inside her to tremble slightly.


    Her eyes roll in pleasure, and I make sure every thrust now buries deep inside of her. She¡¯s lost in


    pleasure, her screams kept within these iced walls for only me to hear.


    She¡¯s consumed by the pleasure, as am I, and it was far more incredible than I had even imagined¡­


    no dream or fantasy couldpare to the real thing.


    Making love to Sk was a deadly addiction, one I was not going to give up, nor could I.

 78. This Love Between Us

    78. This Love Between Us


    ROYCE.


    Pleasure and intense emotions drown me, and I¡¯m so damn close, but I¡¯m trying to hold out.


    Between wanting toe with her and not wanting this moment to ever end¡­


    When I feel her walls mp around me, her ass leaking with water, her pussy clenching as her juices


    making a squelching sound every time my cock ms into her I know she¡¯s near.


    And the moment she reaches the height of her release I let myself go, mming into her a few times as


    I kiss her hard, drowning out her scream.


    She¡¯s unable to kiss me back, her mouth is in an O, as another wave of pleasure hits her.


    Her eyes roll, her head tilted back and I feel my seed coating her insides and I keep pumping into her,


    wanting to im every inch of her.


    She slumps against me, breathing hard, as she clings onto my shoulders, her walls tightening around


    my cock, squeezing it out of her.


    She gasps as I pull outpletely.


    ¡°I love you Sky.¡± I whisper huskily, breathing hard.


    Our bodies are coated in a thinyer of sweat, both of our hearts pounding, and I hold her tightly as we


    simply remain like that, needing a few moments to collect ourselves after that mind-blowing sex.


    ¡°I love you too Royce, I sure as hell do.¡± She whispers, kissing my neck softly.


    I kiss her neck, holding her for a few more moments before she moves back slightly and looks up at


    me.


    There¡¯s contentment in her eyes, and emotions, emotions that she isn¡¯t hiding from me anymore.


    ¡°Damn boy, you sure know how to rock a girl¡¯s world.¡± She says in a seductive tone.


    I smirk slightly, tenderly brushing her hair back from her face.


    ¡°Good to know, and it seems I made you blush. Who thought Sk Rossi could blush.¡± I tease lightly,


    running my fingers down her tattooed arm softly.


    She pouts and rolls her eyes.


    ¡°Please, it was the heat.¡± She says, but it¡¯s a soft reply.


    She isn¡¯t in the mood to argue and I can¡¯t help but smirk.


    I cock a brow.


    ¡°Sure, so¡­ since you don¡¯t do shy, mind lying down on that bed and spreading those legs so I can see


    my cum leaking out of that pussy?¡± I whisper huskily.


    Her cheeks darken and a low growl leaves my lips.


    Fuck, she looks gorgeous blushing, but there¡¯s a glint in her eyes at my words.


    ¡°Think I won¡¯t?¡±


    She rolls her eyes and I cock my brow.


    ¡°Then please do, because I meant it.¡± I whisper, rubbing my thumb across her bottom lip.


    Her heart skips a beat, her eyes turning plum as she licks my thumb for a moment before she slowly


    gets off myp and lies down back on her cushions.


    A jolt of excitement rushes through me and I watch as she sexily spreads her legs for me.


    Oh, fuck¡­ now that is a perfect view¡­


    There are a few hickeys that litter her inner thighs that look hot.


    She parts her pussy lips which are now pretty sore, with her sexy long-nailed fingers and my eyes sh


    when I see my white creamy cum leaking out of her pussy.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I growl as I crawl over to her.


    She squeezes her lips together, making the thick creamy substance leak out of her, something that


    fucking turns me on all over again.


    She bites her lips, running her fingers between her lips and wipes some of the cum up with her fingers


    before sticking her tongue out and slowly licking my cum from her fingers.


    ¡°Mm¡­ you taste so fucking good¡­¡± She moans in a voice that drives me fucking nuts.


    I feel myself harden, and just when I thought she¡¯s done, she ces her fingers on her pussy again but


    instead of taking some more of the cum she slips two fingers into her pussy and a soft moan leaves her


    lips as she begins to pleasure herself.


    My eyes narrow and I grab her wrist, tugging her fingers out of her pussy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the only one to pleasure you, Love.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ then you better get to it, because I want more¡­ I feel so fucking horny.¡± She whimpers hornily.


    She sure will be the death of me.


    Our eyes meet before we both move closer, our lips crashing against one another in sizzling pleasure,


    hunger and passion consuming us once again.


    ¡®Mark me.¡¯


    I freeze when her voicees into my head, and I move back.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t get caught up in the moment, Love.¡±


    She narrows her eyes. Despite them still being filled with love and lust she¡¯s sincere.


    ¡°No¡­ I¡¯m not, I¡¯m serious about you¡­ you said you wouldn¡¯t leave me¡­ so mark me. Make me yours


    entirely.¡±


    Her words have shaken me, but there¡¯s no confusion or doubt in her eyes, simply sincerity.


    She means it¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re the one for me. The one who makes me feel alive¡­ the one I love and the one I want¡­ mark


    me, Royce.¡±


    ¡°You can mark me instead.¡± I say softly.


    ¡°Why? Because you think I¡¯ll somehow move on or something, you said I¡¯m the one for you.¡± She says,


    her eyes shing defiantly.


    ¡°You are, but if I mark you¡­ know that it will remain, because I will never mark another.¡± I say softly.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Because you are the only one for me.


    ¡°Good. Cus that¡¯s how I fucking want it.¡± She says, looking at me challengingly. ¡°Now mark me,


    because I need you.¡±


    It¡¯s not a decision made out of anger¡­ she¡¯s¡­


    I love her and she loves me¡­ and if that ever changes; her fated mate¡¯s mark can remove mine¡­ but


    I¡¯m ready to make her my chosen¡­


    Forever.


    I caress her face before weaving my fingers into her hair, I tug her close, and she tilts her head to the


    side, allowing me ess to her neck.


    I know many won¡¯t approve, maybe even her parents.


    She¡¯s young.


    She¡¯s not met her mate¡­


    But this is our decision.


    If they understood this love¡­


    They¡¯d get it.


    My heart is thudding as I gaze at the beauty before me.


    I want this; I want her and regardless of the goddess or others,


    I¡¯m iming her.


    ¡°I love you Sk.¡± I whisper before my canines grow and I sink my teeth into the corner of her neck


    where her mark would sit.


    Where my mark will now stain her neck.


    A soft, beautiful whimper falls from her lips as I feel the connection between us strengthen, as a bond is


    formed.

 79. A Mark of a Royal

    79. A Mark of a Royal


    SKYLA.


    I moan softly as his teeth sink into my neck, and I feel every part of my body that he is touching tingle


    as he creates the bond between us. Bringing it to life as he forges the connection that will bind us


    together.


    His cock presses against my pussy and reaching down, I grab his hips, tugging him closer. Pleasure


    erupts through me as his cock slides into me, and he slowly begins fucking me,


    He gently extracts his teeth from my neck, running his tongue along it.


    The tinge of pain is weed, only adding to the pleasure that consumes my body. I bite my lip as he


    lies over me, his tongue flicking my wound before he begins kissing my neck softly as he makes love to


    me.


    It¡¯s slower¡­ and I¡¯m aware of every thrust as he hits my G-spot. The beating of his heart, and his


    scent¡­ I can pay attention to it all, and I moan softly in satisfaction.


    There will never be another. This is who I want forever. I close my eyes feeling dizzy and drunk in love.


    ¡®I love you¡­¡¯ I murmur softly.


    ¡®I love you, and I always will Love.¡¯ His replyes, and I didn¡¯t realise that a link had been formed


    between us.


    I smile, softly tugging his head up so I can look at him. Our eyes meet before our lips im one


    another¡¯s in another toe-curling delicious kiss that makes fireworks erupt inside of me.


    Goddess¡­ I am in heaven¡­


    We break apart, and his pace bes faster, pounding into me. I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to have


    another orgasm so soon, but I¡¯m nearing my release. My eyes dip to his neck and the urge to sink my


    teeth into the smooth skin consumes me.


    His eyes meet mine and his hand rakes my hair off my face before kissing me hard.


    ¡°As much as I want you to mark me, I will need you to hold out for a while. I promise I will exin.¡± He


    groans sexily as he starts pounding into me.


    Yes Daddy¡­ Talk to me in that tone¡­


    Oh, as much as I want to know why I can¡¯t mark him, the way he¡¯s fucking me makes my mind go


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    nk, and I let myself go, tonight is all about us¡­ I close my eyes as a few kes of snownd on my


    face and I smile softly.


    This is heaven indeed¡­


    -----


    I stare in the mirror at the beautiful mark that adorns my neck, a mark that is in full colour¡­ a mark so


    breathtaking that I simply stand there staring at it in awe and admiration, but it¡¯s the crown in the mark


    that intrigues me¡­


    The only other marks that I have ever seen that contain crowns are Mama and Dad¡¯s.


    Who exactly is Royce?


    A few things he has saide back to me, talking about being the person he needs to be, knowing


    who he is and how he needs to step up¡­ Is there more to the Arden¡¯s?


    I smile softly as I gaze at my beautifully healed mark. There¡¯s a crescent moon, with arge snowke


    set against a glowing rising sun. At the base of the crescent is a cluster of roses, onerger white rose


    with smaller red roses around it and leaves. The roses rest above a crown and going right through the


    centre of the mark, is a sword, with a sun and moon on the hilt.


    It¡¯s equally a powerful mark, as it is beautiful.


    My cheeks burn asst night reys in my mind. I feel fulfilled, content and¡­ at peace.


    This is what being in love feels like¡­ and I¡¯ve met a man that I love more than anything, and can I just


    say he¡¯s fucking mind-blowingly amazing in bed? Just thinking aboutst night is making me fucking


    horny and wet all over again.


    This morning I had awoken to the room still in the same state asst night.


    The waterfalls still flowed, and the snow was still falling, he had awoken me with a tender kiss, and the


    way he had looked into my eyes¡­ Fuck it made me feel as if my soul was bare to him¡­


    He looked at me like I was the only woman in the world¡­


    Then he had carried me to the bath which he had already prepared for me and had told me to take a


    soak whilst he had popped into the shower opposite. And what a fine show that was, from those sexy


    buns I want to sink my teeth into and those muscr legs.


    Oh fuck¡­


    As much as I wanted to make my way over to him, I had felt too exhausted and instead, I enjoyed the


    show as he washed himself, fighting the urge not to y with myself.


    He had caught me watching and although I had been satisfied to see his hard-on as he watched me;


    he didn¡¯t approach until he had pulled a towel around his waist and only then had hee over. A total


    god, as he loosely held his towel in one hand as droplets of water trickled into his towel.


    He had kissed me and said; ¡®As much as I want to make love to you day and night, I think I need you to


    recover first.¡¯ Which was followed by a sexy wink before he had left the bathroom.


    I fix the strap of my top, biting my lip at the memory.


    ¡°I could watch you smile all day.¡± His deep, husky voice makes me turn away from the mirror and my


    heart skips a thousand fucking beats.


    He has his hair pulled back, and he¡¯s wearing the clothes Mama had ced in my bedroom for him. He


    looks more than good. The ck pants hug his legs and package so fucking perfectly that it makes my


    core clench.


    Oh, I want it all over again¡­


    I pull my mind from my thoughts before I end up fucking him all over the white T-shirt and ck leather


    jacket. His hair is pulled back and when our eyes meet,


    I hate to admit that my cheeks burn under his gaze. And when his eyes rake over me, it¡¯s almost as if


    he¡¯s undressing me and fuck, does that make my nipples stiffen.


    Boy, I did not think my man was kinky as fuck¡­


    He smirks, almost as if he knows what¡¯s going on in my mind.


    ¡°You really are a dream.¡± I whisper as I saunter over to him, satisfied by the way his eyes rake over my


    brownce corset, and linger on my breasts.


    I¡¯ve paired it with ck ripped jeans and a dark tan coloured leather jacket with matching tan heels.


    ¡°You¡¯re my dream and you look absolutely divine, Love.¡± Hepliments huskily, curling his fingers


    under my chin and tilting my face up before his lips touch mine.


    I grip his shirt, kissing him back before he moves back.


    ¡°Your father¡¯s on his way back.¡± He whispers, making my eyes widen.


    Oh shit.

 80. A Mothers Reaction

    80. A Mother''s Reaction


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Ah fuck really?¡± I say, my heart skipping a beat.


    I do not want Dad to give me shit today!


    His hands slip under my jacket, gripping my waist as he pulls me against him.


    ¡°Scared?¡± He says, his gaze dipping to my neck. ¡°You could cover it up if you don¡¯t want to tell them


    today.¡±


    ¡°No, but I don¡¯t want to face him today. Let¡¯s make an early start back.¡± I say, ncing at the time. It¡¯s


    past 11 AM, and we didn¡¯t get that much sleep, but still, I¡¯d rather go.


    ¡°Sounds like a n. We¡¯ll catch something on the way. I¡¯m ravenous.¡± He says, his gaze dipping to my


    boobs.


    ¡°As am I¡­ but more so for you.¡± I purr, raking my nails up his chest. He grips my wrists tugging me


    closer.


    ¡°Keep going and I will take you again.¡±


    ¡°That sounds incredibly tempting¡­¡±


    I¡¯m about to kiss him when I hear a faint door banging downstairs, reminding me that Dad will be


    returning.


    My heart skips a beat as I pull away and we both step into the bedroom. It takes me a moment to take


    it in, it¡¯s back to the way it was¡­


    There¡¯s no drop of water or snow in sight¡­ and I kinda miss it¡­ but even if it¡¯s gone¡­ the memory of


    It wasn¡¯t my first time, but it sure as fuck felt like it.


    His muscr arms wrap around me from behind and he kisses the mark on my neck, making my


    breath hitch sharply as delicious sparks rush through me and I lean into him, arching my head to give


    him better ess.


    ¡°Thanks¡­ fuck¡­ forst night.¡± I manage to breathe out as his lips assault my neck so tantalisingly


    that my already weak knees threaten to give way.


    His hand brushes over my stomach and I can¡¯t help but think how many times he hade inside of


    me.


    It¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m on birth control. Mama made sure I was since she got pregnant by Dad despite not


    being marked and she thought maybe I could get pregnant without being marked too.


    ¡°No need to thank me, Love. Let¡¯s get going.¡± He says seductively.


    Turning my head, I kiss his lips softly once more before we exit my room. I pause, seeing Malevolent


    isn¡¯t in her little kingdom.


    ¡°She wanted to leave the room, so I let her out.¡± Royce says, and I smile at him.


    ¡°Thanks, my Sexy Ice Prince. You know she¡¯s always going to be with me. Wee as a pair.¡± I say,


    as I lead the way out of my room.


    I have to focus a tad more not to end up stumbling, with my legs feeling weaker than normal.


    ¡°I know that already. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll treat her good too.¡± He says, smiling faintly.


    I smile at him, leaning into him the moment his arm wraps around my waist. Aside from my lead-like


    legs, I feel stronger¡­ my senses seem to be heightened and I know it¡¯s because he marked me, but I


    can feel this strong energy flowing through me.


    My mate¡­ He¡¯s my mate.


    ¡°Good morning. Did you both sleep well?¡± Mama asks exiting the lounge as we both walk down the


    steps. Our eyes meet and she smiles, with that cheeky knowing look in her eyes. Clearly, she knew


    what happenedst night¡­ well, the sex part, anyway.


    ¡°Sure we did.¡± I say smirking.


    ¡°Good morning Kiara.¡± Royce says, as I simply nce to the door.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to be heading straight out.¡± I say to Mama, standing at a slight angle.


    I¡¯m not sure I want her to see my mark right now¡­ I don¡¯t want them to be doubtful about my decision.


    ¡°I¡¯ll prepare something to eat immediately, and lunch will be ready soon too!¡± Mama says, but I shake


    my head.


    ¡°No Mama, there¡¯s a lot to do, plus Dad will probably have a date for the trial too¡­¡± I say, trailing off.


    The stupid trial¡­


    Now that¡¯s one way to ruin the fucking mood.


    Mama instantlyes over to me as if suddenly realising something. She takes hold of my chin and


    forces my head to the side.


    She somehow knew¡­


    Her heart thuds as she stares at my neck and a gasp leaves her lips as she lets go of me, her gaze


    snapping to Royce and then back at the mark.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°The decision was mine.¡± I say quietly, yet firmly.


    They need to realise this was my choice.


    ¡°Sky¡­¡± Mama trails off as Royce looks between us,


    ¡®Want me to step outside and give you two a moment, or would you like me to speak to her?¡¯ He asks


    through the link.


    ¡®I can handle Mama, thanks. Just wait by the car. I¡¯ll be right there.¡¯ I say, thinking he didn¡¯t need to deal


    with this shit.


    He touches my chin for a second, his thumb caressing my cheek before he gives Mama a small nod


    and takes his leave.


    The moment the front door shuts, Mama¡¯s eyes are on the mark again.


    ¡°Sky¡­ what made you make this decision?¡± She¡¯s not looking at me in disapproval or disappointment,


    but I don¡¯t want to go into it.


    ¡°Mama, I don¡¯t want to do this. I mean, I don¡¯t regret it; I love him, and I n to mark him back.¡± I say


    seriously.


    Mama tilts her head, sighing heavily. ¡°You''re eighteen, Baby¡­ I know he is amazing, but what if you


    change your mind?¡± She tries to cup my face, but I step back, brushing her hand aside.


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me that, of all fucking people, you and Dad can¡¯t dictate that shit to me.¡± I say, feeling my


    anger rising. ¡°You were eighteen, remember, when you decided to be with Dad.¡±


    ¡°We were mates, Sky, please don¡¯tpare this to our situation. Plus, times have changed.¡±


    ¡°Love hasn¡¯t. From how I heard the story, you loved him before the bond. Now excuse me, if you can¡¯t


    be happy for me, don¡¯t be.¡± I say, not in the mood for this. I won¡¯t let anything ruin my night.


    Mama sighs. ¡°I love you Sk, and I know Royce does too¡­ but-¡±


    ¡°But what? The fact we¡¯re not fated? Is that really the issue right now? Cause I don¡¯t think it means fuck


    all.¡± I counter coldly.


    ¡°Your Dad is going to blow.¡± She runs her fingers through her hair and I know she¡¯s stressed out.


    Yeah, he probably will.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t give a shit.¡± I say, turning on my heels, ready to storm out the door, when Mama grabs my


    arm and turns me.


    I¡¯m about to say something when she pulls me into her arms and hugs me tightly.


    ¡°We love you, Sk, and we want to see you happy. I¡¯m not scolding you. I¡¯m just trying to understand.


    Please understand¡­¡±


    Her embrace is warm, and she smells offort and home, but I¡¯m not a baby anymore.


    ¡°For the first time in my fucking life, I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± I say, pulling away.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you¡­ just take care of yourself. Royce is a lovely person¡­ I know he¡¯ll keep you


    happy¡­¡± She says.


    ¡°Then why this doubt?¡± I say quietly, ¡°For once, can you guys just be happy with the choice I¡¯ve made?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no doubt, a mark is almost like a marriage¡­ For you and Royce to take the step, I can see


    how serious you two are about one another. Of course, it will worry us parents, but I do believe he will


    take care of you, I know that, but please, do one thing for me.¡± She says, looking up sharply.


    ¡°Hmm? And what would that be?¡± I ask, raising an eyebrow as I cross my arms, wondering what she is


    about to ask me to do.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Ask him why his mark is that of a royal. Your mark bears a crown, Sk. I fear you have entered into


    something that you have no idea of.¡±


    ¡®Oh please. She entered far more than that already.¡¯ An amused, soft female voice says, but I don¡¯t


    physically hear it. It¡¯s almost as if it¡¯sing from inside my head and around me yet at the same time


    it isn¡¯t¡­


    My heart skips a beat and I scan the hall sharply.


    Who was that?


    ¡°What was that?¡± I ask Mama, my wsing out.


    ¡°What was it?¡± Mama says, her eyes shing purple as she scans the area sharply.


    ¡°I thought I¡­¡± I trail off, maybe¡­ maybe I had imagined it¡­


    ¡°Never mind¡­¡± I say, but I can no longer focus, as I be hyperaware of my surroundings.


    What was that voice?


    A/N: Image of Sk''s mark is on the chapter update image on my pages.

 81. Her Family

    81. Her Family


    ROYCE.


    I step outside, although I can still hear the conversation no matter how much I try to block it out. I


    nce around the mansion, not missing the guards watching me. They¡¯re professional, yet sharp.


    These are the guards to the royal pack. I make my way over to my car, leaning against it as I scroll


    through my notifications.


    A message from the Beta¡­


    Unlocking my phone, I open the message;


    ¡®Hello Royce, I thought to let you know I finished my business and have returned if you still want to talk


    to me. Regards Quade.¡¯


    He¡¯s back¡­


    ¡®Hello, thank you for your reply, yes I do actually. I¡¯ll stop by when I have a chance.¡¯ I hit send and slip


    my phone into my pocket.


    I need to ask him without further dy and if she¡¯s alive, then there is so much more I need to do.


    Of course, the entire situation is a struggle. What if she would rather not have anything to do with us?


    But if I know she¡¯s alive, would I be able to simply walk away not knowing if she¡¯s happy?


    I close my eyes, tilting my head back slightly, letting the warmth of the sun hit my face when I hear the


    sound of running, a thumping heart and sense Dante¡¯s powerful aura.


    Ah¡­ I guess I can have that word with him.


    I open my eyes as hees into view and I see the guards disperse, lowering their heads to their


    future Alpha before leaving the grounds.


    He¡¯s wearing an oversized hoodie, sweatpants, and headphones are stuck in his ear. He is drenched in


    sweat and looks surprisingly exhausted.


    ¡°Morning.¡± I say, as he slows down and approaches me while he takes a swig from the water bottle he¡¯s


    holding.


    ¡°Good morning, or should I say, afternoon.¡± He says almost mockingly.


    I cock a brow. ¡°It¡¯s still not noon, actually, if we¡¯re being precise.¡± I counter lightly.


    He smirks, clearly amused.


    ¡°You¡¯re angry at me.¡± He states the obvious.


    ¡°Should I not be? You know yourself that what you said would hurt her, yet you still said it.¡± I say,


    getting to the point.


    He exhales slowly before he nods. ¡°Yes, I do know that, but I did what I did¡­¡± He clenches his jaw and


    for a fraction of a second I almost think that he¡¯s in pain, but it¡¯s only there for a fraction of a second


    before he looks at me as stoic and confident as ever.


    ¡°You did. Next time, don¡¯t.¡± I say, ¡°I can handle myself and I¡¯ll take care of her.¡±


    He smiles faintly. ¡°Alright.¡±


    That¡¯s it?


    Our eyes meet and I know I¡¯m missing something. ¡°What happened when you shook my hand


    yesterday?¡±


    He smirks. ¡°Just awakened your dormant power, and not on purpose.¡± He sighs. ¡°The future is hazy¡­¡±


    Thetter part is said to himself, but like the rest of his family, I¡¯m certain he isn¡¯t ordinary and it means


    far more.


    ¡°I hope there are no hard feelings between us?¡± He says, and I nce at him.


    ¡°No. There aren¡¯t, but I love her, and I will not tolerate anyone belittling or putting her down. Regardless


    of the fact that you are her brother.¡± I say as he takes his sunsses off and I look him square in the


    eye.


    He smirks, ¡°Understood.¡±


    He¡¯s hard to make sense of¡­


    I take a moment to observe him. There is something off.


    He looks tired, as if he hasn¡¯t slept at all but before I can even ask him, the door opens and Sk steps


    out.


    I can¡¯t help but notice the way her breasts bounce as she hurries down the few steps, clearly annoyed.


    Malevolent is content in her arms, clearly not bothered by her owner¡¯s anger.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Sk says icily.


    ¡°Not in a rush to leave because Dad¡¯s on his way back, right?¡± Dante says to her with a smirk. ¡°He


    must have felt the pack link break¡­ I wonder how he will take it when he realises it was his own


    daughters¡­¡±


    Sk¡¯s frown vanishes and I look at her sharply.


    Oh shoot¡­


    Me marking her had broken that link with her pack¡­ so that¡¯s why her father is returning suddenly.


    ¡°Whatever, Mama will fill him in.¡± Sk says icily.


    ¡°Good luck with her.¡± Dante says to me. Reaching over, he ruffles her hair, only for her to swat his hand


    away, and pull open the car door.


    I open it fully for her and as she¡¯s about to get in; I see Kiara hurry down the steps, visibly upset.


    So it didn¡¯t go well¡­


    I cup her waist, tugging her away from the car.


    She growls at me as Malevolent jumps into the car, and Sk turns to me.


    ¡®Let¡¯s go.¡¯ Shemands.


    ¡®Never refuse to bid someone you love goodbye no matter how angry you are, Love.¡¯ I reply, reaching


    over as I brush her hair back, and peck her lips fleetingly.


    ¡®She¡¯s acting like I made a hasty judgement.¡¯ She growls through the link.


    ¡®She¡¯s your mother and one that loves you. She¡¯s entitled to worry. We don¡¯t need to agree, but at least


    say goodbye. She¡¯ll sleep better.¡¯ I reason soothingly, caressing her waist.


    She res up at me, and it only makes me want me to kiss her and calm my feisty green-eyed


    goddess down.


    ¡®For you.¡¯ She growls before she turns back to Kiara, who¡¯s standing there watching her with worry.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re going to head out now.¡± Sk says.


    Instantly Kiara¡¯s face rxes, and she smiles warmly, nodding.


    ¡°Ok, take care of yourself, both of you.¡± She says before she hugs her daughter tightly.


    Sk tenses for a moment before she slowly melts into her mother¡¯s embrace and hugs her back.


    Kiara¡¯s gaze flicks to me, and there¡¯s a knowing look in her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She says quietly as Sk pulls away.


    ¡°Alright, can I go now?¡± She says. Kiara smiles.


    ¡°Of course, I love you, my angel.¡±


    ¡°Same Mama.¡± Sk replies quietly, her eyes meet her mother¡¯s and return a small smile before


    turning away and getting into the car,


    ¡°Thank you for amodating me and for the delicious meal yesterday.¡± I say to Kiara.


    I am not angry at her reaction. She was simply caring for her daughter, but in time I do hope she


    epts us.


    ¡°It was lovely to have you here.¡± She says, stepping closer to me and hugging me.


    ¡°Please take care of her. I will exin things to Alejandro, but please, if he does say something, just


    remember, he¡¯s a father.¡± She speaks ever so quietly, and there¡¯s concern in her eyes.


    ¡°I will. You need not worry. I can handle his anger.¡± I say, giving her a quick squeeze before we part.


    ¡°Of course you can, you can handle Sky¡¯s.¡± Dante remarks from where he¡¯s leaning against the


    mansion wall.


    I smirk faintly as I hear Sk growl out the window at him as Kiara chuckles lightly.


    ¡°Tell her your truth¡­ and when you are ready¡­ We, too, will await those answers.¡± She says to me.


    Our eyes meet and I nod. ¡°I intend to.¡±


    She smiles slightly and nods. ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    I smile back at her as Sk toots the horn, it¡¯s bloody loud and Kiara jumps a little before frowning at


    her daughter, who smirks back through the windscreen.


    ¡°Well, you should head out. Alejandro will be here soon.¡± She says.


    ¡°Understood. I think I¡¯ll leave it to you to break the news.¡± I say as I walk around to the other side.


    Sheughs. ¡°I think that¡¯s fair since you calmed Sk down.¡± She smiles gratefully.


    ¡°Take care.¡± I say, getting in and shutting the door.


    She waves at us, and Sk scoffs. ¡°Were you two having a heart-to-heart?¡± She says in a mock posh


    ent.


    I smirk ¡°Is that an attempt at copying me, Love?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Oh, not at all. I was copying the king of Ennd.¡± She replies sarcastically.


    ¡°Understood.¡± I reply as I lean over, kissing her lips slowly and sensually, feeling her calm beneath my


    touch, as I strap her in at the same time.


    ¡°Smooth.¡± She says when I move back.


    ¡°Always.¡± I wink at her before putting some music on and driving out of therge drive of the Rossi


    mansion¡­


    It¡¯s time¡­


    ¡°So, there is something I need to tell you.¡± I begin. She cocks a brow, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s regarding the Sris bloodline.¡± I say.


    I have her attention now.


    Here goes nothing.


    ¡°There are seven Sris bloodline packs around the world. My motheres from one, and our pack


    is another. We are all united beneath the Court of Sria. An Alpha from one of the packs is chosen to


    run the court and bes the High Alpha of the Sria Court. I do not approve of their practices as


    they wish to be the ultimate power in the supernatural world.¡±


    I frown, my hands tightening on the knuckles as I continue.


    ¡°The only person who can take that rank without being voted in is if the prophesied Sris Alpha King


    steps forward and reims the court beneath him. But until hees forth, the court remains under


    the High Alpha. Currently, my father holds this position, and he always wanted either Aleric or I to take


    over, preferably Aleric or a hundred percent Aleric now. I disobey him far too much.¡±


    ¡°Your Dad knows nothing then. You¡¯re so much better than Aleric, way better. He probably just wants a


    pawn, and Aleric would probably be just that.¡± She replies.


    ¡°Pretty much. The past tells us that when a Sris Alpha King is born, he will wield the ability to control


    nature itself, to bend it to his will. A king that has been touched by the hand of Helios himself¡­¡±


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    I trail off, remembering Dante¡¯s words. How did I not realise it? He had simply said the words I have


    grown up knowing¡­


    ¡®The hand of Helios has not touched anyone in centuries.¡¯


    He only confirmed what I knew, but kept refusing to ept that I am the Sris King.


    ¡°Royce?¡± Sk says.


    I blink, looking at her and she¡¯s watching me, concerned.


    ¡°Sorry, I was distracted.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­.¡± She says, cing her hand on my thigh. ¡°So, is there a king?¡±


    I look at her, and cock a brow, and her eyes widen in shock.


    ¡°Shut the fucking door!¡± She says, jumping in her seat before she turns to me sharply. ¡°A Sris who


    can control the weather, who can wield lightning itself! Holy motherfucker! You¡¯re the prophesied


    Sris King!¡±

 82. A Fathers Rage

    82. A Father''s Rage


    KIARA.


    ¡°Calm down, Mama.¡± Dante says as I pace the lounge, nibbling at my nails, something I never do, but


    I¡¯m not going to deny that I¡¯m terrified of his reaction.


    Last night Alejandro had instantly called Darien to find out whose pack link broke, but no one had


    raised an rm but it had also worried him and so he is returning to make sure those pack members


    not in the country and those who are elsewhere are all safe.


    I know I¡¯m going to have to tell him straight away, but the very thought is making me anxious.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. You know your father.¡± I murmur, closing my eyes when I feel his voice through the mind link.


    He¡¯s in range.


    ¡®Hey¡­ Any idea what happened, Amore Mio?¡¯ He asks.


    Goddess¡­


    ¡®Come home, I¡¯ll fill you in.¡¯ I say, dropping onto the sofa and running my hands through my hair.


    ¡°Mom. You¡¯re shaking.¡± Dante says, concern clear in his voice as he kneels in front of me taking my


    hands in his and I realise I am.


    ¡°He¡¯s¡­¡± I close my eyes. ¡°He is going to lose it.¡±


    I¡¯ve never felt more scared to see Alejandro¡¯s reaction than I am now. He had already been unable to


    tolerate the fact Sk was dating someone and was serious about it, despite Royce being a good


    person. I hoped he would havee to terms sooner orter, but marked¡­ this is an entirely different


    ball game.


    Oh goddess, how am I going to exin this?


    ¡°I¡¯m right here. I can handle him and so can you. None of us can change the past. What is done, is


    done. He¡¯s going to have to ept it or be prepared to lose his daughter. The choice is in his hands.¡±


    He nces towards the window, and my heart skips a beat when I hear the front door open.


    He¡¯s here¡­


    The lounge door opens and both Dante and I stand up as I look at my mate.


    He looks as handsome as ever, his salt and pepper hair falling across his forehead clearly showingck


    of sleep and the fact he¡¯s run his fingers through it numerous times. His shirt is slightly rumpled, his


    sleeves pushed up, and a few buttons open showing off the chains around his neck.


    ¡°What the fuck happened?¡± He asks, as hees over to me, pulling me into his arms and kissing me


    hard.


    I kiss him back, trying to calm myself and pour the same calmness through the link, but my heart is still


    beating violently, the fear of him losing it is not something I can just push away and I¡¯m failing to calm


    us both down.


    He moves back, his hands still on my waist as he tilts his head, his eyes narrow as he observes me


    sharply. ¡°What am I missing? Something tells me I will not like what I¡¯m about to fucking hear, am I


    fucking correct?


    ¡°Sit down.¡± I say, pushing him onto the sofa and sitting beside him, cing my hands on his shoulder


    and thigh.


    Dante steps back, crossing his arms.


    ¡®Good luck, you got this.¡¯ He says to me through the link


    Do I? There¡¯s no way to soften the blow and so I take a deep breath. ¡°Baby, the pack link that was


    severed was Sky¡¯s.¡± I say, and with my hand on his thigh, I give it a gentle squeeze.


    ¡°Fuck, where is she! What happened?!¡± His eyes widen with worry and he¡¯s about to get up when I


    shake my head, my hair flicking in front of my face.


    Despite his worry, he brushes it back as he waits for me to answer.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine, she¡¯s simply¡­ marked by her chosen.¡± I say quietly.


    His racing heart and the panic in his eyes seem to suddenly ebb away as he stares at me intently. The


    slowed thud of his heart echoes in my ears as the reality of what I said sinks in.


    I¡¯m almost about to rx a little when his eyes suddenly simmer, burning red. His aura swirls around


    him and he stands up.


    ¡°That fucking Arden¡­¡± He growls, his voice an animalistic snarl as his wse out.


    ¡°Alejandro, she chose-¡±


    ¡°He took away her choice! For fuck¡¯s sake, he knows she¡¯s only fucking eighteen. I don¡¯t care what the


    fuck she wanted! She¡¯s fucking eighteen, he isn¡¯t even her fucking fated, so I know this is a fucking


    mistake!¡± He roars, his voice ringing in the room, as I close my eyes.


    ¡°Alejandro, it¡¯s done. She¡¯s made the choice.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no fucking choice if the bastard is dead, my daughter will not be marked by an Arden!¡± He


    hisses.


    My heart skips a beat. That was not something I expected him to bring into this.


    ¡°Baby, Royce is not his father. That is unfair.¡± I say quietly yet firmly, my own eyes shing violet.


    ¡°Well, he won¡¯t be fucking anything when I¡¯m done with him.¡± He snarls, trying to push past me but I¡¯m


    blocking him. I know he won¡¯t push me but he suddenly picks me up and dumps me on the sofa,


    making me bounce and he¡¯s at the door in a sh.


    ¡°Alejandro!¡± I exim, getting to my feet.


    Dante sighs, and he moves, instantly blocking his father¡¯s path.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill him!¡± Alejandro snarls.


    ¡°Then you¡¯re clearly forgetting that he can beat you in a fight. Calm down Dad.¡± He says, crossing his


    arms.


    ¡°Dante, move the fuck out of my way, NOW!¡± Alejandro snarls as I hurry over to them. ¡°Move or I will


    mess up that pretty face of yours.¡± He threatens our son.


    Dante cocks a brow, ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Not now Dante.¡± I whisper. I know he¡¯s trying to channel his father¡¯s anger and have it directed at


    himself, but I don¡¯t want him hurt. Sure, he¡¯s strong, but Alejandro is powerful too and can still cause


    some damage.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill him. All that fucking fa?ade about being responsible was fucking lies! I knew I should


    never have trusted a fucking Arden!¡± Alejandro growls, but his voice is more animal than human, and


    the hatred in his eyes and his raging aura is spreading through him, the bond and the room itself.


    ¡°Alejandro, if you say anything to him, you will lose your daughter. You know Sky!¡± I exim, gripping


    his arm, as I force him to turn towards him. ¡°You know her!¡±


    ¡°Her fated is out there! This could be a fucking shitshow, Kiara!¡± He snarls as he looks me in the


    eye.


    ¡°I know, my love. I know¡­ but she¡¯s made her decision, plus Royce is not someone I think will y her.


    He¡¯s strong, loyal and honest.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Dad knows the strong part after getting his ass beat by him.¡± Dante hums, making Alejandro


    send a deadly re his way.


    Alejandro isn¡¯t in the mood to y, and I can feel his rage simmering and bubbling - brimming higher


    and I know another wave of rage ising. His fists are balled, his chest heaving, and his eyes are still


    burning red as he stares unseeing at the floor, lost in his own thoughts.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who he is. It¡¯s time Sk learned that she¡¯s still my fucking daughter, and this is a mistake.


    I am not going to simply let it slide.¡± His voice is calm and dangerous and my stomach twists.


    He isn¡¯t lying. I can feel drips of his emotions through the bond that he¡¯s trying to block off, and failing,


    but I know this rage¡­ the pure blistering rage of his Lycan is oveing his ownmon sense.


    ¡°Alejandro, listen to me, think calmly, let¡¯s take a break-¡±


    ¡°She can date the fucker, but I will never allow my daughter to be with a fucking Arden.¡± He says,


    spinning around and mming his fist through the wall, making me gasp as an earth-shattering roar


    leaves him and I flinch as he breaks through the walls. I step back as debris flies everywhere, shielding


    my face.


    For the first time in years, he¡¯s terrifying me. He doesn¡¯t stop as he delivers another fist through the


    wall.


    ¡°Alejandro¡­¡± I plead. ¡°Calm down.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to calm the fuck down!¡± He snarls, ¡°I told you that you¡¯ve given them too much freedom!


    Especially Sk. You. Leave.¡± He adds, turning to Dante, who is watching him keenly.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not leaving, simply so you can me Mama for something she has no hand in.¡± He says


    warningly.


    I know he gets defensive of me, but I don¡¯t want him arguing with his father.


    ¡®Dante it¡¯s ok, just go, please.¡¯ I say through the link.


    I can handle Alejandro.


    ¡®No.¡¯


    I sigh, stubbornness runs through their genes¡­


    ¡°You can¡¯t use the line that he is an Arden, Alejandro. Royce is not like Keh. We¡¯re better than


    that.¡± I say softly.


    ¡°He¡¯s his fucking son!¡± Alejandro snarls, scanning the room as if looking for something else to break.


    ¡°And you are being unreasonable,¡± Dante adds,ing over and standing beside me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not, the Arden¡¯s are nothing but trouble.¡± Alejandro sneers, with pure hatred.


    ¡°Always remember that where youe from, does not make you who you are. Evil can be born from


    good, and good can be born from evil. Remember who your own mother was before judging Royce for


    who his father is.¡± Dante¡¯s voice is powerful and calm.


    But his words don¡¯t go down well with Alejandro, who growls, ring at his son. ¡°Back the fuck out! You


    don¡¯t have a fucking daughter to know how it feels!


    ¡°But I do.¡±


    We all turn sharply, and my heart skips a beat when I see none other than Dad standing there.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡± I almost run to him, realising my eyes are prickling with tears and my heart¡¯s pounding as relief


    floods me. I¡¯m so relieved to see him¡­


    I nce up at Dante.


    He called him¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your shit, Elijah.¡± Alejandro snarls.


    Dad isn¡¯t ying as he frowns, his cerulean eyes trained on my mate.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really care if you do or not. When it came to not one but two Rossis treating my daughters


    wrong, I dealt with it. I tried to understand, despite what both you and Leo did to my girls. I would say


    Karma is a bitch, but from what I know, Royce has done nothing but treat Sk correctly.¡± Dad


    continues as he steps in front of him, almost like a shield between us and Alejandro¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°So tell me, how badly is your ego bruised that you are being so fucking unreasonable?¡± Dad


    continues, his voice is cold as he res at Alejandro. ¡°And I do not appreciate you shouting at my


    daughter and grandson.¡±


    Alejandro snarls, but Dad stands his ground and I know Alejandro knows he¡¯s right. Dante steps back,


    pulling me back with him as the two men face off.


    ¡°You know that Keh is a fucking snake.¡± Alejandro says, slightly calmer.


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    ¡°Yes, I also know he tried to kill Rafael¡­ but I also lost my sister, my best friend and my father to your


    mother. Have I ever med you or seen you in the same light?¡± He says, his voice disying the


    glimmer of pain that will never fade.


    My heart squeezes as I turn to Dante, who wraps his arms around me.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Alejandro starts, but he has nothing to say.


    ¡°....exactly the same thing. Alejandro, listen to me. If Sk allowed this man to mark her, she must be


    serious, and we all can agree that she never takes anything seriously. But now she¡¯s serious about


    something.¡±


    ¡°But he is not her fated.¡± Alejandro says venomously.


    ¡°It means nothing. I have never felt that the bond means much. Indigo was proof of that. I was ready to


    reject my fated for Red, I swear, if she wasn¡¯t my fated, I¡¯d still have made her mine. She was the


    woman I wanted long before our bond snapped into ce and I was going to keep her, no matter what


    the world or Selene wanted. Remember, this isn¡¯t the first time someone was ready to choose their


    chosen over fated. Remember, Raihana refused to go to the mating ball for Chris.¡±


    ¡°They turned out to be fucking mates, as did you and Scarlett!¡± Alejandro growls.


    He isn¡¯t listening to what Dad is saying.


    ¡°Who knows? Maybe Royce will be Sk¡¯s fated. We don¡¯t know yet.¡± I say softly.


    ¡°The Sris King does not have a fated.¡± Dante murmurs, making all three of us turn sharply to him.


    ¡°Fucking King, my foot. He is no king.¡± Alejandro snarls.


    Dante cocks a brow. ¡°Sure Dad, whatever you say, since you seem to know everything.¡± He says


    quietly.


    ¡°And you are not acting like a king right now,¡± Dad says.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a fucking father! I¡¯m not forgiving him.¡± Alejandro says, frowning as he pushes past Dad


    roughly and takes out a cigarette, storming from the room as he lights it.


    "When Sky finds her true mate, it''ll serve him fucking right." He mutters.


    "Be careful what you wish for..." Dante murmurs, frowning at his Dad''s back and I sigh heavily as Dad


    looks at me and smiles slightly.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine. He just needs to realise that it is extremely painful when your daughter actually finds


    another man.¡± He says as he envelops me in a warm hug.


    I smile as I hug him back.


    That¡¯s true, but I wish he knew that we would always love and need our fathers¡­

 83. A Promise of Pizza

    83. A Promise of Pizza


    ROYCE.


    I¡¯m not one to boast, but the way she reacted and has now promoted me from the Ice Prince to the


    King of Winter and Her Ice God, I might just be enjoying it a little more than I should. I¡¯ll try not to let it


    inte my ego, but anything she says pleases me.


    I have filled her in on everything regarding the Sris line, the prophecy, and what I wanted to do for


    my Pack and for that throne.


    I also mentioned everything involving her, and what Dad and Aleric were aiming for. That had angered


    her, but she had been far more interested in my n. There¡¯s maturity in the way she talks when she¡¯s


    serious and I know I¡¯m jumping the gun, but I know she will make an incredible queen.


    She agreed that I need to step up and put them in their ce and I told her what Dad did with our sister


    and how I was going to meet with the Beta tonight to see if I can get any answers.


    ¡°So you¡¯ll be alright?¡± I ask, pulling on a jacket with a hood.


    I¡¯ve settled her in one of my penthouses, one with two of my most trusted guards standing outside, both


    of who are my friends but that¡¯s something I won¡¯t be telling Sk for now, as I have a feeling they will


    happily team up with her and god knows what they¡¯ll tell her.


    They¡¯re curious about her too, but until I¡¯m ready for others to know about her, I can¡¯t risk anyone


    knowing. That is something I¡¯ve already told Sk, and she understands.


    ¡°I will be. This ce is way safer than the woods.¡± She says, as she pulls off her jacket, making


    pleasure rush through me and the temptation to pin her up against the wall and kiss her ovees


    me.


    That corset looks so fine on her, leaving little to the imagination and with her enticing curves¡­


    She stretches, only making me check her out again.


    Fuck, don¡¯t do that now, Love¡­


    She turns to me when I don¡¯t reply and smirks, realising I¡¯m a little too distracted, and saunters over to


    me.


    ¡°What¡¯s up Magic Fingers? You seem a tad too distracted.¡± She purrs, running her hands sensually up


    my shoulders before locking her arms around my neck.


    I grip her waist, pulling her against me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me, Love¡­¡± I reply huskily, kissing her neck. She moans softly and I squeeze her ass.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    She chuckles before she pulls away.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s waiting for you, remember? I¡¯ll be here when you return.¡± She says, ruffling her hair.


    I can smell her arousal, her eyes zing plum purple as she watches me.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I say, ¡°I won¡¯t be long, it''s just a twenty-minute drive from here to where I¡¯m meeting him. I¡¯ll


    be back in an hour and a half max. I¡¯ll bring pizza.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes! I¡¯m starving. I¡¯ll text you what I want.¡± She says.


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± I say as I pull her close, taking her by surprise and pushing her up against the wall,


    making her heart thud as she bites her lips.


    ¡°I thought you had to go?¡± She asks with a mock smirk.


    ¡°He can wait for a few minutes. I will kiss my sexy little green-eyed Doll before I go.¡± I reply, brushing


    her hair back as my gaze dips to her lips.


    I slowly look into her eyes, my hand running down her neck, before I cup the back of it.


    She¡¯s beautiful, in every fucking way, her soft green eyes, those thickshes, her defined brows¡­ that


    dainty chin and those plump lips¡­


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    ¡°Royce¡­¡± I look back into her eyes, seeing she¡¯s serious. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me mark you?¡±


    I smile faintly.


    ¡°Oh that, I¡¯m a King or soon to be one, and one of the practices that I know of is that the marking


    between the King and his Queen should be a public affair. Although I marked you, you marking me


    before our people when the timees will suffice.¡± I reply.


    Realisation seems to dawn on her, and a wave of relief crosses her face.


    ¡°Oh fuck, that makes sense¡­ Mama and Dad marked one another publicly, too. So, it¡¯s simr¡­¡± She


    says with understanding.


    ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s no other reason. I assure you, you are the only one who I want to be with and I will let


    you mark me. Just a little more patience, Love.¡± I reply teasingly, running one hand down her waist as I


    lean in.


    ¡°Good. Because I¡¯m a very possessive person and I¡¯ve imed you as mine.¡± She says, tugging me


    closer, one hand slipping under my top. Our hearts beat in rhythm, our breath mingling before I kiss her


    hard.


    ¡®Good, because I¡¯m yours.¡¯ I murmur through the bond.


    The overwhelming feeling of needing her to know that I love her ovees me and I snake my arm


    around her waist, pulling her against me fully as I deepen the kiss, devouring her.


    She moans into my lips, and I lift her up, she instantly locks her legs around my waist gasping and I


    take the chance to slip my tongue into her mouth, exploring and tasting every inch of her as our


    tongues caress the other.


    I throb hard, never has my self-control been so weak, but when ites to her, I can¡¯t control myself¡­


    Her arousal is like an intoxicating drug in the air and I can¡¯t get enough. The sweet taste of her mouth is


    a fucking turn on too. My hands are all over her body and after a few moments I force myself back,


    breathing hard as I brush my thumb over her lips that now look a tad plumper.


    ¡°I love you Lil Lucifer.¡± I murmur.


    ¡°Love you too. Now go, before I change my mind and want you to stay and fuck me.¡± She replies.


    ¡°Fuck Love, don¡¯t tease.¡± I groan, my eyes shing blue. ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on that when I return.¡±


    She smirks. ¡°Sounds like a n.¡± She says, dropping to the floor lithely. ¡°Good luck. I hope he¡¯s able to


    give you the answers you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°I hope so.¡± I reply. Pecking her lips, I take my leave, an unsettling feeling now growing inside my


    stomach, not knowing what tonight will bring.

 84. Her Name

    84. Her Name


    ROYCE.


    Twenty minutester, I¡¯m waiting on the bridge where I had asked Quade to meet me. I¡¯ve pulled my


    hood up. Although I chose a location that is far from the pack, I still need to be careful.


    The asional car driving past or the sound of sirens in the distance fills the air, but there¡¯s a clearck


    of life around.


    I nce at the sky, it¡¯s going to rain again, the clouds mask the moon.


    It''s a full moon tonight¡­ I love it when it''s a full moon, shame it''s hidden behind the clouds.


    The ground is already wet from the sudden downpour that had ured on my way here. Typical British


    weather.


    The sound of footsteps makes me look up and I know from his smell it¡¯s the Beta.


    It is him. His hair is almost fully grey, his brown eyes full of concern as he approaches, his hands


    tucked into the pockets of his chesterfield coat.


    ¡°Good evening Alpha Royce, is everything alright? I won¡¯t deny I have been worried when you wanted


    to meet here.¡± Quade says.


    ¡°Good evening Beta.¡± I respond, getting the formalities out of the way. ¡°Everything is alright. I just


    wanted to talk to you away from the pack to make sure we aren¡¯t overheard. You have nothing to worry


    about when ites to me. I won¡¯t keep you long and we¡¯ll cut to the chase.¡± I reply, smiling faintly.


    He nods, ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that.¡± He says.


    I stand straight from where I was leaning over the bridge, to now face the older man.


    ¡°It¡¯s regarding something Father told you to do years ago, something that your conscience refused to


    let you, and I assure you, I¡¯m grateful that you did not obey.¡± I say quietly.


    His heart skips a beat and there¡¯s a twitch in his jaw, but aside from that, he remains pretty much


    impassive.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m following Royce.¡± He says seriously.


    I raise an eyebrow. ¡°Then allow me toy it out for you. I¡¯m talking about my sister, Quade, the very


    sister that mom somehow thinks passed away and the very same sister that you left at an orphanage.


    Does that ring a bell perhaps?¡± I reply, my voice sharp.


    His heart thuds and we both know he can no longer deny or pretend to y dumb. He knows exactly


    what I¡¯m talking about.


    His eyes snap to mine but I¡¯m dead serious. I¡¯m not here to y. This topic is not easy for me either,


    knowing that while we were raised with money and luxury aside from the severe training anyway, she


    was thrown in an orphanage somewhere.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± He asks, looking around. This time there¡¯s fear in his eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s not important, and you did the right thing. I know you fear Father, but I assure you, I will make


    sure that no harmes to you. I need to know where she is, a name, or the name of the orphanage. I


    need to know everything you can tell me.¡±


    ¡°Royce¡­ Please, I know you want to find her or locate her, but she¡¯s no longer there. She¡¯s¡­ joined


    another pack, apparently despite it being a human orphanage where I left her. It has ties to some alpha


    who has taken her, but I have been unable to learn anything further.¡± He says, sounding desperate.


    ¡°Please let it go. I¡¯m certain she¡¯s happy wherever she is. If your father learns of her, he may want to


    silence her. You don¡¯t know him, Royce.¡± There¡¯s an urgency in his voice.


    ¡°I know exactly who my father is, Quade, but who knows¡­ I wonder what kind of life she had. I still


    want the name of the orphanage and the name you gave her when you left her.¡± I say, my eyes trained


    on him. This time I let some of my aura out, knowing he can¡¯t deny a direct Alphamand.


    I may not be his Alpha but I¡¯m still powerful, and mymand will work¡­ instantly, he lowers his head


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    in submission but the words that leave him hit me hard.


    ¡°Winona Walters¡­ that¡¯s the name I gave her. As for the orphanage¡­¡±


    I¡¯m no longer able to listen, my heart thudding as that name rings in my mind. Everything else drowned


    out.


    ¡®Hi, Winona¡­ Damn girl you look fine¡­ Luna Winona, nice to meet you¡­ Nice to meet you too, Alpha


    Royce¡­¡¯


    The memories from when Sk was hospitalised rey in my mind, getting louder and louder.


    She had looked familiar¡­ she was of Sris blood¡­ the sense of familiarity when I had touched her


    hand¡­ the familiarity I had sensed when I had seen her¡­


    I ce a fist to my mouth as I try to process it. Winona¡­ Marcel Rossi¡¯s second chance mate¡­


    Oh, bloody hell¡­


    I¡¯ve already met my sister and failed to recognise her¡­


    ¡°Winona¡­ I know where she is.¡± I say, looking up at Quade, who stops talking.


    His eyes widen in shock before he pales. ¡°Y-you do?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s mated to-¡± I stop when I suddenly sense a powerful surge of darkness, mixed with a faint


    familiar presence, one that almost drowned into the other one¡­


    It fades, and I realise it¡¯s somehow masked, but it¡¯s here.


    I turn sharply, scanning the area around us.


    Both auras that now feel as if they are one, are familiar. The darkness reminds me of the same energy


    that the serpent that I had killed held and I instantly motion Quade to be on alert.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He asks sharply, removing his hands from his pocket, readying himself.


    Before I can reply, I hear the sound of a gun being cocked.


    ¡°Duck!¡± I shout, raising a shield as the first round goes off, and a bullet does, in fact, m into my


    barrier.


    What on earth¡­


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± I shout, unable to process what exactly is going on.


    Suddenly, his presence disappears, but I remain on edge. Whatever is going on isn¡¯t right.


    I spin around, sensing him behind me. My heart thumps as I stare at nothing, and then, before my very


    eyes, I see him begin to materialise¡­


    Just like¡­ the serpent.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who¡¯s special.¡± He hisses, sounding more snake-like than ever. His pupils


    aren¡¯t the same either, now holding the serpentine-like slit of a reptile¡­


    ¡°What is going on!?¡± Quade asks sharply, despite his calmness I know he¡¯s confused.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I ask the man before me, not letting any of my emotions show.


    He simply smiles, a smile full of pure hatred and contempt. This close, I can feel the darkness and it is


    the very same as the one that surrounded the serpent I killed. It now envelops him and my eyes sh


    as I ready myself.


    The light rain that had begun to fall now begins hammering down faster, but it¡¯s not my doing. But when


    the first sh of lightning fills the sky, it definitely belongs to me.


    ¡°Not this time.¡± He chuckles, as smoke suddenly fills the area, blinding me. I cough slightly, backing up.


    Time seems to slow as I summon the wind to st the smoke away, but in that split second, I hear the


    gun go off, and this time it hits something.


    ¡°No!¡± I shout, as the smell of blood fills the air and a thud tells me someone has fallen. ¡°Quade!¡±


    I follow my nose, my heart thundering as I realise his heart has stopped beating already just as I


    stumble over the fallen Beta¡¯s body.


    ¡°Bastard!¡± I snarl, my anger raging within me.


    How could he kill him?


    The smoke clears and I drop to the ground beside Quade¡¯s lifeless body that lies on the floor, his mouth


    still open in shock, blood pouring from his chest.


    I can see the bullet lodged in his chest, a bullet that killed him instantly.


    What the hell is this?


    Heughs manically. ¡°These bullets are an impressive thing, don¡¯t you agree? You know there¡¯s only a


    few left out there¡­ a certain man who goes by Schurke Wolf made them¡­ Ah, it¡¯s just a shame that he


    discontinued them¡­ one shot and you''re dead. Shifter or not.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking sick! How could you kill someone who trained you as a child!¡± I snarl, standing up.


    What will I tell his family? I turn to face the bastard, only for him to disappear again.


    How is he doing that?


    Something is seriously wrong.


    I turn, lightning crackling in my hands when I hear himugh.


    ¡°The thing is¡­ I now have the upper hand¡­ if you can¡¯t see me¡­ you can¡¯t hurt me.¡± Thest word he


    speaks is right close to my ear, and I spin around, sending a st of lightning behind me, but he¡¯s gone


    again.


    ¡°Fight me like a man, not like a coward!¡± I snarl, trying to pick on a scent or anything.


    ¡°I¡¯m no man.¡± He replies, and I sense him behind me again.


    I spin around as lightning shes in the sky and right down, but I¡¯m toote. I hear the gun go off, but


    it¡¯s not one bullet he shoots, instead, he keeps shooting until the cartridge is empty.


    Each one pierces my chest¡­ white-hot pain erupts through me and there¡¯s a shrill ringing in my head


    as I fall to my knees.


    I can¡¯t breathe¡­ I can¡¯t¡­


    I fall sideways onto the wet ground.


    ¡°That¡¯s it¡­ bow down to me¡­ you belong at my feet. I am better than you in every fucking way!¡± He


    hisses, grabbing me by my hair roughly and yanking me up, but I can''t feel it, the pain ij my chest is


    tenfold.


    He forces me to look up at him. A man I do not recognise¡­


    There¡¯s only hatred and satisfaction in his eyes. His happiness at my state has him incredibly ecstatic.


    This time¡­ he really has got the upper hand¡­


    I try to speak but I can¡¯t¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m shocked you¡¯re not dead yet, but give it a few more seconds.¡± He chuckles as he throws me to the


    ground.


    He kicks me in the face, making my head snap back and i hear something break as another wave of


    pain adds to what i''m feeling already.


    But no matter how badly I try, I can¡¯t fight him, my body is no longer cooperating¡­


    He backs away, a sadistic smile on his face as he watches me lying there helpless¡­ powerless¡­


    Sky¡­


    I hope she can¡¯t feel my pain¡­ I¡¯m not sure if she can¡­ do we both need to have marked one


    another?


    I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not sure¡­


    My vision bes blurry as my heart struggles to continue to beat¡­ whatever those bullets are¡­


    They¡¯re¡­ they¡¯re stopping me from healing¡­


    You must live¡­


    I tell myself, but it¡¯s futile.


    I try to summon lightning, trying to jolt my heart that ising to a stop, back into action¡­ but¡­


    I can¡¯t¡­


    My body isn¡¯t working.


    I stare at the ground, my blond hair falling in front of my eyes, but even with my view half covered, it


    doesn¡¯t hide therge pool of blood that is spreading around me, even the pouring rain is unable to


    wash it away¡­


    Is this it?


    So much for doing what I need to¡­


    Take care, Love¡­ I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t fulfil all those promises I made¡­


    My eyes are forced shut as I feel my life force beginning to ebb away¡­


    END OF PART 1


    A/N: Now let''s keep social media spoiler free so everyone cane read and suffer this cliffhanger


    with all who have just read it! Muhahaha!


    Book 2 will continue right here :)

 Book 2 - 1. When My World Crashes Down

    Book 2 - 1. When My World Crashes Down


    Sk Rossi: A Game of Deception and Lies


    Book 4 in the Rossi Legacies Series


    Chapter 1 ¨C When My World Crashes Down


    SKYLA.


    I snicker as Azura sticks her tongue out, we¡¯re on video call, her and Kat are together, and Song also


    joined in on the call. She¡¯s super busy these days trying to learn the ropes as she settles into her


    position at the coven but they all happened to be avable the moment I told them I had the most


    incredible mind-blowing sex that was out of this world and I let this literal sex god mark me.


    That was enough for them all to instantly demand a video call.


    Bitches.


    ¡°I swear, stop holding back deets!¡± Azura growls, clearly getting frustrated. ¡°I told you about Leo!¡±


    ¡°Yuck, he¡¯s my cousin! Although I still am intrigued with thedder¡­¡± I say tapping my chin, imagining


    Royce with a pierced dick. ¡°Na I think I like my mandder-less. I mean how does it feel when you take


    it in your mouth?¡±


    Songughs, despite goingpletely red in the face.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll tell you if you tell me the deets of your night!¡± Azura says.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to tell you every little detail! But, I will tell you that he¡¯s fucking kinky and damn, does he


    know how to fuck.¡± I say, feeling my cheeks burn and my pussy clench as I rememberst night.


    Oh, fuck I want him buried in me all over again.


    ¡°That mark though¡­ It¡¯s breath-taking.¡± Kataleya says, going back to my mark.


    I had just shown them my mark a few minutes earlier and filled them in. They were all shocked at the


    fact that I am mated, but happy for me.


    Kataleya now blushes as she cradles Phoenix, who is content in her arms, watching the screen with


    fascination.


    That little dumpling is the cutest, juiciest little chubby chunks in the world!


    ¡°Oh, kinky¡­ tell us how.¡± Azura says smirking.


    ¡°No,¡± I say stubbornly, wrapping my arms around a cushion as I hug it to my chest. I smile, thinking of


    ¡°She¡¯s being unfair and keeping all the steamy details to herself! Zu, tell her to share hun!¡± Song


    ¡°I know! Bute on, for someone to make Sky blush¡­ that¡¯s seriously some kinky hot sex.¡± Azura


    replies deviously.


    ¡°Oh absolutely, Royce sounded like such a gentleman¡­¡± Kataleya muses.


    ¡°Those end up being the naughtiest.¡± Azura says with obvious confidence. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you though.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but hey, does that mean Kat¡¯s going to be a freak in the sheets?¡± I smirk.


    ¡°Hey! I haven¡¯t said anything! Or demanded anything!¡± She protests, blushing deeply.


    ¡°We are stating facts, girl.¡± Azura says, nudging her yfully.


    ¡°That might be true¡­¡± Song giggles.


    ¡°Same goes for you.¡± I counter making Kataleya smile happily.


    ¡°So where is my¡­ mate-inw¡­ nephew-inw¡­ mate nephew? Umm, whatever, where is he now?¡±


    Azura asks, peering behind me like he might just show up.


    I smirk at her choice of words. ¡°He¡¯s older than you, behave. Plus, Leo is my cousin¡­¡±


    ¡°So cousin-inw?¡± Kataleya offers, making us allugh.


    I shake my head.


    ¡°He actually had a meeting to attend with someone, so I¡¯m just over here, waiting for Dad to smash


    down the door or blow up my phone. I asked Mama a short while ago if he knows and she said- and I


    quote; He¡¯s taking it a little hard, but he¡¯lle around. It¡¯s going to be ok. And in trantion, that


    means shit hit the fucking fan and Mama is probably trying to calm the grumpy old bear down.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard from Mama today either. Dad has a temper, but he¡¯ll calm down. I¡¯m sure he will.¡±


    Kataleya says nervously.


    ¡°Well, either way, there¡¯s not much he can do.¡± I shrug.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯lle around, besides from what you¡¯ve told me regarding Royce, he sounds like a


    I¡¯m about to reply when suddenly pain erupts in my chest. My eyes ze as a gasp leaves my lips and


    I drop the cushion clutching my chest as I double over.


    What¡¯s going on!


    ¡°Ah!¡± What is this pain?


    ¡°Sky!¡± Azura shouts, ¡°What¡¯s happening!¡±


    I can¡¯t respond, my eyes stinging with tears as I try to breathe through the pain. It¡¯s as if I¡¯ve been


    stabbed through the chest.


    ¡°She¡¯s in pain!¡± Kataleya exims, her voice sounding panicked. My ears are ringing loudly.


    What the hell is going on? I can¡¯t breathe¡­


    That¡¯s when it hits me that this pain isn¡¯t mine. My heart thumps as I connect the dots.


    Royce.


    ¡°Royce! Royce is hurt!¡± I gasp as I try to reach for my phone to call him, but my fingers brush it as it


    slips out of reach and I fall off the sofa, hitting my elbow on the table.


    ¡°The bond! She¡¯s feeling his pain through the bond! We need to find him, and get to her!¡± Kataleya¡¯s


    panic-stricken voicees.


    ¡°Sky, where is Royce?¡± Azura¡¯s voice is holding urgency. ¡°Sky, babe, you need to tell us so we can get


    someone to him.¡±


    My vision is darkening, but I know I have to tell her.


    He told me¡­


    He¡­


    ¡°He went to Dalton Bridge in Br-Brent!¡± I gasp, the pain is intensifying and I¡¯m unable to focus, but still, I


    force myself to roll over, trying to reach for the phone.


    Fuck it!


    ¡°Brent¡­ Fuck Leo is in Brent! I¡¯m calling him! We¡¯ll find him.¡± Azura¡¯s voice bes distant. ¡°Keep


    talking to her! Kat, let Kiara know! Now!¡±


    I need to go to him¡­


    ¡°Sky?! Stay with us!¡± Song says as the other two go silent, but I can¡¯t. I need to get to Royce. I look up


    at the door, and with a growl of rage, I force myself up. I stagger to my feet, clutching my chest as I


    fumble with the lock on the door.


    I manage to unlock it before I fall to the ground. The pain¡¯s getting worse.


    Fuck what happened to you Royce¡­ you¡¯re so fucking strong¡­


    Something is very wrong.


    My heart twists with worry, as I manage to get the door open, and I find myself looking into the blue


    eyes of one of the guards.


    ¡°Royce, take me to Royce¡­ He¡¯s in Brent, at the Dalton Bridge. Now.¡± I manage to gasp, clutching my


    neck.


    Please be fucking ok.


    I¡¯ve never felt so terrified in my life.


    They exchange looks, as my hands slip from the door frame and I see them stare at my mark.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Umm Sk, isn¡¯t it?¡± The blue-eyed one says as he supports me and I nod.


    ¡°We need to move!¡± I say exasperated, as I struggle not to give in to the pain.


    ¡°Sky!¡± I hear Azura calling from the phone.


    Another intense wave of pain hits me and I almost copse. I would have if he wasn¡¯t holding me up.


    As long as I¡¯m in pain, it means he¡¯s holding on¡­


    ¡°Grab her phone.¡± The blue-eyed one says as the other one obeys. He lifts me up before hurrying from


    the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone else.¡± I say, Royce didn¡¯t want anyone to know¡­ did the Beta do something? Should


    I tell them to contact the Beta? I¡¯m not sure how much Royce trusts them, and without knowing, I have


    to keep his secret.


    I clutch my chest as the man puts me in the car.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t answering.¡± The other one mutters as they both get in the front and I¡¯m grateful they pick up


    speed fast. I can hear them talking to Azura, but I can¡¯t focus.


    ¡°¡­tell her Leo will¡­¡±


    It¡¯s all I hear, unable to hear through the shrill whistling that splits through my head¡­

 3. My Anger & Frustration

    3. My Anger & Frustration


    SKYLA.


    The next hour is a blur. Never have I experienced so many emotions one after the other.


    We reached the Sangue pack fast enough, but it felt like forever, and I was straight away taken to the


    hospital ¨C to Royce.


    The pain was easing up by then and it gave me hope that he¡¯s going to be ok.


    Even then, seeing Kataleya and Leo himself tending to Royce, with his sleeves pushed up, as he


    But the intense surge of lightning that was crackling around Royce¡¯s body made it impossible for others


    to be able to tend to him without getting electrocuted.


    Kataleya was in her zone, as she stitched him up to help with the healing. She can¡¯t hurt a fly, but when


    ites to having to deal with blood and gore, she is swift and efficient.


    I feel fucking useless as Azura stands there staring at the moon, wanting the time to heal him toe,


    all while Leo and Kat stabilise him.


    ¡°He¡¯s surviving on his own Sky. He will make it.¡± I remember Leo telling me.


    I remember Kataleya saying Mama didn¡¯t answer her phone, but they had gotten through to Dante,


    although I don¡¯t know what was said.


    The rest of the bullets are removed from his chest, and he is given two more injections before both Kat


    and Leo step back.


    Now we wait for the moon to peak, but Azura is pacing the room waiting impatiently.


    Is this how he felt the other night when I had almost died and to think tonight¡­ he almost died.


    How it happened is beyond me, but only Royce has the answers to that. His two men are standing


    outside the room, clearly worried and confused, but Leo has made it clear that until Royce wakes up,


    no one is to say anything or report back. They agree but demand to be told once Royce wakes up.


    I¡¯m now sitting on the edge of the bed, next to Royce¡¯s head, stroking his hair gently. My heart hurts.


    I¡¯ve never felt so weak and vulnerable as I do now as Leo tells us Dante said Mama isn¡¯t needed. I


    know that¡¯s frustrating, but it¡¯s stressing me out.


    If it was me, or someone from our family who is hurt, everyone drops everything toe to help and


    protect us. Is it because he¡¯s an Arden?


    At least Azura had been angry on my behalf, before promising me he¡¯ll be ok and she will make sure of


    it.


    The sound of the machine beeping steadily is the only sound in the room, aside from Leo¡¯s voice. Kat


    and Azura are in the room as well, and Azura is pacing whilst the other two are sitting and Leo finishes


    telling us what he had seen.


    ¡°The serpent¡¯s aura?¡± I ask quietly, my stomach twisting with unease when he finishes.


    Leo nods. ¡°Yeah, only he has answers to that."


    I nod slowly as another ripple of lightning runs through Royce¡¯s body.


    "And that lightning, whatever that shit is, it''s fucking powerful.¡± Leo adds.


    I look down. It¡¯s still there, a crackling jolt that keeps rippling through him.


    ¡°That¡¯s his ability¡­ He¡¯s from the Sris bloodline.¡± I say quietly as I gently brush strands of Royce¡¯s


    blond hair out of his face.


    His face is pale but at least his breathing is steady¡­


    I bend down and kiss his lips softly.


    ¡°That exins a fucking lot.¡± Leo says.


    ¡°What were you doing out there in Brent?¡± I ask him. I owe him.


    I spot Azura looking at the moon. I love that girl, she truly wants to help me, and I look down, hiding my


    tears.


    I see Leo shake his head from the corner of my eyes.


    ¡°ying fucking errand boy¡­ your brother sent me down there and told me to take some of my healing


    shots, too. He knew shit was going to go down.¡±


    My heart skips a beat. Dante?


    Dante helped save Royce¡¯s life?


    ¡°Finally.¡± Azura says, turning to the bed as her wings materialize behind her, her aura swirling around


    her as the glow of the moon bathes her.


    ¡°Speaking of¡­ here he is,¡± Leo remarks.


    There¡¯s a light knock on the door before it opens and Dante steps inside, just as Azura ces her hand


    on Royce¡¯s chest. I see her healing pour into him.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough Azura.¡± Dante says, his voice firm and there¡¯s amand in it that makes her eyes


    sh with irritation as she¡¯s forced to step back.


    ¡°He¡¯s stable,¡± Kataleya says to us both as we re at the fucking dummy god.


    ¡°He is, and your abilities are not necessary.¡± Dante says as Leo watches him intently. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯mte. I


    had a moody old Lycan to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least you¡¯re here now.¡± Leo says. ¡°This is an entire fucking shit show.¡±


    Dante smiles faintly as Kataleya jumps up to hug him.


    ¡°Hey there My Cherry Blossom.¡± He whispers as he kisses the top of her head.


    ¡°I missed you.¡± Kataleya says before Azura goes over to him and tries to crush him in a bear hug, only


    she¡¯s far smaller than him and settles with a prod in the stomach, much to his amusement.


    ¡°You got there in time.¡± Dante says to Leo as he now turns his attention to the bed.


    I look away, letting my hair curtain my face. His words still ring in my mind.


    ¡®You will destroy him¡­¡¯


    They still hurt¡­ I feel super emotional, refusing to look at him as he approaches the bed.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to be alright.¡± He says, cing his hand on my shoulder. I shrug his hand off, my heart


    squeezing with hurt.


    ¡°Like you care.¡± I mutter.


    I suddenly feel my emotions surge, feeling my Lycan¡¯s anger awaken.


    ¡°Sky¡­¡± Dante says,


    ¡°You said I¡¯ll destroy him, right?! I didn¡¯t do this¡­ I didn¡¯t do this!¡± I snarl, my eyes zing as I turn to


    re at Dante. Despite my anger, my vision is blurred from my tears.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    He doesn¡¯t speak, and I hate it.


    ¡°Answer me! I know you hate me! I know you can¡¯t fucking stand me! I know you see me as a monster


    and in fucking annoying, right?! But I¡¯m fucking human too! I have feelings!¡±


    I hate that my voice is a shriek mixed with a growl. My aura rages in the room as I re up at him.


    I don¡¯t care that there are others in the room. I need somewhere to focus and channel my rage and


    worry, and Dante is my target.


    ¡°Not always, but if you need to vent, go ahead.¡± He says softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t antagonise me!¡± I hiss, getting off the bed and I shove him. ¡°You want to hurt me right, then hurt


    me physically, not by fucking messing with my mind!¡±

 4. One of Us

    4. One of Us


    SKYLA.


    He doesn¡¯t fight back and that just angers me even more and I keep hitting his chest. I¡¯m about to


    break.


    I need them gone! I need to be alone.


    ¡°Get out! Everyone get out.¡± I say, mymand rolling through my voice.


    ¡°Sky.¡± Azura tries, but I don¡¯t want to hear it.


    None of them fucking moves!


    ¡°I said get the fuck out!¡± I scream, feeling my canines grow, and my wse out as I re at them


    all.


    Kataleya is the only one hesitating, wanting to listen and I can tell mymand is affecting all three,


    but they¡¯re also fucking strong enough to defy me.


    I¡¯m about to shove Dante again, when a hand gently wraps around my wrist, making my heart thunder,


    as sparks sizzle through me, and my gaze snaps to the bed.


    Royce!


    His gorgeous grey eyes are half open as he looks at me through hisshes. The lightning is no longer


    rippling through him.


    ¡°You¡¯re rather loud, Love.¡± He says, his voice hoarse and I almost copse in relief, a surge of relief


    and happiness rushing through me.


    I hear Azura and Kataleya gasp in relief, but I¡¯m far too emotional to care, or consider the others in the


    room anymore.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡± I say, turning and raising his hands to my lips. ¡°Thank fuck!¡±


    I kiss his hand, my heart pounding. I want to hug him; I want to hold him close, but I know he¡¯s hurting.


    He tugs me close, and although I want to protest that he¡¯s injured, he pulls me onto hisp, wrapping


    his arms around me tightly. He kisses the top of my head. Despite being weak, there are so many


    emotions going through him.


    His hand grips the side of my face and the back of my neck as his lips meet mine in a smouldering kiss.


    My eyes flutter shut as I kiss him back, I almost lost him¡­ how terrifying is life that at any moment,


    anything can happen?


    He¡¯s disying calmness, even the beating of his heart is steady, but the way his chest is heaving tells


    me he¡¯s trying to control his emotions.


    The enticing taste of his mouth, the passionate caress of his lips. His tongue plunges hungrily into my


    mouth as he devours me entirely.


    A soft moan escapes my lips and intense pleasure rushes through me, making me press my thighs


    together.


    But our kiss is put to an end when Leo and Dante both clear their throats.


    ¡°I would fucking like to give the two of you a moment, but how about we first discuss what the fuck


    happened out there?


    I sensed the serpent¡¯s aura, yet you were shot, five times in total. Two entirely different things. Which


    doesn¡¯t add up¡­¡± Leo says, now standing up.


    Royce pulls away and I almost growl but settle for ring at Dante and Leo as Royce looks around, as


    if only now realising where he is, assessing the situation and his own state.


    ¡°You¡¯re at the Sangue pack.¡± I exin, trying to get out of hisp, not wanting to hurt him, but he


    refuses to let me go.


    I see Kataleya and Azura watching me, and Azura wiggles her brows at me. I smile weakly at her.


    Royce sighs and a heaviness seems to settle in the room as we all be serious while we wait for


    Royce to answer.


    ¡°Quade. The man who was with me, where is he?¡± He asks.


    ¡°His body is in a separate room. I¡¯m afraid he was dead when I got there and there was nothing we


    could do.¡± Leo says.


    Royce looks down, and his hair curtains his face. I squeeze his arm gently, wishing I could do more.


    ¡°I thought so, but I was hoping for a miracle¡­ I presume you saved me then.¡± Royce says, looking up


    at Leo again and their eyes meet.


    Leo pulls out a cigarette and lights it, before cing his other hand around Azura¡¯s waist and jerking his


    head at Dante and Kataleya.


    ¡°It was a team effort, but you pretty much held on yourself¡­ you were shot with bullets of such calibre


    that you should have been dead the moment they fucking touched you. You survived five. I¡¯m fucking


    impressed.¡± He says, his voice is cold and cutting but there¡¯s apliment in his words.


    Royce frowns. ¡°He said something along those lines.¡± He says.


    There¡¯s a glimmer of hurt in his eyes before he rests his head back against the bed and closes his


    eyes.


    I¡¯m not sure who he means by ¡®he.¡¯


    ¡°Quade¡¯s really dead¡­¡±


    None of us speak, giving him a moment.


    Kataleya looks at him sadly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss, Alpha Royce.¡± She says quietly.


    He opens his eyes and gives her a small smile and nod. ¡°He was a good man.¡±


    ¡°Was there another serpent?¡± Azura asks.


    ¡°There was no serpent, just one man, who was disappearing just like that thing, his aura was fused with


    one identical to the serpent I killed.¡± Royce says, his eyes shing blue.


    ¡°So it was a man?¡± Dante asks sharply.


    I nce at him curiously, wondering what he sees, and he looks at me seriously, a frown on his face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see much further¡­ just glimpses¡­ there is nothing about a man with that aura¡­¡± He answers


    my unasked question.


    Royce frowns. I had told him about Dante a little, and it¡¯s obvious there is something else troubling him.


    ¡°It was a man and one I know.¡± He sounds distracted.


    ¡°So, this man who was doing this disappearing act was the one who shot you then. Care to share his


    fucking name?¡± Leo asks.


    Royce is struggling. I don¡¯t know who it was, but it¡¯s clear thating to terms with who it is, isn¡¯t easy


    for him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to say if you don¡¯t want to.¡± I say.


    ¡°Only he has those bullets, and his aim was to kill you, so yes we fucking do need to get the bastard¡¯s


    name.¡± Leo says sharply.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle him. I¡¯m his target. I always have been. This is not your battle to fight, it¡¯s mine.¡± Royce


    says, his voice is cold.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing¡­¡± Azura begins, stepping over to the bed and resting her hands on her thighs as she


    bends over a little, tilting her head, looking him directly in the eye, making him move a few inches back.


    ¡°You¡¯re one of us now, and together we¡¯re damn stronger. So whether you want it or not, like it or not,


    we fight, y and win together. Wee to the family of psychos, Magic Fingers.¡± She finishes.


    Royce cocks a brow, no doubt at the use of my nickname, one that Leo cocks a brow questioningly at


    as well, as Kataleya giggles.


    The mood instantly lightens, and I can see Royce taking in Azura¡¯s words before he smiles faintly and I


    can¡¯t deny that a warmth floods my chest and I realise it¡¯s true¡­ Even though I always fight it, we


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Rossis and Westwoods, we always have one another¡¯s backs,e fucking whatever. No matter what,


    we are one.


    I turn to Royce looking into his gorgeous eyes.


    ¡®So, want to share?¡¯ I ask softly through the link.


    He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes as he looks away for a moment before he speaks.


    ¡°It was my brother, Aleric. He¡¯s the one who shot me and somehow, he¡¯s no longer just a werewolf. He


    had the aura of that serpent, the power and the very same disappearing act.¡±


    Shock.


    We¡¯re all not expecting that, and Dante is the only one that looks thoughtful, as if he¡¯s trying to piece


    the puzzle together.


    My shock soon changes to rage.


    That mother fucking bastard! I¡¯ll kill him myself.


    ¡°Right, I think we need to understand this a little better.¡± Leo says.


    ¡°I assume so, but before that¡­ there¡¯s something I need to do.¡± Royce says as he pulls out the drip he


    is hooked up to. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.


    ¡°I Royce Jonathan Arden, son of Alpha Keh Henry Arden and Luna Catherine Arden, reject the


    Shadow Wolves Pack as my home and Pack. Giving up all ties I have to the pack and its people.¡± He


    says quietly, shocking us all.


    What is he doing?! He can¡¯t reject his family! His sister¡­


    It wasn¡¯t easy for him as I watch him stare at his hand. He frowns and I know the pack tie has been


    broken.


    His eyes are cold when he opens them and looks up at Dante and Leo. There¡¯s a determination in


    them.


    ¡°If Aleric wants me dead, then he needs to think that I¡¯m actually dead. He¡¯s yed his card. It¡¯s time I


    yed mine.¡±


    His words fill the room as we all let the weight of the situation settle in, and then Kataleya speaks.


    ¡°You mean to say, it¡¯s time we y ours.¡±


    We all nod in unison, and I turn to Royce, I can see there are emotions he¡¯s trying to hide in his eyes,


    but I do hope he realises we really are behind him.


    Always.

 5. A Lust for Power

    5. A Lust for Power


    ALERIC.


    Ah, to be free from his pathetic existence. Royce was as good as dead when I left him and now¡­ now I


    wait for the glorious news toe when Dad feels the pack link break and I know my deed is done!


    I¡¯ve always tried to be a good brother to him, always made Dad focus on me so he could do whatever


    he wanted!


    Yet, he acted as if he had no interest in power or the Alpha position, but he did! How sly of him to


    pretend that he didn¡¯t care, only to try to get ahead of me. He was a maniptive, fake, sly bastard!


    The fact he had such power and kept it from me shows he just wanted to get one up on me. He was


    plotting to overthrow me. That bastard has been biding his time.


    I clench my fists as I walk up the mansion steps, the warm lights of the mansion bathe over me. My


    mansion, all of this is mine, the title of alpha, the Arden businesses, and all the Arden assets.


    All are mine.


    Is this how it feels to be at peace? With the so-called prophesied King out of the way, the title of High


    Alpha will be mine.


    Stepping inside, Charles bows his head to me, as he wees me home, but I don¡¯t reply. I can hear


    Mother¡¯s shouts of anguish.


    Have they already found out that he¡¯s dead?


    That¡¯s faster than I presumed, considering I know Apophis wants the body.


    I do feel bad for her. I caused her some pain, but she¡¯ll be fine. Pasting a look of concern on my face, I


    stride swiftly to the lounge.


    ¡°I can¡¯t get in contact with Royce! Brenda said Quade went to meet him! Find my son!¡± Mother¡¯s


    screams ring through the marble hallways.


    I enter through the archway to see she¡¯s being held back by two guards as Dad paces around, a phone


    to his ear, before he pulls it away and types something, a deep frown on his face.


    ¡°Unhand my mother.¡± I say calmly to the two guards. They don¡¯t agree, and it takes my all to hide my


    irritation.


    The men look at Dad but refuse to listen, waiting for hismand.


    ¡°She wants to go to find Royce, and I can¡¯t get in contact with him. Have you spoken to him? I felt two


    pack links break.¡± Dad says quietly, looking up at me. He¡¯s pale, and although he¡¯s talking calmly, I can


    sense he is far more worried than I had thought he would be.


    Two pack links¡­.


    My heart thuds with excitement. He¡¯s dead! I did it!


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡± I reply with concern. ¡°When did you feel the pack link break?¡±


    ¡°Close together. We need to confirm Royce is alright.¡± Dad says, his pale eyes on me.


    He¡¯s long dead¡­ but Dad¡¯s concern is disturbing me a little. Why is he so concerned? He has me! It¡¯s


    not like Royce would have listened to him.


    ¡°Aleric! Your brother! Find him!¡± Mom shouts, her eyes zing as she throws the men off her. ¡°Do not


    touch me!¡±


    I cock a brow. I often forget she¡¯s powerful, but she suits being and acting like ady far more.


    ¡°Luna-¡±


    ¡°Dare defy me and I will not hold back!¡± She adds, her chest is heaving as she brushes a few strands of


    her hair back and fixes her shirt before turning to Dad and I. ¡°Either one of you find my son, or I will do


    it myself!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find him Mother, Royce will be fine.¡± I say, ¡°Have we pinpointed either of the broken pack links?¡±


    Dad nces at me. ¡°Quade. He¡¯s dead, Brenda felt it, she felt him die.¡± He frowns, looking at the rug


    before throwing his phone down.


    ¡°No one has seen Royce, for god¡¯s sake!¡± Mom shouts.


    ¡°I¡¯ll organise a search. We¡¯ll find him.¡± I say, as Dad goes over to her and pulls her into his arms,


    stroking her hair.


    ¡°I already have. Catherine¡­I assure you he¡¯s fine. Royce is not weak. He cannot be dead. He is my


    son, and he is powerful.¡± He says quietly, his face grave.


    Hmm, indeed. Far more concerned than I predicted.


    Don¡¯t have so much confidence in your son, father¡­ He¡¯s dead, powerful, or not. I have powers that he


    can only dream of!


    ¡°I¡¯ll go find him. Father is right. Royce is probably hanging with one of the random women he goes to,


    or a club. Typical Royce. I¡¯ll go join the search too. You shouldfort Brenda, mother, as a Luna


    should. Please take your responsibilities seriously. The fact we lost Beta Quade¡­¡±


    ¡°Do not tell me what to do, Aleric! I have made sure Brenda¡¯s close ones are with her and I will also go,


    but my son¡­ is missing.¡±


    Always a favourite¡­


    Resentment flits through me as Dad says something about Quade.


    It really is a shame, he was a good man, but for whatever reason he was meeting Royce¡­ now that¡¯s


    something I wish I knew about¡­ maybe I¡¯ll do some digging¡­


    I turn, as Mom demands Dad go out there to join the search as well, or she will.


    They can try all they want. I¡¯ve already gotten rid of his car¡­ I¡¯m sure no one else knows anything, or


    someone would have told Dad by now.


    Perfect.


    I head out again. Although I have no n to search for Royce, I have to keep up the front that I am.


    Perhaps I will go enjoy myself at a human club. There¡¯s nothing better than taking a few men and


    women to bed simultaneously. The more the merrier¡­


    I get into my car trying not to smile. The alpha title is mine. I will convince Father I can run both the


    pack and court perfectly. I will be the strongest Alpha around.


    The power I have will only increase tenfold on the next blood moon¡­ I have fulfilled half of our deal


    and after I fulfil the next half, he will give me everything I could have dreamed of!


    Ah¡­ to be touched by a God¡­


    The memory of our first meeting crosses my mind, and I can¡¯t help but feel excitement rush through


    me. A God, a god chose me!


    (shback- A Few Weeks Ago)


    ¡®What do you seek?¡¯


    I look up, taking off my protective sses and scan the room quickly. I¡¯m in one of the high-security


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± I call sharply.


    ¡®Someone who sees the power, potential and, of course, the darkness, within you.¡¯


    The voice is chilling, powerful and almost snake-like. The voice isn¡¯ting from within me but from all


    around, yet I know no one else would be able to hear it.


    I raise my eyebrows, trying to pinpoint its location, but there¡¯s no one here¡­


    ¡°And who are you?¡±


    ¡®Someone who can help you make that serum far better and more sessful.¡¯ He says.


    It¡¯s obvious he isn¡¯t nning on telling me who he is.


    I look at the serum I¡¯ve been working on to inject Sk. The first one was a sess, but I feel the dose


    was not strong enough¡­ I look up as his words sink in.


    ¡°You can improve it?¡±


    ¡®You wish to dull her mind and to be a ve to your will¡­ and I, I happen to be the God of


    hypnotism.¡¯ He chuckles darkly at something I don¡¯t get.


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that you have something that will make her obey my will?¡± I ask, intrigued.


    ¡®Not only obey your will, but she will be your ve, yours tomand and control. The perfect


    puppet to yourmand and you will be the puppet master.¡¯


    A jolt of excitement rushes through me, and I scan theb. ¡°I¡¯m listening, do continue.¡±


    ¡®In return for the power I will grant you, power beyond your wildest dreams, I want something in return.¡¯


    ¡°Of course, no deal is made with nothing in return, or I¡¯d assume it¡¯s a scam.¡± I reply, folding my arms.


    ¡°Name your price.¡±


    ¡®The souls and blood of two kings. The one blessed by the sun and the moon. Kill them both, and you


    will be given powers beyond your wildest dreams.¡¯


    I frown as I sense the powerful aura swirling around the room, almost bringing me to my knees. I grip


    the table, my heart thundering.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I ask, as the sheer weight of the power now makes me drop to the floor.


    ¡®I go by many names, Apophis, Apep, Typhon¡­ the people of this world like to bend the truth of the


    Gods to suit them and with time the names are constantly changing. I am a God, and I have been


    watching you.¡¯


    The Gods.


    Apophis¡­


    ¡°That thing we are hunting, they say it¡¯s a serpent. Is it yours?¡± I ask, my heart racing.


    A dark chuckle fills the room.


    He isn¡¯t even here, and I can¡¯t even handle his presence or a sliver of it.


    I want that power¡­ imagine that power in your grasp¡­


    ¡®Indeed, I will be the one to create the bridge. The time of the mortals is over. Do we have a deal wolf of


    Selene?¡¯


    Of course, we do! Selene betrayed me by blessing Royce and not me. I want nothing to do with her!


    ¡°Of course, she yed me. I want nothing to do with her. I am willing to bow to you, oh god of monsters


    and snakes. I will bring the ones you want to your feet. Anything you want, and I will give it, in return I


    want power.¡± I reply, unable to hide the hunger and passion from my voice.


    I want it!


    ¡°Even when one may be of your own?¡±


    There is no king among us, but who cares! I¡¯ll sacrifice my own blood for the power he is offering. Even


    an ounce of the power that is rippling through this room!


    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything.¡± I say. ¡°To have Sk under my control, Dad will b proud! Even the council will see my


    Luna is powerful and the Lycan King! And¡­ wait, is he perhaps one of the kings you speak of?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, the two kings kill them both, and I will handle the rest. Their blood must be mine.¡± His voice is


    fading when suddenly something dark rushes at me and pain rushes through the right side of my neck,


    making me scream in agony and my vision begins to darken. ¡°She is yours. The power to shift is yours


    and you¡­ you are now mine¡­¡±


    Theughing echoes in my mind as everything begins to fade away¡­


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    He hasn¡¯t contacted me again, but the serums were mine and the power he has given me so far¡­


    Ah¡­ pure, raw darkness.


    I know that Gods cannot maintain a presence on Earth, for them to act on Earth they needed vessels or


    pawns.


    He mentioned a bridge and I¡¯m assuming he means something to cross between the worlds¡­ then


    when that timees; I want to be one of those who are powerful enough to survive it.


    One king down, the next to go¡­


    I step out of the car and enter the sex club after showing them my VIP pass. My eyes skim over the


    scantily dressed women.


    The smell of arousal, sex, sweat and alcohol fills the room, overriding the expensive fragrance that is


    sprayed everywhere in an attempt to override the other smells, but it fails to do so¡­


    I spot one that seems decent enough. She¡¯s nude, save some tassels covering her nipples and a


    thong. She has arge tattoo on her waist and, with her short ck hair, she reminds me a little of


    Sk. Nothing as pretty or alluring as Sk, but she¡¯ll do.


    Somehow, she¡¯s left a mark on me. I have dreamt of her more than once and I can¡¯t wait until I am


    buried in her pussy once again.


    I smile as I tilt my head, motioning the woman over. Onest dose to give to Sk and then¡­ then


    she¡¯ll be mine and I won¡¯t have to settle for the filth before me.


    ¡°Hey, handsome.¡± The woman says, stopping before me. I caress her cheek.


    ¡°Hey, Beautiful¡­¡±


    Let¡¯s ruin you.

 6. A Request

    6. A Request


    ROYCE.


    It¡¯ste into the night and we¡¯ve been talking things out in Leo¡¯s home office since I wanted out of the


    hospital, l''m feeling like an invalid. Plus, we needed somewhere extremely secure to talk and if my


    being alive is to be kept a secret, then the fewer people who see me, the better.


    It¡¯s not much of an issue as the Sangue pack is probably more private than the Shadow Wolves pack.


    It was the first thing we had discussed and agreed on. No one else should know. The fewer people that


    know I¡¯m alive, the better, and that includes the royals for now. That was Leo¡¯s idea, but the man is


    intelligent, and I understand what he means too.


    Jamie and Gideon are here too. I trust them just as I feel I can trust the Rossis. I may not have known


    them for long, but they¡¯re genuine people and their love for Sk is obvious.


    We need to think everything out properly before we n our next step.


    Even Jamie and Gideon are shocked when I tell them about the entire Sris prophecy, and Jamie is a


    little offended that I didn''t fill them in earlier. That revtion is a shock to them all, aside from Sk and


    Dante.


    I filled them in on pretty much everything regarding Dad and Aleric.


    My only concern is Mom and Charlotte. I can¡¯t have them think I¡¯m dead and it¡¯s what we¡¯re discussing


    now.


    ¡°I know, but if they don¡¯t mourn like you''re dead, Keh will fucking see right through them. He¡¯s


    smart.¡± Leo says lighting another cigarette.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but I can¡¯t put my mother through that.¡± I say, thinking of what she must be going through


    already.


    ¡°We are going to have to go back, anyway. What if I fill her in secretly?¡± Jamie suggests.


    ¡°No, not safe. You two will need to keep on the down low, especially since you are both closely


    associated with Royce.¡± Leo says.


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable. Leave it to me. I¡¯ll make sure she knows.¡± Dante adds.


    I look up at him and nod. ¡°Alright.¡± I don¡¯t know how he¡¯ll do it, but if he says he can, then I¡¯m certain he


    will.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough for today. We all need rest.¡± Azura says before turning to Leo. ¡°Phoenix is awake


    too. Winona has her.¡±


    My heart skips a beat at the name.


    Winona¡­


    She¡¯s right here, so close¡­


    Sk caresses my chest from where she¡¯s curled up beside me and looks up at me curiously.


    I need to tell her about Winona¡­ I nce at Leo. I know it¡¯ste, but¡­


    ¡°Sure, Baby Girl. I think we all should head to bed. You staying Dante?¡± He asks his cousin,


    ¡°I should go, I¡¯ll escort Jamie and Gideon to the borders.¡± He says running his fingers through his ck


    curls.


    Jamie nods.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stick to the nned story, and as far as we are concerned, we haven¡¯t seen you in thest two


    days.¡± Gideon says.


    ¡°Perfect.¡± I reply.


    Kataleya suppresses a yawn, rubbing her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll head to bed too then if that¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°Go to bed, sleeping beauty.¡± Azura says with a smirk. ¡°Go dream of-¡±


    ¡°Zu!¡± Kataleya exims, it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard her speak as loud.


    She flushes as Sky smirks and it¡¯s clearly an inside joke, but it clearly involves a guy.


    ¡°Can I have a quick word, Leo.¡± I ask, as we all stand up and Sk assists me, but I¡¯m alright. I kiss her


    lips softly.


    ¡®Thanks, Love. I¡¯m fine. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡¯


    ¡®No, you¡¯re not. Stop acting like a god, and just take it easy.¡¯ She says with a pout, her eyes dipping to


    my chest before she sighs and steps back, ncing between Leo and me.


    ¡°Sure.¡± He replies, watching me with his sharp eyes.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll go walk Dante out.¡± Sk says as she scoops up Malevolent, who had apparently jumped into


    the car with the boys when Sk had been in pain.


    I feel guilty for that. I marked her only to put her through so much pain, another thing that is so vital with


    the mate bond¡­ I must take care of myself for her.


    ¡®Everythings ok, right?¡¯ she asks me through the link as she pauses at the door.


    ¡®Yeah, I just learned the identity of my sister, and he will be able to help me.¡¯ I say quietly.


    I don¡¯t know if she¡¯ll even want to see me, but Leo would know. After all, he is the Alpha of this pack


    and he knows her.


    ¡®Fill me inter?¡¯ She says. I look into her gorgeous green eyes and nod.


    ¡®Absolutely.¡¯ I reply. She saunters back to me and kisses my neck and despite the pain I¡¯m in, it¡¯s a


    fucking turn on¡­


    The moment the door shuts behind the group, the sound of their talking fades away and I turn back to


    Leo, who is watching me intently as he smokes his cigarette.


    I nce around the office before I look at him again.


    ¡°I won¡¯t keep you long considering it¡¯ste, however, the topic I wanted to discuss with you is¡­


    ¡°Hit me with it, I like a challenge.¡± He says, rxing back in his seat.


    How do you tell someone that you think- no, you know their father¡¯s mate is your sister?


    ¡°I¡¯ll start at the beginning,¡± I say quietly as I stand before his desk.


    ¡°Two years before I was born, my mother gave birth to a baby girl, one who was apparently stillborn.


    She named her Victoria Elizabeth Arden¡­ She still remembers her to this day¡­ However, recently I


    found out that she¡¯s alive. She was simply taken from us, because our so-called father felt she was too


    weak to be one of us and I¡¯m presuming the fact his firstborn was not a male. He ordered our Beta to


    kill her, who was unable to do that, and instead hid her at a human orphanage¡­¡±


    He looks slightly tense, and although he hasn¡¯t moved, he¡¯s no longer smoking his cigarette as he


    remains silent. But there¡¯s a look in his eyes. That makes me wonder if he¡¯s already putting it together.


    ¡°Last night that is why I was at that bridge to find out the identity of our sister we thought we lost 27


    years ago¡­ and before Quade was killed, he told me the name that he gave her when he left her at


    that orphanage.¡± I continue.


    I¡¯m not sure this is the right decision. His eyes are cold, and his aura is raging around him as he


    watches me.


    ¡°And what might that name be?¡± He asks, now looking me square in the eyes.


    ¡°Winona,¡± I reply quietly. ¡°A name that actually means ¡®first-born daughter¡¯ it''s befitting, wouldn¡¯t you


    agree?¡±


    His eyes sh as he looks away, clenching his fist as he takes a long drag on his cigarette and stands


    up.


    ¡°The urge to rip your father to shreds is fucking enticing and if I want to, no one can stop me from doing


    so.¡± He says, his rage simmering through the room. ¡°I found her when she was lost, treated like crap


    and so weak and closed off that her wolf did not awaken. She may have been assumed to be an


    omega, but she¡¯s not weak, and she is my family. She doesn¡¯t need to be blood.¡±


    And I¡¯ll always be grateful.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it hurt me too, knowing that we have a sister out there, left at an orphanage, whilst we


    were raised in luxury? But then again, she may have been better off, rather than being raised as a


    product to simply use for power. I know¡­ she has her entire life here. She¡¯s happy, content and does


    not need us. I know that she¡¯s happy. But she is my sister and if you want to do a DNA-¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t fucking need a DNA sample to prove you¡¯re rted.¡± He looks up sharply and tilts his head


    as he walks over to me. ¡°What do you want to do, by telling me that you are her biological family, what


    are you trying to achieve? She doesn¡¯t want to meet her family. When I offered to find them, she said


    she doesn¡¯t want anything to do with a family who fucking didn¡¯t want her.¡±


    I had been prepared for that¡­


    I nod and smile faintly. ¡°I respect that, and it¡¯s why I wanted to ask you first. Although I know what my


    father did can never be forgiven, there are those who would give anything to know her¡­ I for one,


    mother and our little sister Charlotte. If you can ask her if she¡¯s willing to meet a family member, I¡¯d


    appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°And if she says no?¡± He asks, his voice is cold as he looks me in the eye.


    I won¡¯t deny that it hurt, but all this is Dad¡¯s fault. If it wasn¡¯t for him, we¡¯d have grown up as siblings.


    I take a moment, pondering over what he said.


    ¡°When I met her at the hospital, she felt familiar, now looking back, she does look like Mother and


    Charlotte. However, if she says no and doesn¡¯t wish to meet us, I will keep the revtion of her identity


    a secret and I will respect her wishes.¡± I reply. ¡°I promise you.¡±


    He nods slowly, as if thinking over my words.


    ¡°Good. Cause I don¡¯t want her to get hurt.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t either.¡± I reply, our eyes meet and although I¡¯m feeling emotions for a sister, I never knew was


    alive, he knew her for longer¡­ he¡¯s the one who rightfully earned his ce in her life.


    I just wish she gives me a chance too.


    Turning away, I walk to the door. ¡°Goodnight, and thank you for your time.¡± I say quietly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t keep your hopes up.¡± He says, making me pause. I nce back at him.


    ¡°Why do I get the feeling, you¡¯d rather she doesn¡¯t meet us.¡±


    ¡°Because like I said, I don¡¯t want her hurt. She may be mated to my father, but before that, she was and


    still is someone important to me. I consider her like a sister and if someone hurts her¡­I will lose my


    shit. You may be looking at it from your point of view, but I¡¯m thinking of all the fucking things that could


    go wrong. We all know the Arden¡¯s are a fucking shit show to get involved with.¡±


    ¡°We are not all the same.¡± I say, the reputation Dad has created, he may be on the council, but there¡¯s


    no trust.


    ¡°That¡¯s the difference between you and me, Alpha Leo. You assess and consider your chances. You¡¯re


    calm, collected, and sharp. I respect that, and I can tell that you truly care for those around you.¡± I say,


    as I pull open the door. ¡°But we are not alike, and we see things so differently.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? It¡¯s not a bad thing to pick and choose your next move wisely. You act on your beliefs, ethics


    and emotions, regardless of how it can negatively impact you.¡± He says. ¡°For a king, you need to learn


    that not everyone is like you - your brother, and what he did is a fine example of that.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps¡­ but I like to think that there¡¯s good in everyone. Everyone deserves to be trusted and


    respected until proven otherwise. I may not be the wisest, but I¡¯m happy to be the way I am. If it means


    I¡¯m willing to see the good in others, then I¡¯ll remain the fool.¡±


    Something in his eyes changes before he looks away and nods.


    ¡°Your kindness and trust will ruin you, heed my fucking words.¡±


    I don¡¯t agree.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡± I respond.


    ¡°Night, third room on the left,¡± He replies.


    ¡°I know. I can smell her.¡± I say, smiling faintly before making my way down the hall. My smile fades as


    his words return to me.


    ¡®Don¡¯t keep your hopes up¡­¡¯


    I knock lightly on the third door and open it to see Sk walk over to me with concern.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± She trails off.


    She instantly knows something is wrong, and she hugs me, being careful of my injuries. Yet I don¡¯t care


    about them, instead, I pull her tightly into my arms, burying my nose in her neck. Inhaling her beautiful


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    intoxicating scent.


    ¡°I¡¯m lucky to have you.¡± I whisper.


    Her heart is racing and even when she whispers what¡¯s wrong? I¡¯m unable to reply. The emotions I¡¯m


    feeling are far too intense, and I fear if I speak, my voice will give away how I feel¡­


    She guides me to the bed, and we lie down. Neither of us speaks, as I hold her close, findingfort in


    her embrace.


    She knows me, just like when things used to get rough when we talked online. She¡¯d stay online telling


    me she¡¯s there if I want to talk¡­ she knew to give me the space I needed.


    It¡¯s the weight of the entire day, the revtion, Aleric is trying to kill me, leaving my pack, Mom¡­


    Charlotte¡­ Sky, how she had looked so terrified when I had woken up, the pain in her voice as she


    shouted at her brother. I can never leave her or hurt her because it would surely break her.


    I don¡¯t know how long wey there until I break the silence. ¡°My sister may not want to see me, Love.¡±


    She jerks her head up, staring at me in shock.


    ¡°What?¡±


    I look down at her, brushing her hair back and caress her cheek slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll respect her decision.¡± I say, sighing.


    She looks concerned, waiting for me to continue, but I¡¯m unable to, especially since I can¡¯t say her


    name to anyone, and until she makes her decision, I can¡¯t tell anyone.


    She doesn¡¯t push me, instead, she cups my face, pressing her lips against mine and drawing me into


    an incredibly deep and passionate kiss that sends those beautiful currents of pleasure through me¡­

 7. My Temptation

    7. My Temptation


    ROYCE.


    My eyes open and I look down, feeling so turned on and my hard cock is proof of that, but with Sk


    next to me, that¡¯s no surprise.


    I look over at her; the sun is blocked out by the blinds but even in the darkness of the room, she¡¯s


    radiant. She¡¯s asleep on her back, one hand rests between her thighs, the other on the pillow beside


    her head.


    I take a moment to admire her. She is without a doubt the most breathtaking woman I have ever seen.


    Perfect from every lock of hair on her head to the tip of her toes.


    She really is a beauty that nothing measures up to, from the slender curve of her dainty nose, and her


    soft cherry lips it is as if every part of her was created with the aim to bring me to my knees upon


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    seeing her and it¡¯s exactly what did ur.


    She¡¯s mine as I am hers.


    Her perfect round breasts rise and fall as she breathes steadily, and I lean over, brushing my finger


    over her nipple, the satin Cami that does nothing to hide the stiffness of her nipples before I cup her


    waist and kiss her forehead.


    I love you, girl.


    Gently cupping her chin, I kiss her softly.


    She tastes so good¡­


    I slowly move back, not wanting to disturb her and sit up. The pain in my chest is almost gone.


    I think I¡¯ll go take a shower¡­ casting onest look at the Goddess on the bed, I silently get up and walk


    to the adjoining bathroom, making sure not to make a sound so she isn¡¯t disturbed.


    Stripping out of my clothes, I look in the mirror as I unwind the bandages.


    Aleric¡¯s words of hatred, the way he didn¡¯t even falter when he pulled the trigger¡­ I will never be able


    to understand the hatred a person feels that can justify killing someone so easily.


    Brother against brother¡­ That is a real shame, but it is sadly what it hase to. There¡¯s a limit to


    letting things continue as they are, my first step is ska, to im the title of the Sris king, find the


    answer to what Aleric is up to and then with the right proof and power behind me, I will return and


    retake the pack.


    Aleric killed Quade, and who knows what else? I am a witness to that, but what about Dad? Do I have


    any proof of him?


    No.


    But if I did, would I bring Dad¡¯s deeds before the council? And which council? The High Court of Sria


    or The Lycan King¡¯s Council?


    I sigh heavily, the path ahead is riddled with obstacles. Yesterday in passing I had mentioned it to the


    others about going to ska and Leo had said he¡¯ll get me a passport and anything I need to make the


    journey.


    I¡¯m grateful to him, and I will pay him back for the financial help as well as his assistance and


    hospitality, but right now I can¡¯t draw on any of my assets either.


    I ce the bandages down and gritting my teeth, grip the end of the red thread that was used to stitch


    me up to help speed up the healing. It stings but I manage to rip it out pretty fast and I¡¯m satisfied when


    the little tear I had caused begins to heal up, speedy as usual.


    Excellent.


    cing the bandages down, I walk over to the toilet. I just finish taking a piss when I freeze, sensing


    I¡¯m being watched.


    ¡°Fuck Love, I didn¡¯t sense you.¡± I say, about to tuck my dick back into my pants only for her arms to


    wrap around me from behind and grab my cock.


    ¡°Mm, good, I was having fun watching you.¡± She purrs as she begins stroking my shaft, something that


    has me hardening further in her hand.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I curse as the little nymph¡¯s thumb brushes the tip of my cock.


    ¡°As much as I want to say yes, please, fuck me Daddy¡­ how about you take it easy and allow me to


    take care of you.¡± She whispers in my ear, and I find myself turning my head to look into her gorgeous


    plum eyes. A devious sexy smile is ying on her lips.


    ¡°I believe in Ladies first,¡± I say, weaving my fingers through her hair, turning, and tugging her close. I


    kiss her deeply and passionately. She allows me to take control and turn her, but her hand is back


    around my cock as she kisses me back with equal passion.


    The pleasure is making my mind pretty much nk. She ces a hand gently on my shoulder, kissing


    me sensually yet being careful not to press against me and so I yank her closer, showing her I¡¯m


    perfectly alright.


    Our tongues fight for dominance before she slowly moves back, her eyes filling with concern as she


    brushes her fingers down my chest.


    A soft smile crosses her lips and she seems satisfied at what she sees before she answers me.


    ¡®I know you do, but trust me, this is my treat as much as it is yours¡­ I love sucking your cock and


    making youe until you¡¯ve given me a load of my favourite cream.¡¯ She murmurs seductively


    through the link, a soft moan leaving her lips when I kiss her again.


    I can¡¯t argue with that. Just the thought of her wrapping those plush, sexy lips around my cock makes


    me crazy.


    After a moment, I break away from her lips, trailing hungry kisses down her neck before I suck hard on


    my mark that adorns her neck and squeeze her ass, backing us up towards the shower.


    ¡°Mmm, in the shower¡­ even better.¡± She whispers as she pulls away and tugs her top off.


    Oh fuck¡­


    Keeping my eyes on her, I remove my own pants and boxers and flip the shower switch on. She


    smirks, her eyes shing with hunger and lust as she looks me over.


    ¡°Come to me, baby¡­¡± She murmurs appreciatively, pressing her thighs together and I reward with a


    few strokes of my shaft that only makes her heart thud.


    ¡°Like what you see, Love?¡± I ask with a cocky smirk.


    ¡°Oh absolutely¡­¡± She replies.


    Her eyes remain locked on mine as she slowly shimmies out of her shorts before sliding that thong


    down. I¡¯m kinda jealous they get to be on her pussy for so long¡­


    ¡°Like what you see, Alpha?¡± She teases, brushing her fingers down her pussy and my throat goes dry


    when she parts her pussy lips and rubs her clit. Her eyes flutter shut, pleasure clearly rushing through


    her, and I reach over tugging her close.


    ¡°I told you only I can pleasure you.¡± I say sharply, my eyes narrowing.


    She smirks. ¡°Or what?¡± She challenges, and she smirks, brushing her hand down her stomach and


    pushing two fingers into her pussy.


    ¡°Bad girls get punished.¡± I whisper, tugging her close and kissing the corner of her lips, making her


    breath hitch.


    She pouts, rolling her eyes before she drops to her knees, running her hands down my waist and


    thighs.


    ¡°Then punish me, by fucking my mouth nice and rough.¡± She says, pumping her hands along my cock


    as water sshes over us. She¡¯s unphased by it as it runs down her face and neck.


    I lean over her, shielding her from the direct stream of water as she begins to suck me off, she¡¯s a


    goddess, and although I will treat her as one, there¡¯s something incredibly hot seeing her on her knees


    in front of me like this.


    Those sinful eyes of hers have always been my temptation to sin, looking up at me with emotions and


    passion that I want to drown in, yet at the same time protect from the world.


    Fuck, she¡¯s perfect and I¡¯m the only one who gets to see the real her. The her who cares for others,


    behind her strong front, she has a heart of gold.


    Pleasure rushes through me and I¡¯m soon meeting her sucks with thrusts of my own, fucking her mouth


    rough and hard. It doesn¡¯t take long before I¡¯m so fucking near, and I know she is, too. Pulling out, I


    yank her up and she growls.


    ¡°I was having fun.¡± She says, breathing heavily as she licks her lips which look a little sore right now.


    ¡°Exactly, this was a punishment, remember?¡± I reply with a smirk, turning her and pushing her up


    against the wall before I grab my cock and push into her, groaning as her slick pussy wraps around me


    and I begin fucking her hard. Intoxicated with the rush of intense pleasure.


    Her erotic moans and screams surround us and I can¡¯t hold back my own groans. The pleasure


    consumes us both, throwing us into an abyss of pure ecstasy.


    Under the rushing water in this bathroom, it¡¯s just the two of us and I grip her thigh, lifting her leg up as


    I continue pounding her relentlessly¡­


    -----


    ¡°I hope you slept well. Do you feel better?¡± Kataleya asks me as we make our way outside for brunch.


    The weather is good, and I know it¡¯s going to get warmerter. Sky had a call from her mother and has


    stepped to the side to answer after a quick discussion of what the hell she should say to her, and the


    smell of the delicious foodid out on the table fills my nose.


    We didn¡¯t eatst night. No wonder I¡¯m famished.


    ¡°I do. Thank you for asking. I also want to thank you for helping save my life.¡± I say to her, and she


    smiles.


    ¡°Oh, it was nothing.¡± She says, waving it off before she motions for me to take a seat at the table, just


    as Azura steps out with a little baby in her arms.


    I know Leo has two children, a boy from before Azura, and a baby girl they had together.


    ¡°This is my daughter, Phoenix.¡± Azura says as she holds up the precious little bundle, clearly offering


    her to me.


    ¡°You want me to¡­ carry her?¡± I ask hesitantly, making Kataleya giggle.


    Azura smirks devilishly, and I¡¯m reminded of Sk. That smirk you should never trust, or it¡¯s just a


    fa?ade to make us think they¡¯re up to something.


    Ok Royce, it¡¯s just a baby, don¡¯t overthink it.


    ¡°Yes, she doesn¡¯t bite.¡± She says and I nod, right.


    I take the child from her, casting onest curious look at her.


    She¡¯s as suspicious as Sk, but I think I can trust her on this one.


    I¡¯m not excellent with kids but I¡¯m not too shabby either, but I have not really been around babies. I take


    her and she looks up at me with big blue eyes. She has juicy cheeks and a little pout on her face. With


    a lot of hair.


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s a lot of hair.¡± I say, making Azura chuckle.


    ¡°She takes after me.¡± She says proudly, and I smile down at the baby.


    ¡°Hey Phoenix, I¡¯m Royce. It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡± I say, rocking her gently.


    She smiles as she starts babbling in babynguage and I can¡¯t help but smile. This isn¡¯t bad at all.


    ¡°We''ve got a problem.¡± Sk says as she walks over to us, slipping her phone into her pocket.


    ¡°What is?¡± Azura asks as we all turn to her.


    ¡°Mama.¡± She responds, ncing at me carrying Phoenix. ¡°How do I pretend that Royce is dead? She


    can tell when someone lies.¡±


    ¡°Shoot,¡± I say.


    ¡°Yeah, that did ur to me after and then we have Dad who doesn¡¯t fucking want to lie to Alejandro.¡±


    Leo says and we turn to see him step out with none other than his father Marcel, a young boy and¡­


    Winona.

 8. Brunch

    8. Brunch


    ROYCE.


    She¡¯s smiling down at the young boy as she carries a tray. Her golden hair is the same shade as


    Aleric¡¯s, and I don¡¯t know how I didn¡¯t notice her features.


    She¡¯s an Arden, through and through. If she was standing beside Charlotte, Mom and even Aleric the


    Dick, everyone would notice.


    ¡®I know she¡¯s gorgeous¡­ but you¡¯re staring.¡¯ Sk says through the link.


    I blink, looking away and down at my beautiful Green-eyed Goddess. She raises her eyebrow


    questioningly at me. She¡¯s not angry, but she looks a bit suspicious, and I know I¡¯m going to have to tell


    her. I trust her enough to know she won¡¯t tell anyone and we¡¯re in a rtionship; we don¡¯t hide things


    from one another.


    Phoenix giggles and I smile down at her before Azura takes her from me and motions for me to take a


    seat at the table, but I don¡¯t as I spot the boying over.


    ¡°Hello, my name is Corrado Herrmann Rossi. It¡¯s nice to meet you. That is my Daddy.¡± He says proudly,


    pointing at Leo before holding out his hand.


    I crouch down and smile. ¡°Hey, nice to meet you, Corrado Hermann Rossi, and that is an impable


    name. I¡¯m Royce Jonathan Arden.¡± I reply as I shake his hand.


    He¡¯s a polite one.


    ¡°That is a nice name, too! Wee to the Sangue Pack.¡± He says and I nod.


    ¡°That¡¯s the best wee I¡¯ve had.¡± I reply, giving him a small smile before I stand up, feeling several


    pairs of eyes on me.


    Leo is sitting at the head of the table, a cigarette in his hands as Azura holds out their daughter and he


    takes her. The child instantly smiles as she begins talking earnestly to her father. The couple has a


    moment and I look away only for my eyes to meet Marcel¡¯s.


    ¡°I¡¯m d to see you are well Royce, the council is going into a panic. This morning your father


    requested their help to find any information on you. He fears you are dead.¡± Marcel says, as he takes a


    seat opposite where I¡¯m standing and motions for me to sit down opposite him.


    My sister¡¯s mate.


    He¡¯s a lot older than her, but love doesn¡¯t judge. I can tell she¡¯s happy.


    This is a whole load of messed up. He is my Goddess¡¯s uncle, whose own aunty is mated to his son,


    and her cousin. Like I said, confusing.


    ¡°That was for an intended purpose.¡± I say as Winona takes a seat opposite Sk.


    He nods slowly. ¡°I know you youngsters will have your own reasons for wanting to keep this quiet, but


    you should know that we will not oust you. If Alejandro knows¡­ he won¡¯t either. Although you probably


    shouldn¡¯te in front of him for a while.¡± He says, his gaze flickering to Sk¡¯s neck.


    Sk smirks. ¡°He¡¯ll get over it.¡± She says, locking her arms around my neck, our eyes meeting and I


    honestly don¡¯t care either when she kisses me passionately.


    I¡¯m here and I wouldn¡¯t change that, regardless of who approves and who does not.


    I pull her closer, her back arches as she presses herself into me and I deepen the kiss.


    Marcel chuckles.


    ¡°I understand where you areing from and I¡¯m sure we can consult with Dante. What do you think


    Leo?¡± I ask ncing over at him.


    His sharp eyes meet mine and I can¡¯t help but wonder if he has perhaps talked to Winona or not.


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll see what he says, but I think telling Alejandro should be fine. It might actually work out,


    especially since Sk¡¯s marked by you. He¡¯ll probably be worried about her if you were dead.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point.¡± I say, as Sk nods in agreement, and we all begin tucking in.


    ¡°Yeah, Mama did seem worried, but she just asked if I had spoken to Royce, but I kind of brushed it off.


    I do need to talk to Dad. I can¡¯t avoid it forever. Besides, I¡¯m not scared of him.¡± She says seriously.


    I nod, I think she generally needs to talk to her father about a lot more than this situation¡­ it¡¯s not easy,


    and it won¡¯t be, as she doesn¡¯t like to disy her emotions, but it is something that needs to be done.


    I¡¯ll talk to her about it.


    Winona reaches for the fruit tter that sits in front of me and before Marcel can reach for it, I pick it up


    and hold it out to her, unable to stop myself.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She says, helping herself quickly as if not wanting to trouble me.


    If only she knew, she can trouble me all she wants. That¡¯s what sisters are entitled to.


    ¡°The food was prepared by Winona. Unlike me, she¡¯s a great cook.¡± Azura says, smiling at Winona.


    I look down at the array of food that isden on the table and look up at her.


    ¡°It looks delicious,¡± I say.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She says again, blushing lightly at thepliment.


    ¡°Winnie is an amazing cook, and so is Daddy, but Mommy can¡¯t cook. It¡¯s true.¡± Corrado says, making


    most of us chuckle. ¡°And I love Kataleya¡¯s cooking.¡±


    ¡°And as promised, I will make you anything you want.¡± Kataleya says, as she smiles at him.


    I take another bite. It¡¯s strange to think I¡¯m eating food she made. Maybe I¡¯m getting sentimental, but it


    feels surreal, knowing she¡¯s right here¡­ at this table.


    You were damn right, Lottie, she¡¯s alive and I hope she agrees to meet you. You¡¯ll have the perfect role


    model in life.


    ¡°The food is delicious, Winona.¡± I say looking up at her, it takes me a moment to realise I hadn¡¯t


    addressed her formally.


    She looks up and smiles shyly as she leans into Marcel. ¡°Thank you, Alpha Royce.¡± She says, looking


    up at him with her brown eyes.


    Grandmother had brown eyes¡­


    ¡°Please, call me Royce,¡± I say, now feeling like I¡¯m making matters worse.


    She nods, her smile faltering as her gaze flickers to Leo before she looks down thoughtfully.


    Am I being obvious? Who am I kidding? I bloody am. I¡¯m not trying to and I sure should be grateful he


    allowed me to be in her presence and that trust is something I better honour.


    Sk¡¯s hand on my arm tightens and I look at her. Her eyes are sharp as she observes me.


    ¡®Alright, what the hell is going on? Because I sure as fuck am getting jealous.¡¯ She says, her eyes


    shing purple and I¡¯m unable to stop myself from chuckling because you know what? My girl looks


    utterly gorgeous getting possessive of me.


    ¡°Royce.¡± She growls menacingly.


    ¡°Sorry Love,¡± I say, but I can¡¯t stop myself from smirking.


    I ce my spoon down, cupping the back of her neck firmly and tugging her up to look me in the eyes.


    ¡®I bloody love how cute you look when you¡¯re jealous.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m not that jealous.¡¯ She growls back, but she still yanks me closer, her fingers twisting in my hair


    tightly as she kisses me possessively, making it clear that I am hers.


    And I honestly don¡¯t mind¡­

 9. Things I Wasnt Expecting

    9. Things I Wasn''t Expecting


    WINONA.


    I watch Sk kiss her chosen mate, feeling an odd sense of turmoil inside of me. His reaction when I


    stepped out of the house¡­ Was it a coincidence that Leo had asked me about my family this morning?


    I know maybe it¡¯s just my assumption, but I can¡¯t deny he¡¯s watched me more than he has Azura or


    Kataleya and there¡¯s a look in his eyes that he¡¯s trying to hide.


    I look down at my te, taking a bite as my mind wonders back to earlier¡­


    (EARLIER ON)


    ¡°Mind if I have a word?¡± Leo says, entering the kitchen where I am busy preparing breakfast.


    Last night had been amotion with a patient in critical condition being brought in and I knew Sk


    hade too.


    Of course, everything was kept quiet until this morning and when I heard who it was, I wanted to cook


    for them. He had helped Leo when Azura was in trouble, and he had saved Sk¡¯s life. It¡¯s also the


    way I cope with things. When I¡¯m worried or concerned, I cook.


    And the reason for my concern is who exactly he is. Royce Arden, the man we met at the hospital¡­


    I don¡¯t know why, but it makes me feel a little on edge. When we had shaken hands¡­ there had been


    this intense feeling of familiarity, although I have never met him in my life.


    ¡°Of course.¡± I say, almost saying Alpha, but he¡¯s made it clear I needed to stop.


    I know sometimes it still hurts him when he sees my mark on Marcel¡¯s neck, but he¡¯s getting more


    ustomed to it and even then, he¡¯s never changed towards me. He still treats me well, just as he


    always has.


    He nces towards the closed kitchen door, sighing as he takes out a cigarette and leans against the


    opposite counter, watching as I carry on grating the potato for the hash browns.


    ¡°I know you said that you don¡¯t want to ever learn of your past, or where you came from.¡± He begins.


    His words make me freeze as my heart thuds.


    With bated breath, I wait for him to continue. ¡°But I wanted to ask¡­ if I learned something about your


    past, would you want to know?¡±


    I frown slightly, looking up at him. ¡°What do you mean by learned?¡± I ask, feeling worried.


    ¡°Not intentionally, however. Someone who may be rted to you has approached me and requested to


    meet you.¡±


    I drop the potato I¡¯m holding, fear enveloping me, and I shake my head. ¡°No, why would they? They


    didn¡¯t want me. They left me at an orphanage.¡± I whisper, knowing I sound crazy.


    Leo takes a drag on his cigarette. ¡°Honestly, yes, they fucking did. But not all of them. You have a


    family out there Winona and although yes it was someone who ced you there¡­ they are not all


    alike. However, if you don¡¯t fucking want to know anything, this person will walk away. They are willing


    to respect whatever you decide.¡±


    Deep down I had wished I was really an orphan who had nowhere to go¡­ but to know they ced me


    there¡­


    But they aren¡¯t all alike¡­ I know I never wanted to look into it. Even when Alejandro had been curious


    about my heritage, I was blissfully happy without knowing, but now that I know he knows something¡­


    ¡°What else do you know, and this person¡­ how are they rted to me?¡± I whisper, looking up at him.


    He¡¯s conflicted too. I know he wouldn¡¯t have approached me if this person was not good, but I can also


    see that he fears I¡¯ll get hurt¡­ maybe I will¡­


    ¡°He¡¯s your brother.¡± He says finally, making my heart skip a beat.


    ¡°Brother?¡±


    ¡°A few years younger than you.¡± He says.


    ¡°H-how are you sure?¡± I whisper.


    ¡°The facts match, and it¡¯s not hard to miss.¡± He says, his voice short and cold, clearly not wanting to get


    into that.


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°My parents¡­ are they¡­ alive? Do they know he¡¯s approached us?¡± I ask.


    He takes a long drag on his cigarette. ¡°Your mother thinks you were stillborn. It was your father who got


    rid of you.¡±


    A sharp sting of pain rushes through me.


    One question burning in my mind.


    Why?


    Followed by a wave of relief that washes over me.


    My mother didn¡¯t get rid of me¡­ I have a mother¡­ one who thinks I¡¯m dead.


    From happy to confused to sad to uncertain, my emotions are havoc.


    I have told you what I could Winona, if you want me to find out more¡­ I can. If you want me to let you


    think about it, I will. And¡­ if you do wish to meet him, he¡¯ll be more than willing and what I can say is,


    he isn¡¯t a bad person.¡±


    That means a loting from Leo. I know Leo wouldn¡¯t even mention it to me if he was.


    ¡°I know, you wouldn¡¯t have told me if he isn¡¯t a good person¡­ I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll think it over.¡± I reply.


    He nods, ¡°Whatever your decision may be, I¡¯ll stand by it and make sure he fucking honours it.¡± He


    says.


    I nod, and he turns to leave the kitchen. He¡¯s at the door when I speak up.


    ¡°If it was you! Wh-what would you do?¡± I ask the man who has been a master, idol, and a saviour to


    me.


    He may be Marcel¡¯s son, but to me, he will always be the person who saved me when I was lost and


    scared. The person who offered me protection and a home when I had nowhere to go.


    He paused, his hand on the door frame.


    ¡°if you asked mest year, I¡¯d have said fuck ''em all. But now, I would give them a chance because


    who knows what wille of it. Things aren¡¯t always what they seem and sometimes to get to a better


    ce we have to ovee the pain too. Maybe facing the demons that haunt you might finally get you


    the closure and peace you wish to attain.¡±


    (END OF FLASHBACK)


    ¡®Are you ok Bellissima?¡¯ Marcel asks me.


    I look up into his rugged face and my heart skips a beat, my cheeks tinging pink under his smouldering


    gaze.


    ¡®I¡¯m not sure¡­¡¯ I say.


    I had told him what Leo had told me and although he had frowned; he had simply told me to think


    carefully, but whatever decision I make he would fully support me.


    ¡®What is worrying you?¡¯ He asks through the mind link, reaching over as he tucks a strand of my hair


    back.


    ¡®Nothing much.¡¯ I reply, but he knows better than that, caressing my waist, a move that sends intense


    sparks through me.


    Corrado is talking away, and I try to focus on his words and ce a smile on my face as I nce at the


    man across from us.


    Perhaps I am being silly¡­


    -


    Brunch is soon over, and Sk will be leaving with Alejandro, who is on his way, because a date for the


    hearing regarding the attack on the school girls has been finalised.


    Leo had informed them, and I felt sorry for the new couple who would now have to part ways as Royce


    has to remain hidden and it is obvious Alejandro is very angry.


    And he is on his way.


    I don¡¯t want to be around when he loses his temper. The Rossi temper is terrifying.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be for long.¡± I hear Royce say as they approach, their footsteps getting closer. I¡¯m putting


    Phoenix to sleep as I stand on the open balcony in the first-floor hallway. Letting the warmth of the sun


    envelope us.


    They are a little away and I¡¯m trying not to listen, but they aren¡¯t really talking privately either.


    From the gist of things, Sk doesn¡¯t want to go and I can¡¯t me her. They are young and in love.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting a bad feeling with all of this.¡± She mutters, her frustration clear in her voice.


    I turn, seeing Sk lean against the wall. I don¡¯t think they¡¯ve noticed me.


    ¡°I know, Love, but there are things we both need to do¡­ and shoot, I didn¡¯t realise¡­¡± he runs his


    fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated, and I can¡¯t help but wonder what he means.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Sk asks.


    ¡°I was supposed to testify at the hearing.¡± He says, wrapping his hand around her waist. ¡°And now I


    went and did this. I will still find a way-¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, they can¡¯t pin anything on me. The truth is in my mind. I did nothing.¡± She says,


    hugging him, whispering into his ear. ¡°Tell me, My Ice Prince, are you going to leave? I mean, what


    about finding your sister? You said Leo can help you with that.¡±


    I freeze, my heart thudding as I try to calm myself.


    Sister?


    ¡°Roy-¡±


    I can¡¯t help but look up sharply, my eyes on the blond man several metres away. Just in time to witness


    Royce shake his head, his hand over her mouth and clearly say something through the mind link, his


    head turned slightly.


    Wait, did he notice me?


    Sk¡¯s heart pounds, her eyes widen and that doubt I had now intensifies.


    Why are they looking at me like that?


    The way he was looking at me at brunch, the way he¡¯d look away whenever I looked up¡­ the way he


    had instantly moved to help me with the fruit tter¡­


    Sk¡¯s eyes turn on me, shock clear on her face, but Royce cups her face turning it towards him. His


    eyes flicker to me but it¡¯s toote, I already know.


    My heart is thudding as I look at him.


    He¡­


    He¡¯s my brother?


    He is¡­


    Which means¡­ My father, who got rid of me, is Alpha Keh Arden?


    My head feels light, and I feel dizzy.


    It¡¯s too much to take in.


    I slowly turn away, my vision swaying. My only thought is to put our little princess on the ground and


    make sure she¡¯s safe. I manage to do so, cing her on the rug, before I feel myself falling¡­


    I think someone shouts my name and I feel someone holding me before it all turns dark.

 10. More Than Words

    10. More Than Words


    ROYCE.


    ¡°How fucking obvious did you make it?¡± Leo asks as I run my fingers through my hair.


    ¡°I swear I did not sense her there.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, and it¡¯s me who let it slip.¡± Sk says defensively, but I pull her close to calm her.


    ¡°Yeah, like your fucking father, you don¡¯t know how to hold back shit.¡± He says, frowning at her.


    She res back at him, and I move her behind me slightly.


    Leo has every right to be angry, and I rather that anger is directed at me than Sk. She res at Leo


    with equal venom, but she doesn¡¯t say anything more.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t something I wanted her to find out like this, but why does it feel like you don¡¯t seem too


    bothered?¡± I ask, looking at Leo.


    He tilts his head and cocks a brow. ¡°From my conversation with her earlier, I deduced she would have


    probably agreed.¡± He says.


    ¡°And she¡¯s so sweet. Did you see her only concern was little Phoenix, otherwise that little Humpty


    Dumpty would have taken a fall.¡± Sk says, shaking her head.


    We both look at her as she giggles at whatever image that brought to her mind.


    ¡°You do know although she¡¯s a werewolf, she would have gotten hurt?¡± I say lightly, raising an eyebrow.


    She nods, a small frown appearing on her face. ¡°I know, but she¡¯s so round, maybe she would have


    bounced.¡±


    ¡°Remind me never to leave my fucking kids with you.¡± Leo says, but he¡¯s smirking at her joke.


    Sometimes these Rossis are¡­ interesting.


    ¡°Should I worry about my future kids?¡± I ask, then pause, realising that was not appropriate. Ah, fuck. ¡°I


    didn¡¯t¡­¡±


    Sk freezes, and Leo smirks as I trail off, knowing I¡¯ll only make it worse.


    ¡°Yeah, I would worry, with a psycho like her as their mama.¡± He says arrogantly.


    ¡°Hey, your woman is more psycho than I am.¡± Sk growls, only amusing her cousins further.


    I smile lightly, the tension in the room easing when there¡¯s a knock on the door and it opens to reveal a


    serious Marcel. He¡¯s observing me intently before he nods more to himself.


    ¡°Winona¡¯s awoken. She wishes to speak to you.¡±


    Sk looks at me before I kiss her lips quickly. ¡®Wish me luck.¡¯


    ¡®You won¡¯t need it. She¡¯s lucky to have you, but I got to admit, you siblings are hot.¡¯ Sk says with a


    smirk.


    I cock a brow, remembering what she had said back in the hospital room and smile faintly.


    ¡®I¡¯m just your type.¡¯ I say as I follow Marcel out of the door. Thest thing I hear is Leo speaking and


    Skughing.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stop imagining Phoenix as an egg now.¡±


    Marcel chuckles as the door shuts, and he falls into step beside me, bing serious.


    ¡°If what Winona has said is anything to go by, then I will not let your father simply get away with this. He


    tried to have a child killed.¡± His eyes sh as he now looks at me.


    ¡°I feel the same rage and I can assure you justice shall be served. I know it won¡¯t be as easy to prove.


    With the Beta dead, there¡¯s not many who will dare speak up. But he will be punished, and I will be


    challenging him for the title of Alpha.¡± I say as we reach their bedroom.


    ¡°Good, you beat Alejandro¡¯s arse, I¡¯m sure your father won¡¯t be different.¡± His voice is hard and I¡¯m d


    to see my sister has those that love her.


    I owe the Rossis.


    She¡¯s sitting on the bed, the nket pulled over herp, and I realise she holds the same grace that


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Mother does. Her head tilts up a little as she watches me enter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two.¡± Marcel says as he walks over to the bed, kissing her forehead before cing an


    extra pillow behind her back.


    She blushes ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± She says, and I feel a tad out of ce right now.


    I give them a moment before Marcel leaves the room and closes the door behind him, leaving us alone.


    She looks up at me now, her fingers instantly ying with the ring on her finger.


    ¡°I apologise for the way you found out. I didn¡¯t mean to let it slip like that.¡± I begin.


    She shakes her head as she watches me intently. She¡¯s observing me, paying attention to every detail.


    ¡°Alph- L-Leo, Leo told me that it was my father who left me at that orphanage¡­ is it really true that our


    mother doesn¡¯t know?¡± She asks, her voice sounding uncertain.


    I walk over to the bed, about to crouch down beside the bed, when she reaches out shaking her head.


    ¡°Sit on the bed.¡± She says, about to touch me but changes her mind and pulls her hand back.


    I oblige as I look at her. ¡°I know you never wanted to know us, but it was actually Charlotte who found


    out you were alive.¡±


    ¡°Charlotte¡­¡± her heart skips a beat, and a glimmer of curiosity fills her eyes. ¡°The girl from the


    hospital.¡±


    I nod, ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s sixteen, me and Aleric are twenty-five.¡± My smile fades a little at the mention of him.


    ¡°Although he¡¯s a lot like our father.¡±


    She frowns slightly and nods, ¡°And do you have a picture of her?¡± She asks hesitantly.


    Mom. She doesn¡¯t need to exin who she meant.


    I smile and nod, taking out my phone, and unlocking it, I take a moment to appreciate my nymph before


    I go onto my gallery and scroll through.


    Mom¡­ the first picture of her that I want her to see is a real moment captured of hers, not one of her


    picture-perfect moments. Not when she¡¯s Luna Catherine Arden, but our mother¡­


    I pause seeing an image of her sitting on one of the many balconies of the Arden mansion as she ys


    with the ne that contains Winona¡¯s baby picture¡­ Her head is resting against the pir and


    although there¡¯s a smile on her face, there¡¯s a sadness in her eyes.


    ¡°Here¡­ this is our mother Catherine, and it¡¯s your picture that she wears in that ne. Victoria


    Elizabeth Arden. She misses you and always mes herself for not being able to protect you within her


    womb.¡± I say softly as she takes the phone from me.


    Her hands are trembling, and I can¡¯t exin how I¡¯m feeling. There¡¯s an overwhelming amount of


    emotion as I watch her look down at Mother¡¯s picture before she breaks down and begins sobbing as


    she stares at the phone.


    I tilt my head unable to speak from the emotions as I tug her closer. She leans into me resting her head


    on my chest as she sobs, clutching my phone to her chest.


    She doesn¡¯t say anything, but I know she¡¯ll be alright and when the timees for her to meet Mom¡­


    it will be perfect.


    I rub her back. The fact that our sister is right here¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m so d I found you.¡± I say.


    She nods. ¡°Me too.¡± She sniffs and I can¡¯t help but smile.


    But our brother-sister time is cut down when I hear a loud bang and crash.


    ¡°Where is that mother fucking bastard!¡± The thunderous roares.


    Alejandro Rossi.


    Here we go.


    Bloody perfect.

 11. When Two Lycans Clash

    11. When Two Lycans sh


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Oh for fuck¡¯s sake,¡± Leo says when we hear Dad.


    I sigh. I need to face him eventually and I want to get to him before he says something to hurt Royce. I


    spin around when Leo calls me.


    ¡°Sk.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I say as I pull open the door.


    ¡°He¡¯s a father, even if he is fucking acting like an uncivilised dickhead right now.¡± He says, making me


    smirk.


    I think I don¡¯t mind him.


    ¡°But?¡± I say, knowing he isn¡¯t done.


    ¡°But he¡¯s still fucking worried about you. Things are going to get rough. I don¡¯t need to be Dante to


    know that. It¡¯s best we smooth shit out, because when shit hits the fucking fan, we are going to need to


    be¡­ at an understanding with one another.¡±


    I roll my eyes. Honestly, these men and their egos.


    And yes, I have one too.


    ¡°United? Is that the word you were looking for?¡± I taunt.


    ¡°Na, I¡¯m good.¡± He says. ¡°But you get me, right?¡±


    ¡°Aww, is it a hard pill to swallowdder boy?¡±


    He pauses mid-drag on his cigarette, looking at me, before he coughs, making me smirk.


    ¡°Yeah, I know things.¡± I say smugly.


    ¡°Fucking women.¡± He growls.


    Standing up, he tries to stifle another cough.


    Act as unbothered as you want. We both know you weren¡¯t expecting me to know that shit.


    I can¡¯t help but smirk as he walks over to me and cocks a brow.


    ¡°What are you fucking waiting for? For him to break your precious man¡¯s nose?¡±


    I frown.


    ¡°Just do what I said and try to keep your fucking cool.¡± He says, opening the door.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t one big brother enough?¡± I grumble, snatching the cigarette from his hand and taking a drag on


    it. ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll try to see his point of view. I¡¯ll go talk to the grumpy old dude.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, maybe today before he trashes my entire fucking house.¡± He says, frowning at me before


    snatching his cigarette back.


    ¡°Buzzkill.¡± I say as we both head down the hall just as Roycees down the hallway.


    ¡°Baby¡­¡± I say as I walk over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. The


    intense urge to protect him from Dad fills me although he¡¯s damn strong, but sometimes words hurt far


    more than physical pain¡­


    Isn¡¯t that what I do though? Hurt others with my words?


    A sliver of guilt rushes through me, and I push the thought away.


    ¡®I¡¯ll talk to your father.¡¯ He says, kissing the top of my arm as his arms encase me protectively.


    ¡®No, I will.¡¯


    ¡®Sky¡­¡¯


    ¡®Mmm?¡¯ I ask hearing Uncle Marcel trying to calm Dad down, as Winona steps out of her room. I can


    see her eyes are puffy, clearly having been crying, I hope things went well between them and I think


    they did because I can smell her on him.


    ¡®I know it¡¯s not always easy but try to tell him how you really feel.¡¯ He says quietly. ¡®I don¡¯t think he¡¯s the


    type who will bring it up again or throw it back in your face. You may not admit it, but you two are alike


    and I know it¡¯s hard but try to talk to one another. Tell him what you truly feel, Lil Lucifer.¡¯


    My heart skips a beat at the use of that name, and it reminds me of those days when we used to just


    text and even then, he told me to talk to Dad.


    He leans down, pecking my lips softly, and I can¡¯t help but close my eyes, enjoying his touch.


    Fuck, it makes me all kinds of giddy.


    I bite my lip, trying to focus on him.


    ¡®Royce-¡¯


    ¡®Before you say anything, just try alright.¡¯


    I sigh. ¡®I know¡­ I get it, I¡¯ll try. I think I need to.¡¯ I say, resting my head on his chest before another snarl


    makes me pull away.


    ¡°You should stay out of the way for a bit.¡± Leo says and I nod in agreement.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be far.¡± Royce says, his eyes shing blue, a glimmer of a frown crossing his face.


    ¡°I know. My Lightning God always has my back.¡± I reply, winking at him.


    ¡®I pray he does.¡¯


    I freeze, my heart thundering as that same feminine voice fills my head and I take a deep, calming


    breath.


    Pushing the thought away and shaking it off, I try to focus on the present, but I might have to call Del or


    Ri and ask if they can help with that.


    I have Dad to deal with right now. With that in mind, I stride to the stairs and make my way down to


    where Uncle Marcel is trying to calm him down.


    ¡°Where is that bastard? I¡¯m going to fucking kill him for real!¡± Dad snarls, his elbow smashing into the


    wall.


    Leo cocks a brow as he walks in step with me. ¡°This is my fucking house, and I don¡¯t appreciate a rabid


    Lycan on the lose. So, unless you¡¯re going to fucking behave, get the fuck out.¡± He says coldly to Dad,


    whose eyes narrow as they glimmer red.


    ¡°Ah, another cocky shit.¡± Dad says, smirking coldly, the rage in his eyes still burning.


    Can I say I¡¯m d Royce, Leo and Uncle Marcel are here? Cus Dad looks¡­ deranged.


    Which means he¡¯s really pissed¡­


    Fuck.


    I look down when Malevolent rubs against my ankles, almost as if encouraging me to keep going.


    Yeah, I know¡­ I need to do this¡­


    ¡°Dad, can we talk?¡± I say, dragging his attention from Leo. He¡¯s clearly not slept, and his hair is a mess


    too.


    He¡¯s a father¡­


    I have to remember that he fucking cares.


    Argh, I hate confrontations and shit!


    He looks at me, and his eyes instantly go to my neck, in my off-shoulder dress, he can clearly see my


    mark and his frown deepens.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡± He says, his voice far calmer than it was moments ago.


    My heart thuds and I look down at Malevolent. Bending down, I scoop her up, giving her a hug before I


    let her down again.


    I got this.


    Fuck, I really don¡¯t.


    Marcel gives me a warm smile and a pat on the shoulder as I walk past him and follow Dad to one of


    the lounges.


    No Mama¡­ just Dad.


    I enter the room and close the door behind me; the thud sounding loud in the silence.


    ¡®You got this Love, and I¡¯m not far.¡¯ Royce¡¯s soothing voice is like a soothing river of calmness.


    The tether that lets me sleep peacefully at night, my binding that keeps me sane without dosing myself


    on poison.


    He¡¯s breathing hard. I know that from the way his chest is heaving, that inferno of rage and anger is


    consuming him. I know how that feels.


    He¡¯s controlling himself¡­


    A constant battle to stop himself from bing the beast he was born to be.


    ¡°What do you want to say?¡± I ask, making his deadly red eyes turn on me.


    ¡°The consequences of him marking you. Do you know what they are?¡± He asks as he advances on me


    almost menacingly, but I stand my ground.


    ¡°That we are now one, and that he loves me enough to show thatmitment. Dante told me you


    know that Royce is the Sris King, and I don¡¯t know if you know, but the Sris King is not blessed


    with a mate.¡± I begin.


    Stay calm, Sky, and be reasonable¡­ for Royce and your rtionship.


    Telling myself that isn¡¯t helping.


    ¡°Only time will tell.¡± He says, his jaw clenched. ¡°I know you think you can take the world on by yourself


    and it¡¯s clear no matter what I say, until that timees and shit goes down which I hope never fucking


    happens, you won¡¯t fucking understand¡­¡±


    Ok¡­ not the way I thought this was going to go and his words are irking me already.


    ¡°He¡¯s a king of some fucking ce that is far bigger than Ennd-¡±


    ¡°Um yeah¡­ the States? So you really do not know where that is or that we¡¯re talking America? I mean,


    I get you live in little old Ennd-¡±


    ¡°Do not fucking try me, we may be a small country but through history and even now we have proved


    that we are fucking strong-¡±


    ¡°Wow, you mean stealingnds from others?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m talking fucking werewolves, not those human fuckers! Even if every fucking decision we made


    wasn¡¯t right!¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­ can you even say that? I mean, you aren¡¯t really English-¡±


    ¡°Sk! Not the fucking point!¡± He snarls.


    Hey, I tried to change the topic¡­ shame it didn¡¯t work.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Royce is embroiled in things that will hurt you and he didn¡¯t even consider telling me about all the shit


    that Ken-fucking-bastard is up to! You think that you two know what the fuck you are doing!¡±


    Ah, there it is. The anger.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine, he¡¯ll prove he is the Sris King. He. He will challenge his father for the title of Alpha,


    and he will protect me, Dad.¡± I say, trying to keep my voice steady.


    ¡°The fact that Keh wanted one of his sons with you¡­¡± He clenches his jaw and I wonder who told


    him that. Was it Dante? Cus it sure-as-fuck was not necessary!


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have told us if that was the case, Dad.¡± I say sharply.


    ¡°There¡¯s something called reverse fucking psychology,¡±


    ¡°Yeah, only answer me one thing first. Have you ever got an off vibe from him? Because as far as I¡¯m


    concerned, everyone approved of him before this came to light. And remember it was Royce himself


    who told us that about his Dad¡± I reply.


    ¡°This could all be a fucking game, and Royce could fucking destroy you. You¡¯re my daughter, Sk,


    and that obviously puts a target on your back. People will try to use you to get to me. To let someone,


    you barely even know, mark you-¡±


    ¡°Because I asked!¡±


    ¡°And he could have fucking said no!¡± he snarls.


    I shake my head. ¡°Yeah, that sure would have made me feel wanted. Whatever, just fucking whatever


    Dad. You won¡¯t listen because you never listen to anything!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you fucking hurt! He should have told you about being a fucking King before marking you!¡±


    ¡°And that is my choice! Who cares if he¡¯s a king or a fucking omega! I love him!¡± I shout.


    I know I said I¡¯ll be calm but¡­ I can''t!


    ¡°There¡¯s something not fucking right. I¡¯m not going to deny your feelings. I don¡¯t fucking know what


    you¡¯re feeling but he shouldn¡¯t have marked you¡­ if something happens to you because of him Sky, I


    will fucking-¡±


    ¡°You will what, huh? Because I really don¡¯t care! I swear to the gods I really fucking don¡¯t care because


    I¡¯d rather be dead than live the fucking life I was living before he came into my life!¡± I scream, my


    emotions surging as my eyes ze purple, blurring with tears of frustration.


    My aura swirls around me as I re up at him, ready for his wrath, but he is silent, his eyes returning to


    their glittering onyx shade. But what gets to me is the look in them.


    It¡¯s not hurt, it¡¯s not rage¡­ it¡¯s¡­


    Guilt.

 12. Father to Daughter

    12. Father to Daughter


    SKYLA.


    I don¡¯t like that look.


    It¡¯s a look I¡¯ve seen in the mirror so many fucking times¡­


    He looks away, as if not wanting me to know what he¡¯s feeling.


    A tense silence falls between us, and I hate where we¡¯vee to. I close my eyes, trying to calm


    down. Now I fucking feel guilty for saying that.


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m sorry, that you felt like that... I¡­¡± He pauses as if trying to recollect his thoughts.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡± I exhale, opening my eyes and looking at him. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be sorry. You¡¯re not


    responsible for the way I feel.¡±


    ¡°I kinda am when I¡¯m your father. You being a Lycan is my fucking fault. I know how it feels to be


    isted, wondering why the fuck I¡¯m even alive when I don¡¯t fit in anywhere¡­ it wasn¡¯t exactly the


    entire truth but it¡¯s how I felt.¡± He says, his voice is quiet, and even though he¡¯s trying to hide them,


    there are so many emotions in them.


    I don¡¯t know if I can do this. I feel too damn emotional, and he only makes it worse when he cups my


    face and looks into my eyes with eyes filled with emotions. I thought he wanted to hide.


    I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen him this vulnerable since Kataleya was taken and he broke down¡­ he didn¡¯t


    know I saw him, but I did. That image of my father, the all-powerful king sitting there with his head in his


    hands, always remained¡­


    I¡¯m about to turn away, but he doesn¡¯t let me, pressing his lips against my forehead before looking into


    my eyes.


    ¡°I know how it feels trying to fight the darkness that¡¯s constantly trying to consume you. I¡¯ve done things


    that I regret. I¡¯ve killed people and hurt people, some that still carry those scars until this day. The guilt


    of it all won¡¯t ever go away, but I¡¯m trying every fucking day. I¡¯m trying to be better.


    Your mother is my tether. She pulled me from the darkness that was drowning me¡­¡± He stops, his


    eyes glinting and he closes his eyes.


    ¡°I see myself in you. The poisons, I¡¯ve done the same. I¡¯ve drunk bottles of wolfsbane to cope. At the


    age of thirteen, when I shifted, I killed my parents in rage. The scars on Maria¡¯s back. I did that to her¡­


    I used to beat Raf to within an inch of his life just because I was fucking pissed off. I¡¯ve done far


    worse¡­¡±


    My heart thuds. Sure I knew Endora faked her own death, but we were also told it was at the cost of


    her mate¡­ Dad did that? Everything he said from Uncle Rafael to the wolfsbane¡­ it hits home.


    ¡°Did you really¡­ kill them?¡±


    ¡°Endora may have faked her death, but I assure you¡­ my father was a victim of hers and I was the


    one who ended his life¡­ instead of saving him from her spells and control, I ended his life.¡± He says


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    quietly.


    Killed his own father. Just the thought sends fear rushing through me.


    That¡¯s a nightmare that haunts me often enough that I¡¯ll hurt someone I love to the point that nothing


    can be done to save them.


    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡± He answers my unspoken thought, and I look up at him again.


    ¡°You did¡­¡± I whisper, knowing he had his brother who always supported him there for him, but what


    happened is horrible.


    He shakes his head, letting go of my face as he wraps his arms around me tightly, and I can hear his


    racing heart as he holds me close. There¡¯s a different kind offort in a father¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°I know you won¡¯t do what I did, because whether I selfishly hate it or not, you have found your tether,


    your light. You found the calm to your storm, just as Kiara is mine. You found yours sooner. I can¡¯t


    imagine a life without her and I know even when I lose my shit, when I upset her and test her limits.


    Even then, just a touch from her and I have something to hold onto.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Royce for me.¡± I whisper.


    I hate being so vulnerable. I hide behind my attitude, and this is too fucking much, but he¡¯s trying too¡­


    ¡°I know¡­ and I¡¯m fucking sorry for losing my shit¡­ but when I heard of his possible death¡­ and you


    weren¡¯t answering your phone. A thousand thoughts were going through my mind. What if you can¡¯t


    cope with his loss? What if¡­ what if you were gone too? Why did he have to mark you so soon and so


    much fucking more and so I channelled my fear and worry into-¡±


    ¡°Anger¡­ because it¡¯s the easiest way to express your feelings without showing the world that you¡¯re


    scared, because we tell ourselves we have to always be fucking strong.¡± I finish and I¡¯m d he¡¯s


    hugging me because I¡¯m breaking.


    I clutch onto his shirt, the feel of his chest reminds me of those nights he¡¯d carry me when I was a child


    and I¡¯d fall asleep on hisp¡­ I remember the way I used to try to pinch his nipples when I could see


    the outlines of the little barbells and cackle when I seeded. The way I used to y with his


    nes and memorise every tattoo on his neck.


    ¡°One hundred fucking percent¡­ I see myself in you Sky, but like they say, when two people are so


    fucking alike¡­ it¡¯s hard, right? Not to sh?¡± His voice sounds thick too, and I nod.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry we pushed you to that. I never meant to make you feel fucking suffocated. We only wanted


    you safe and to be able to talk to us, but we weren¡¯t always like this Sky¡­ you started closing yourself


    off and shutting us out. Where did I go wrong?¡±


    You didn¡¯t.


    I¡¯m unable to stop the soft sobs that escape my own lips as tears spill from my eyes, and when the first


    few fall, it opens the dam to so many more.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t. Kat was going through so much, her nightmares and trauma. I had to do better¡­ I didn¡¯t


    want to be a burden but, in the end, I still became one. I was trying to deal with it my way. Fuck, I¡¯m not


    crying for sympathy. I just hate this!¡± I say, trying to wipe my eyes. He loosens his hold on me and I look


    up at him defiantly.


    There I said it.


    He shakes his head, his eyes glinting with sadness as he wipes my tears away, only for more to


    rece them.


    ¡°Na, you¡¯re not a fucking disappointment. People can fucking judge or say shit, but you are my


    daughter and in fact, you dealt with shit better than I did. Trust me when I say that¡­ there was a time I


    wished I never had daughters because I feared the day, I¡¯d have to give you to some fucker, but I


    wouldn¡¯t exchange any of you.¡± He says as I dare to look into his eyes.


    He¡¯s emotional too, and I know this is also hard for him.


    ¡°Good, cus you can¡¯t get that much more amazing than this.¡± I say weakly, pointing my thumb at


    myself.


    He smirks. ¡°Well, I did once say I fucking created the hot gene. I guess that¡¯s you.¡± He winks at me,


    and I can¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°Yes, exactly my point! Ah, you¡¯re good at this,¡± I say, pping his arm.


    He crosses his arm and looks down at me. ¡°Then give me a chance, talk to me. You know that shit


    won¡¯t go past me. Yeah, I drop stuff when I fucking want to, but I can keep a secret. Trust me.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡± I say,


    ¡°I know me being king gets in the fucking way of being a great father. I¡¯m not Elijah and I¡¯m not Rayhan


    or Leo, but I never fucking wanted you to feel like you can¡¯t talk about shit to me. I would fucking kill for


    the four of you. Yeah, you fuckers do grate on my fucking nerves, but at the end of the day, you¡¯re my


    fuckers and as long as I¡¯m alive, I¡¯ll always be there for you.¡±


    Our eyes meet and I nod, he smirks, looking away, and I swear he brushed his eye.


    ¡°I think this is the fucking part where you hug me.¡± He says and I can¡¯t help but chuckle as I pounce on


    him just as I used to long ago.


    ¡°Time to suffocate you, Grumpy Bear!¡± I say, squeezing his neck. He chuckles as he hugs me tightly.


    ¡°You need to be more than a scrawny beanpole before you can tackle this old man.¡± He says, tickling


    me and I move away from him.


    ¡°You know we still got to talk about that fucker.¡± He says, and I pull a face as I brush my hair back. ¡°But,


    if you''re serious, then there''s not much I can do. But I still want to fucking break his pretty nose.¡±


    ¡°Dad, I like his nose and honestly, I know you don¡¯t trust his family, but he isn¡¯t bad. One day you¡¯ll


    believe me.¡± I say confidently.


    He nods. ¡°Yeah.¡± He says, ruffling my hair, and he jerks his head to the door. ¡°Shall we? We have to


    leave soon too, and I do want to get some shit sorted before we do.¡±


    I nod as I wipe my face, hoping I don¡¯t look too bad. ¡°Yeah let''s¡­ just no breaking noses ok, my man is


    more handsome than all the Rossis.¡± I say as I pull the door open.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t agree.¡±


    My heart skips a beat and we both turn to see Royce leaning against the stair rail, arms folded.


    I blush slightly, but I¡¯m relieved the hall is empty of the others.


    ¡°And why wouldn¡¯t you?¡± I say as I walk over to him.


    He was nearby if I needed him¡­


    He catches me by my waist, tugging me close. I smile up at him as I lock my arms around his neck.


    ¡°Because you are a Rossi, and you¡¯re goddamned beautiful.¡± He whispers, brushing my hair back.


    ¡®I¡¯m proud of you, Love.¡¯ He adds through the link and we¡¯re about to kiss when Dad clears his throat


    and I turn to him.


    Usually, I think I would get annoyed, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll forget that talk we just had and¡­ I¡¯ll try. I will try


    to be more open and talk to those around me and, if not everyone, at least him¡­


    He shared things with me today that he never told me before, and I¡¯m certain not everyone knows that.


    ¡°Well, well, well, aren¡¯t you supposed to be fucking dead.¡± Dad says, lighting a cigarette now turning his


    gaze to Royce.


    Royce simply raises an eyebrow slightly. ¡°Not a chance when my entire life is before me.¡± He replies


    calmly and my heart soars when he looks down at me.


    He¡¯s right though¡­ We are one another¡¯s world.


    ¡°Yeah, well, let¡¯s get all the details and shit and go from there. I have an hour before we need to leave,


    and I fucking need to know exactly what the fuck I am missing.¡±

 13. Another One Down

    13. Another One Down


    SKYLA.


    Saying goodbye to Royce was scary and so fucking emotional whilst trying to pretend it wasn¡¯t,


    because I didn¡¯t know when I¡¯ll see him again.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Sure, Leo wired us up, him with a new number, and made sure no one can get into my phone. At least I


    could talk to him, but still knowing that I won¡¯t get to be by his side tonight¡­ or until who knows when.


    Everyone agreed that it would be too risky, and he needs to stay away from anywhere near the


    Shadow Wolves Pack or the academy.


    Fuck.


    I never knew I was so fucking needy until him¡­ but it was always like this¡­ even when we were


    talking as Reign and Luciferess, we couldn¡¯t spend a day without talking.


    He kept his walls up, but his hugsted a little longer. The way he cupped my face and caressed my


    cheek was for a moment longer¡­ as if he too knew we won¡¯t see each other soon.


    I don¡¯t want that.


    We¡¯re now at Midnight Academy, in the headmaster¡¯s office and Rivers has just given Dad his


    unwanted opinion on how I should be in school, or he was, until three other Alphas and two witches,


    had shown up.


    There is Flint from the council and two other Alphas I don¡¯t recognise. From the witches there is


    Magdalene and that weird quiet Sephora, she¡¯s the youngest and I don¡¯t really like her. I know Raihana


    gets so fucking mad at her.


    Now that the formalities are done, Rivers clears his throat. ¡°As I was saying about attendance-¡±


    ¡°Really? We have more pressing matters to tend to and you think her attendance is important!¡±


    Magdalene snaps.


    Rivers really is fucking annoying. Funny he wants me in school now because didn¡¯t he fucking want me


    out the fucking way and suspended?


    ¡°Nine days for a hearing. That¡¯s fucking long, ain¡¯t it?¡± Dad asks Magdalene. ¡°And just to give one


    fucking date, you called us all the way down here?¡±


    ¡°Well, there is more to it than just the date King Alejandro. Three more dead. Do you not think it a


    coincidence that the two of them werest seen talking to Sk Rossi?¡± She says sharply.


    Three?


    ¡°What the fuck do you mean? And why the fuck was I not notified?¡± Dad asks coldly.


    But my heart skips a beat, unable to focus properly.


    I know they mean Royce, but who else wasst seen talking to me?


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what we wanted to discuss, King Alejandro. We didn¡¯t withhold it from you, it only came to


    our knowledge recently, and we thought it best to tell you in person.¡± Flint says seriously.


    ¡°I know about Keh¡¯s son-¡±


    ¡°And do you know about Zayn Freeman, the same boy your daughter almost killedst year?¡± One of


    the Alphas says.


    ¡°Zayn? Zayn¡¯s dead?¡± I ask, shocked, but no one answers.


    ¡°Keith, you will know fucking better than to use her!¡± Dad snarls as he stands up, his aura rolling


    through the room.


    Silence falls as every werewolf in the room lowers their head to the Alpha of Alphas. Yeah, fuckers.


    Magdalena tuts as Sephora stands up. ¡°The truth may hurt, but people are dying!¡± She exims


    defiantly, although I can tell his aura is affecting her too, but she too, is powerful.


    ¡°King Alejandro, there is footage that Sk was thest one to see him alive.¡± Rivers says quietly.


    ¡°Yet your cameras didn¡¯t catch the attack, now did they?¡± Dad growls.


    I try to think back to when I had ever seen him. That was ages ago¡­


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him in ages.¡± I interrupt again, this time speaking loud and clear.


    ¡°Rightfully so, his body was found at the bottom of the trench down at the end of the academy grounds,


    pretty much dposed¡­ and he had died from the same poisoning as the girls,¡± Keith says.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions. The king can see the body himself.¡± Flint adds, clearly conflicted and I


    know he is loyal to Dad, but he is also level-headed.


    ¡°I will, but to me Sk without proof-¡±


    ¡°He had a piece of torn clothes in his hand, and they contained Sk Rossi¡¯s DNA.¡±


    Silence falls and my stomach twists. I feel nauseous as I try to make sense of it all.


    That isn¡¯t fucking possible.


    ¡°If finding out the truth is so fucking urgent, then why the fuck are you holding that trial in nine days!


    Let¡¯s probe her mind and get the answers now!¡± Dad growls as the door opens and Keh the Cunt


    enters.


    I have to admit he looks¡­ not like himself. He looks tired, but I guess losing a son does that. Did he


    regret everything he had forced on Royce? I mean, is it even real?


    ¡°Protocol! You do not understand how things work!¡± Magdalena shouts. ¡°I trust you King Alejandro but-¡±


    ¡°But not enough to believe that I know my daughter and I know she did not fucking kill anyone!¡±


    ¡°I have always sided with you! Don¡¯t you think I have a reason for doing and saying as I am!¡± She


    snaps back, her aura swirling around her.


    ¡°And what may that be?!¡± Dad roars. ¡°Probe her mind now!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t! don¡¯t you see, I¡¯m trying¡­¡±


    ¡°Allow me.¡± Sephora says, cing a hand on the older woman¡¯s shoulder.


    Magdalene frowns as she looks away, and Sephora looks at Dad.


    ¡°We have seen glimpses of the havoc of darkness in the future, King Alejandro and I see her in the


    midst of it all. She is tied to servants of Apophis, heed our warning.¡±


    My head shoots up and my heart thuds.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask.


    No. Just no.


    This can¡¯t be true.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Dad asks. ¡°And if you know something, why didn¡¯t youe to me?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s not clear, but with everything going on, prophecies, readings and the stars are not always


    so easy to read.¡±


    Darkness¡­ involving me¡­


    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t do something bad¡­¡± I say.


    Aleric! Royce said, Aleric shot him¡­ he¡¯s the one whose mind should be probed!


    I¡¯m about to speak when Keh beats me to it. ¡°And why didn¡¯t you tell this to Alejandro first?¡± He


    asks coldly.


    ¡°I wanted to be certain. I was trying to keep everyone safe by warning you and at the same time, I¡¯m


    trying to dy so we can buy time to find some solid answers.¡± Magdalene massages her temples. ¡°I


    feared with no clear answer, he would not listen-¡±


    ¡°I always listen!¡± Dad growls.


    The sound of footsteps, one of which is clearly a woman by the sound of heels, makes me nce at


    the door. Despite my mind being a mess. I recognise both scents.


    ¡°Can you all just calm down?¡± The woman who opens the door with a flick of her finger says.


    Ri.


    Magdalena turns to her, shocked to see her here. Right behind her is none other than Uncle Liam.


    ¡°Call a code red. We have the hearing first thing in the morning. You are already causing Sk enough


    stress and using her of something she has not done, so why dy the hearing?¡± Liam says quietly.


    His voice is calm, but there¡¯s a power in it and everyone here fucking knows he¡¯s right.


    ¡°My son and Beta are dead. Let¡¯s do it.¡± Keh says.


    I think Dad and I are both fucking shocked he¡¯s agreeing. How will he take it when he learns that his


    other son tried to kill Royce and murdered his Beta?


    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Flint asks him.


    Keh looks down. ¡°Every single member of my pack is ounted for, save Royce.¡± He says, looking


    away.


    ¡°I¡¯m with Liam, let¡¯s move this hearing closer, as for the spell regarding the reading of the girls¡¯ minds, it


    will be witnessed openly. I don¡¯t want any foul y.¡± Raihana says, her eyes shing.


    ¡°Of course, we are not the enemy here, Seraphina,¡± Magdalene says, referring to Raihana by her


    witch-given name.


    ¡°Great, then I¡¯m d we are on the same page.¡± She says icily.


    ¡°I understand that this hearing should be witnessed by the entire council, but I will be sitting it out to


    mourn the loss of my son, Aleric will attend in my stead.¡± Keh says quietly.


    For real? The same guy who ordered his daughter¡¯s death is mourning?


    He looks at me, and our eyes meet. ¡°My son was a good man, and if I find out there was foul y¡­ I


    demand blood for blood, life for life.¡± He says, his eyes shing.


    Dad and Liam instantly block his view of me, their auras raging, a menacing growl rumbles in Dad¡¯s


    chest.


    ¡°Then I hope you are ready to stand by it.¡± Dad snarls venomously, ¡°Regardless of who is behind this.¡±


    ¡°I intend to.¡± Keh spits.


    Sephora sighs. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a night and tomorrow we shall hold the hearing at noon, then. If that is what


    everyone wants.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. I¡¯ll notify the rest of the council, Alpha Alejandro.¡± Flint says quietly before I stand up. The


    three Alphas leave first and I sigh heavily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it. Howe no one realised Zayn was dead?¡± I say quietly.


    ¡°Their Alpha is sick, and he didn¡¯t seem to realise anything was off.¡± Rivers exins.


    ¡°And why didn¡¯t you question why a student was not attending sses?¡± Liam asks, cocking a brow.


    Silence falls in the room and Rivers pales as all eyes turn on him.


    ¡°I¡­ I have been negligent¡­ I didn¡¯t think much of it, often students do this¡­ just l-like Miss Rossi¡­


    and we had thought Zayn was on the field trip too, whilst they thought he had cancelled so when we


    realised he was missing¡­ well it took a while.¡±


    I roll my eyes. That¡¯s fucking crazy. The field trip was only a weekend, even Aleric had gone on it.


    Was he behind killing Zayn and if so, why? Is he trying to get revenge on me for what I said that day¡­ I


    remember the recording I had taken and nned to listen to it again.


    I want to know if there''s any hints in it.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. I think I¡¯ve had enough time around people I can¡¯t stand.¡± Raihana mutters, tossing


    her long brown locks over her shoulder.


    Liam smiles slightly. ¡°Shall we?¡± He says to me, holding his hand out.


    I smile as I close the gap between us, and he pulls me into his arms.


    Yeah, I¡¯m being used of murder¡­ yeah there are several people who believe it¡¯s me¡­ There¡¯s


    something dark in my future¡­ I mean Dante has said it, Magdalene has said it¡­ but¡­ I have so many


    people on my side. They will stop me, if ever- if ever I do something bad.


    It¡¯s going to be ok?


    Right?


    Why is that feeling of foreboding growing?

 14. Hot Drinks & Discussions

    14. Hot Drinks & Discussions


    SKYLA.


    It¡¯s a few hourster and Dad, Ri, Liam, and I are in the human city, in a small coffee shop that is


    nestled away in the corner of the town on a quiet street.


    Country music is ying softly in the background and although it isn¡¯t my type of music, I can¡¯t deny


    that it makes me want to tap my foot along to it.


    Raihana has put a spell around us, so no one can hear what we are saying as we discuss the goings


    ons over hot drinks and a variety of desserts including cream cakes, donuts, and biscuits. A


    conversation which ispletely the opposite of the warm ambience of the caf¨¦.


    ¡°The body was in a bad state.¡± Liam says, pulling a face from where he¡¯s sitting beside me. Dad is


    opposite me where he is sitting next to Ri.


    Malevolent is under the table, rubbing against my legs as Ri stirs her coffee, her head resting on Dad¡¯s


    shoulder.


    Neither Ri nor I had seen Zayn¡¯s body as she had said she didn''t want to. I had wanted to, but both


    Dad and Liam agreed I didn¡¯t need to see it.


    ¡°So uncle, was it that bad?¡± I ask Liam.


    ¡°Yeah, it was¡­ but I still feel the piece of fabric in his hand was not torn in a struggle. It could have just


    been put there¡­¡± He says and the other two nod their agreement.


    ¡°What colour was it?¡± I ask as I take a donut from the centre of the table.


    ¡°It was too grimy to see, but I¡¯ve got pictures and the body will be viewed again.¡± Dad says as two men


    walk past and shamelessly nce over at Raihana¡¯s boobs as they walk past, but one cold re from


    Dad makes them pick up speed and move along.


    Idiots, but got to give them points for bravery considering that even with our auras reigned in, humans


    can still sense our abilities, and everyone has been casting nces our way.


    ¡°He¡¯s been dead for far too long to be fucking overlooked. Didn¡¯t his parents bother to check up on


    him? That¡¯s shady-as-fuck,¡± Dad says.


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already contacted Rayhan, the investigation team. They¡¯ll look into it.¡± Liam says.


    ¡°And Leo¡¯s requested for the body to be sent to him to run some of his own tests.¡± Dad says.


    ¡°Oh? Was the council ok with that?¡± Raihana asks.


    Dad smirks. ¡°They¡¯ve taken an excellent liking to him, to the point I¡¯m hearing; what does Alpha Leo


    think or suggest? The fucker¡¯s smart, I¡¯ll give him that.¡±


    Liam smiles slightly. ¡°Yeah, he is, once you get past his anger.¡± He says.


    I nce up at him as he smiles down at me, knowing he was the one who had found Azura after her


    rejection.


    In fact, after he had felt the pack link break, the first person he had tried to make sure was safe was


    her¡­ Mama Red had calmed him down, saying Azura was fine¡­ yet¡­ Azura told me that when Liam


    had found her in that state, she¡¯d never forget the look in his eyes¡­


    Leo fucked up and although he¡¯s perfect for her, for Liam, that memory will stick, but then again, he¡¯s


    always hard on himself.


    I know from a convo I had overheard between Aunty Raven and Mama that he still feels guilty and


    regretful for the way he had marked Aunty Raven.


    The only difference is, Leo was angry and held resentment towards our packs, but Uncle Liam? He


    was fucking cursed by a god, heck how do you fight that?


    His actions were because of darkness through a curse. Yet even though he was cursed by a god, he


    managed to break it.


    Ironically that God was Helios, and he cursed him for something his ancestor did.


    Helios¡­ isn¡¯t it interesting? Helios cursed my uncle, yet blessed Royce. It¡¯s interesting how gods


    worked.


    Another thing that worries me is what the witches said regarding Apophis. What if somehow, I¡¯m


    cursed, or end up cursed and¡­ I don¡¯t even want to think about it.


    ¡°Sk?¡± I look up when Dad calls me. ¡°You ok?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was thinking¡­¡±


    I nod, clearing my thoughts as I try to think back to what colour I was wearing the day I lost control, but


    I can¡¯t fucking remember.


    ¡°I shifted on school grounds one of the days before Royce got to me. What if they used my clothes from


    that day. I mean, we leave our clothes lying around everywhere, it could have been any time.¡± I say,


    taking a cream cake.


    ¡°Ok Royce, hold that thought. I¡¯ming back to it.¡± Raihana says, pointing one of her long acrylics at


    me. ¡°But also, that is a very valid point regarding your clothes.¡±


    ¡°I do agree, especially since it doesn¡¯t make sense. The reports show he was in a lot of pain before he


    died. His nails contained bits of his own flesh and blood. So, for him to hold on to a scrap of fabric is


    more than a little strange.¡± Liam says as I look into his vibrant eyes.


    ¡°So, then someone is trying to fucking frame Sk.¡± Dad states.


    ¡°So, you think someone framed Sky?¡± Raihana asks.


    ¡°Well, we already know that.¡± Liam says.


    ¡°Can be an assumption, but if someone is setting her up¡­ there¡¯s more to it.¡± Raihana muses, stirring


    her already frothy coffee.


    Dad and I exchange looks and I nod. We can trust them both without a doubt.


    ¡°Well¡­ about that¡­¡± Dad begins, and both look at him as he begins filling them in. I gave my input and


    told them about Royce, and I had pulled down the high neck top I had put on before leaving Leo¡¯s pack


    earlier to show them my mark.


    When Dad¡¯s done, they are both beyond fucking shocked and I don¡¯t really me them. It is a lot to


    take in and Raihana definitely looks a little shocked, and by that, I mean really shook.


    ¡°But what ites down to, is - is Keh in on it? And if more¡¯s at y, what does Dante think?¡±


    Liam asks, picking up his mug.


    ¡°He can¡¯t say much, and he told me he¡¯ll be gone for a few days.¡± Dad sighs. ¡°It¡¯s not easy being him.¡±


    He adds quietly.


    I frown, feeling as if there¡¯s more on Dad¡¯s mind, but he doesn¡¯t go into it.


    ¡°You said Keh had a n for luring Sk into his family with one of his sons. I wonder if he knows


    his son¡¯s shenanigans.¡± Raihana says, running her fingers through her long hair. ¡°The Sris King¡­¡±


    She shakes her head as if trying to clear her mind.


    ¡°By the look of it, it¡¯s hard to fucking say, but we¡¯ll wait on Royce, and when he returns, we¡¯ll be able to


    take it a step further.¡± Dad says as he drinks his hot chocte.


    ¡°Only there¡¯s someone else dead too, and I wonder¡­¡± Liam trails off.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I ask, slipping some little bites of the treats on the table to Malevolent.


    ¡°If Aleric is behind it, then maybe tomorrow he ns to speak in her favour or maybe y the hero? I


    mean, why kill someone who already had a sh with Sk? If he, of course, killed him, that is.¡± He


    says, tilting his head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense, especially if they wanted Sk. Would they really try to


    tarnish her reputation?


    ¡°Well, he fucking killed his own beta and brother, or he thought he did anyway. I wouldn¡¯t put anything


    past that fucker.¡± Dad says coldly.


    We fall silent, pondering over the thought.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what tomorrow brings.¡± Raihana says, sighing. ¡°And Sky¡­ when they probe your mind ...


    although they will target the time of events, Janaina will be the one to do so, and she is trustworthy but


    try to focus on that night on thest time you saw the boy, it¡¯ll help nothing else seep out of the cracks.


    Especially since everyone will get to see those images.¡±


    ¡°Understood. But I guess this means they¡¯ll figure out I¡¯m a Lycan?¡±


    ¡°Well, if they haven¡¯t already checked the girl¡¯s mind, then yes, they¡¯ll know.¡± She says. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s


    good, I mean, maybe it¡¯s your Lycan that scared the girl. Her mind will be probed too.¡±


    ¡°I do agree. Maybe it¡¯s not a bad thing.¡± Liam adds.


    ¡°If Royce stood witness, it would have made things fucking easier. His proof was pivotal.¡± Dad growls.


    ¡°True, but a Lycan is supposed to be born every few centuries to rule. This will show people her


    importance, and wouldn¡¯t this put Sk as the next heir?¡± Liam asks, looking at Dad.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to be a ruler.¡± I say grimly.


    Dad is quiet for a moment.


    ¡°Inevitably, Royce is the Sris King, so that makes you a ruler anyway, and I feel like I can see you


    moving to Americater in life. I¡¯m assuming Dante will be our next king?¡± Raihana points out now,


    turning to Dad, who looks deep in thought.


    I never thought of that¡­ move all the way there?


    That¡¯s¡­ intense.


    Silence falls over the table until Dad sits back. ¡°The pack is Dante¡¯s as firstborn, and an Alpha God or


    whatever shit he is, but as for the title of the next ruler¡­ A Lycan is born every few centuries, since I¡¯m


    still fucking here, it''s not necessary that Sk takes that role. And well¡­ I think I already have my heir


    chosen.¡±


    Those words shock us all, making us stare at him.


    ¡°And he¡¯ll make an excellent fucking leader, because he was born a fucking king.¡±

 15. Glimpses to Come

    15. Glimpses to Come


    SKYLA.


    ¡°Who?¡± I ask curiously.


    ¡°Not for you to fucking know.¡± He replies with a smirk, and I wonder who he means, the way he said


    Dante gets the Alpha position¡­ then who does he mean?


    Raihana sighs, running her fingers through her hair. ¡°Long day?¡± Dad asks, putting his arm around her


    shoulders. She leans against him and picks up her coffee, smiling up at him.


    ¡°Yeah, Heaven¡¯s powers are manifesting and they¡¯re taking a toll on her and it¡¯s only making her anger


    worse.¡± She says. ¡°I¡¯m sure I was never this bad.¡±


    ¡°Raf had a way to get through to you.¡± Dad says.


    She nods, a sad smile on her lips.


    ¡°Yeah, I was Daddy¡¯s little girl.¡± She says, looking away for a moment, but I¡¯m certain her eyes are


    glistening.


    The original Rossi Princess, the first-born daughter of the next generation and she is definitely a


    princess.


    Dad pulls her closer, kissing her forehead. He¡¯s always been that father figure to her, especially after


    Uncle Raf died¡­


    I didn¡¯t know him¡­ but it hurts, the way everyone spoke about him made that clear enough that he was


    a true gem.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Heaven will get used to it. It must be hard on her. She¡¯s only young, but if you need a break or


    think she can use one, send her over.¡± He replies,


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She says with a nod before she turns to me. ¡°So, this Royce, have you got a picture?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do. My man is fine.¡± I say proudly, much to the annoyance of Dad.


    ¡°He ain''t anything special.¡± He says, making Liam smile, amused.


    Smirking, I take my phone out and unlock it, holding up a picture of my sexy Ice God for Raihana to


    see.


    She sits forward, taking the phone from me. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s sexy! Now that is a good-looking man, but I do


    have a thing for blond men.¡± She says.


    Dad scoffs, ¡°Yeah, probably only after your mate turned out to be fucking blond.¡± He says, making Liam


    stifle a chuckle.


    Earning himself a re from Raihana. ¡°Not at all. I was like six and I liked Liam, but he was always


    running after his little doll of a mate, even back then.¡± She waves her hand, making me look between


    them, surprised.


    Even Liam looks shocked. ¡°Me? But there was nothing special about me.¡± He muses, looking genuinely


    surprised and confused.


    I raise an eyebrow as Dad snickers.


    Ah, there¡¯s the dense side of my adorable uncle.


    ¡°I fucking agree.¡±


    I re at Dad. ¡°Be nice to my uncle.¡± I say, and Liam smiles at me, cing an arm around my


    shoulders.


    ¡°Well, you were nice. You would do things Rayhan got frustrated with, like my shoces and you would


    slow down when we were out in the fields so I could keep up. I liked you.¡± Raihana says reminiscing


    about the past, making Liam smile.


    ¡°Now thinking about it, you were a little princess even back then. There was you, who didn¡¯t want to get


    dirty or have your dress ruined. Kia, well with her ankle at times. I knew she was in pain and used to


    get worried. Then there was Raven. She was tiny, and she acted too big for her boots, often


    overestimating her abilities.¡± He smiles softly at the reminder of his mate. ¡°I guess I just wanted to


    make sure everyone was alright.¡±


    Aww, cute.


    ¡°And he¡¯s clearly been in love with her for ages.¡± Dad remarks.


    ¡°Well, I used to write you anonymous notes.¡± Raihana says, smirking.


    ¡°Ah¡­ I thought they were from Kia and Raven, making fun of me¡­¡±


    She cocks a brow. ¡°Really?¡±


    He looks at her apologetically and Dad snickers. ¡°Well, d he didn¡¯t fucking notice. Rossi women


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    don¡¯t belong to Westwood men.¡±


    ¡°Dad! That¡¯s annoying.¡± I say, making him chuckle.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t speak too soon, Liam has five sons and you have grandnieces.¡± I taunt Dad, whose smile


    vanishes.


    ¡°They¡¯re too fucking young.¡± He growls.


    Ah, if only he knew, we aren¡¯t that innocent.


    ¡°Well back to Royce, he seems to be a good one. I like how you two marked one another.¡± Raihana


    says, amused.


    ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t marked him. We apparently need to do that publicly.¡± I reply.


    ¡°That¡¯s valid.¡± Liam says.


    A pleasant, rxing silence falls over the table.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I wanted to tell you, uncle, and since we¡¯re here anyway¡­¡± Raihana begins, now


    serious as she looks up at Dad.


    He moves back slightly so he can see her better and nods, a frown on his face. ¡°And what may that


    be?¡±


    She seems to hesitate before looking away for a second before she looks Dad straight in the eye.


    ¡°Bing a High Witch of the Coven of Ennd.¡± She says, now sitting up straight.


    I look at her sharply, shocked, as Liam cocks a brow.


    ¡°What?!¡± I ask sharply.


    ¡°Yeah, I fucking second that. You and Del both didn¡¯t want to join that coven.¡±


    ¡°No, but darker times areing, Uncle¡­ and I need to be in a position of power.¡± She says quietly.


    ¡°As one of the most powerful witches in the world, I need to be at the head, it¡¯s my duty.¡±


    It¡¯s a big deal for her to say that because I know how against joining the cover she and Del were. For


    her to be considering it¡­ means things are bing even more worrying for her to make such a


    decision.


    ¡°Tell me what you''re hiding, Ri?¡± Dad asks sharply and I¡¯m about to brush it off, but the way her heart


    thuds makes me look at her intently.


    Unease settles over us, and I frown, waiting for her to answer Dad. Her gorgeous tan skin looks pale as


    she looks between the three of us.


    ¡°Sienna¡­¡± She begins, before taking a deep breath.


    She shakes her head and closes her eyes as ifposing herself.


    Sienna? What the hell is that about?


    ¡°Sienna has been having visions in her sleep, of men of shadows slipping through the veil. Tall, long,


    with des for fingers, made entirely of shadows.¡±


    ¡°The veil?¡± I ask, sure as fuck, hoping she doesn¡¯t mean what I thought she did.


    When she speaks, her voice holds the underlying hint of impending doom.


    ¡°The veil that is between this world and the other world.¡±


    ¡°The other world¡­¡± Dad trails off, his brows furrowed.


    Malevolent has frozen too, no longer yfully rubbing against my ankles as if she knows how serious


    the conversation is, my own stomach fills with dread.


    ¡°So it has begun.¡± Liam murmurs.


    ¡°There¡¯s something else¡­ and when you mentioned that Royce is the Sris King¡­ Well, I think the


    time is nearing.¡± She looks up at Liam. ¡°It¡¯s also the reason I called you tonight, Liam.¡± Raihana says,


    tilting her head.


    He looks across at her sharply, raising a brow. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    We all wait for her to speak and it feels like years before she runs her fingers through her hair, clearly


    not knowing how to word it.


    ¡°Heaven¡­ she¡¯s¡­¡± She ces her face in her hands and I¡¯m fucking getting worried now.


    ¡°Raihana, you¡¯re fucking worrying me now.¡± Dad voices my very thoughts.


    ¡°Two nights ago, Heaven had her first prophecy, and it shook me¡­but I think you will both want to hear


    it.¡± She says, looking between Dad and Uncle.


    A prophecy? Only extremely powerful witches would have those, but that''s no surprise, Heaven is from


    a powerful line of Witches.


    Raihana takes a deep breath and closes her eyes as she continues.


    ¡°There are four toe and the time is now upon us. The Sris King, The Asheton Queen, The


    Deimos King and The Volkov Queen. When the four true rulerse into power and assemble behind


    the Adonai, the final barrier between the realms will shatter, symbolising the beginning of the end of


    time. Heed my words, for it begins with the Sris King.¡±


    My breath hitches, fear enveloping me like a nket of darkness. Her words have shaken me. The


    future is bing darker, and we are going to have to do everything in our power to fight what we are


    about to face. But the ultimate question is, will we survive it?


    *Suspenseful music ys¡­*

 16. In the Courtroom

    16. In the Courtroom


    SKYLA.


    The courtroom is dark and almost ominous. It makes me feel like I¡¯vemitted a crime and I¡¯m here


    to be sentenced. Well, I kind of fucking am thanks to stupid Heather, the fucking Feather-Brained twit.


    Last night¡¯s revtions had kept me up all night. That prophecy of Heaven¡¯s was fucking intense and


    the fact she is going through that kind of heavy shit at that age is fucking unfair.


    I had filled Royce in on everything, well we kinda had a video chat, me, him, Leo, Azura and Kat.


    We had spent hours discussing it, and once we had switched off, he had stayed on the phone all night


    with me.


    Talking, flirting and maybe a little bit of dirty talking. Even when I fell asleep he didn¡¯t switch it off. In the


    morning when he heard me wake up his ¡®good morning¡¯ in that deep husky morning voice of his had


    made me wish he was here so I could kiss him hard and fuck him.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I miss you, Magic Fingers.


    I¡¯m wearing a ck high-neck ribbed top, leather pants and boots.


    The little brat is already sitting there with her parents. I fucking feel damn petty, but seeing Heather


    sitting there looking all scared only made me stare at her a little more.


    I¡¯m mad at her, sure she probably didn¡¯t see the fucking death-noodle, but she did not get attacked by a


    bright white Lycan. Like fuck, how do you confuse that shit?


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be alright.¡± Dad says.


    He, Liam and Raihana are by my side, and I¡¯m d they are.


    The girls, Azura, Kat and Song, had messaged earlier to wish me all the best and good luck. Think I¡¯m


    going to need more than that shit with how uneasy I¡¯m fucking feeling.


    Mama Red,Aunty Raven and Uncle Chris had all called too, but honestly, it¡¯s just making me feel like


    this shit is fucking bad¡­


    I¡¯m not sure what to make of the others already gathered here.


    Rivers is here too, the dumb cunt. Those on the jury are seated. Some of them are from the councils,


    others are not. Dad would usually be there, but because I am his daughter, he couldn¡¯t.


    Grandad Elijah will be joining though, and Allen, an old Alpha who has been by Dad¡¯s side for ages, is


    on the panel too.


    Then we have the witches. I see Sephora there, and another two. So Janaina won¡¯t be¡­ Fuck, why do


    I feel like shit isn¡¯t on my side.


    My phone begins ringing and I take it out of my pocket. As much as I want it to be Royce, I know he


    wouldn¡¯t risk giving me a call whilst I''m here in this room.


    He had already talked to me on the way here, and he was about to catch his flight¡­ fuck.


    He had wanted to dy until after the trial, but Dad and Leo had said he should go and had practically


    forced him, saying they¡¯ll keep him updated.


    Dante?


    The phone rings and I answer it.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m surprised you called. You¡¯re not one to often take a phone with you wherever the hell you


    are.¡± I say, not expecting him to call.


    ¡°Maybe, but did you think I¡¯d forget to call on such a day?¡± His voice is soft, and I have to admit I like


    him better on the phone.


    ¡°Well, you do have a lot going on. I wouldn¡¯t haveined, besides I can do without hearing your


    voice.¡± I say jokingly.


    "Thanks for calling. Sometimes we all need our annoying older brothers to call."


    He chuckles, ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry to disappoint¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you are far from sorry.¡± I say quietly,ncing around and hoping no one is trying to


    eavesdrop, although I know some are close enough and could probably hear the conversation.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t mind annoying you. However, today is not the day to drive you up the wall. Good luck for


    today¡­ no matter what happens¡­¡±


    He trails off and I can tell he is struggling, and my heart thuds.


    That uneasy feeling from this morning is growing inside of me.


    ¡°No matter what happens¡­?¡± I urge.


    He sighs softly, ¡°No matter what happens, believe in yourself, My Audacious Lioness.¡±


    My eyes fly open, remembering the nickname he had given me back when we were younger. He had


    randomly given one to Kat and Zu as well¡­ but it¡¯s not one I¡¯ve heard in years¡­ I hear theirs, but he


    and I¡­ we sh more often than not.


    I take a shaky breath, about to speak, when he beats me to it.


    ¡°I love you, little sis, remember that.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± I say, my heart thudding. If I say more, I¡¯m going to fucking cry. Fuck these damn emotions. I¡¯m


    not a fucking crybaby. I hate crying and I¡¯m doing it far too fucking muchtely. ¡°Same.¡± I manage to


    mumble.


    He chuckles. ¡°Everyone is with you, and even if we can¡¯t be there in person, we¡¯re thinking of you. Take


    care of yourself. I¡¯ll let you go.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I mutter, keeping my head down before he bids me farewell and hangs up.


    Dad pulls me in for a hug, rubbing my back, and I take the moment to rein in my emotions before he


    moves back and gives me a nod.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be fine.¡± He says.


    I nod as someone says we begin in five minutes. The door opens, and the immense amount of power


    tells me my family is here before I even see them.


    Turning, I see it¡¯s: Mama, Alessandra, the Westwood Five, Asher, Ahren, Rayhan, Delsanra, Chris and


    Grandad El stepping inside.


    A ripple goes through the room and Dad smirks. ¡°Looks like your cheerleading squads arrived. They¡¯re


    just missing their pompoms and shit.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but smirk at that, as Jayce sends a re in Dad¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Guys!¡± I say as I rush over, giving Mama a squeeze first before crushing the boys in big bear hugs.


    ¡°Urgh no.¡± Alessandra says when I try to pull her in, and she moves away from the group as if


    disgusted by them.


    ¡°Sk, hey,¡± Rayhan says, and I cock a brow seeing he¡¯s shortened his hair. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen it


    this short in ages. It¡¯s just below his chin and he looks as good as ever. He gives me a hug and I hug


    him back.


    Hmm, I should steal some pictures, but not sure if anyone will currently buy anything from me. I hug


    Delsanra as she smiles at me and wishes me all the best.


    ¡°The truth will be revealed.¡± Grandad says before he kisses my forehead, giving me a pat on the


    shoulder and heads to the jury stand.


    One seat remains empty where Dad would have usually sat. The centre seat¡­ Because of me, he


    couldn¡¯t be in his position.


    My stomach twists, but that thought disappears when I see none other than Aleric walk inside.


    Cunt.


    He¡¯s dressed all in ck. I¡¯m not sure if it is for the fucking trial or he¡¯s still mourning his brother, but


    he¡¯s just a fucking bastard who is possibly responsible for all this shit. He walks swiftly down the aisle


    and towards me.


    Dad¡¯s eyes sh, but he says nothing. There are enough people around me for him not to try anything


    funny.


    ¡°Sk, I¡¯m so sorry it¡¯se to this, it¡¯s going to be ok.¡± He says with concern in his fake-ass eyes.


    Go suck on a dick, you prick.


    ¡°Of course it is, I did nothing wrong. I¡¯m sorry for the loss of your brother¡­ the Ardens must be feeling


    the loss of their very best.¡± I say innocently.


    He looks at me sharply and swallows.


    Yeah, I thought that¡¯ll hit a fucking nerve.


    ¡°Yes, he really was¡­¡±


    ¡°Take your seat Sk Sra Rossi. The trial will begin soon.¡± Magdalene says from where she stands


    at the front. I¡¯m relieved, wanting to get away from the snake- no pun intended.


    He gives Rayhan, Delsanra and Mama, who had not left my side, a nod before he walks to his seat.


    ¡°You got this baby.¡± Mama says, kissing my forehead.


    ¡°Miss Rossi.¡± Magdalene says.


    Drop dead, you old crone.


    I walk back to the front, giving her a scathing re, and take my seat between Raihana and Dad.


    Everyone has just settled into their seats when the doors behind us open.


    Everyone turns as a surge of power enters the room and I look at the man standing there in a ck suit


    with a white shirt.


    A few buttons are open, showing off the tattoos that cover his neck and like Dad, he wears a few


    chains. His brown hair is slicked back, and piercing ice-blue eyes meet mine for a second before they


    scan the room.


    Behind him there are three women, and my heart skips a beat. Azura, Kataleya and Song!


    They¡¯re grinning as they look at me.


    Come on Sky, did you really think your girls wouldn¡¯t be here? Sure, they wished me all the best this


    morning, but this really made my day.


    Hushed murmurs rush through the room, as all attention falls on Leo.


    ¡°Is that¡­ Alpha Leo Rossi?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Alpha of the Sangue pack!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s here in person.¡±


    The crowd, the jury and the other council members are all in awe as they watch the man who has just


    entered. A cigarette is in his hand, and he now lights it.


    ¡°Since there¡¯s a fucking seat on the jury and everyone can agree that I have a knack for these things, I


    will step in for the King.¡± He says, taking a drag of his cigarette. His voice is powerful, echoing around


    the room. It¡¯s not a suggestion, it¡¯s a fucking statement.


    I¡¯m ready for many to argue, but no one speaks as a few nod their approval.


    ¡°Alpha Leo is known for his equality¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Only recently he¡¯s begun to work alongside the council¡­¡±


    ¡°He is a man of intelligence and wit¡­¡±


    ¡°Any objections?¡± Leo challenges, I can see Dad smirking and wonder if he knew he¡¯ll being.


    ¡°No, of course not. There is a seat free. I see nothing wrong with it.¡± Magdalene says, much to my


    surprise.


    ¡°Excellent.¡± Leo replies, smirking.


    He then makes his way to the jury stand. He steps up and sits down in Dad¡¯s seat.


    Leaning back against the seat, his sharp eyes assess the room, my heart thuds and I realise I know


    exactly who Dad will choose as his heir¡­


    My eyes snap to Dad, and his dark eyes meet my questioning ones.


    A small smirk crosses his lips in confirmation, and he gives me the tiniest of nods and a wink.


    Leo Rossi¡­


    I look back at the stand, his powerful aura surrounds him, and I really fucking don¡¯t know how I didn¡¯t


    see it before, but he really was born to be a king¡­


    ¡°Let the trial begin.¡±

 17. The Trial

    17. The Trial


    SKYLA.


    ¡°We will probe the mind of Heather Penbrook first.¡± Janaina states clearly, looking at the young witch


    and motioning her toe forward. ¡°Heather, step to the front of the podium.¡±


    Janaina herself, steps up onto the dais and nods at Raihana and Magdalene.


    ¡°You got this,¡± Raihana says, giving me a small smile before she joins the other two on the dais.


    Although Janaina will be doing the spell, they will be making sure everything goes ordingly.


    Heather stands up hesitantly but before she can even step around the low barrier, her father stands up.


    ¡°I object. How can a witch rted to the suspect be a part of this?¡±


    Raihana¡¯s eyes sh as she turns and res at him. ¡°We are in a room full of many witches, any foul


    y would be seen.¡± She says icily.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Serafina¡­¡± Magdalene says warningly.


    ¡°I am stating facts.¡± Raihana cuts her off. ¡°Remember that.¡±


    Magdalene frowns, but even without being an official member of the coven, it¡¯s obvious she has a


    strong hold over them.


    Delsanra stands up and leans over to get Heather¡¯s attention. She smiles gently.


    ¡°We are all here to do the right thing, there is a grave misunderstanding at y, and we just want the


    answers. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡± She says to her. Despite her smile, there¡¯s strength and confidence in her


    voice as she motions the girl to go to the dais.


    I smirk when I spot Rayhan checking out his mate¡¯s ass. You ain¡¯t no innocent fucker.


    I turn my attention to Heather as she walks hesitantly to the front.


    I''ve got to admit; she does look fucking intimidated¡­ Is she that scared? Is she so sure that it was me


    who attacked her?


    ¡°I can assure you there will be no foul y,¡± Magdalene says to her. ¡°We are all as concerned as you


    are regarding this matter. The spell does not hurt at all. This trial is held publicly, so if anything is to


    ¡°How about we get on with the actual mind probing?¡± Leo cuts in, his cold eyes looking at her. A few of


    the Alphas on the council nod in agreement.


    Magdalene looks at him and frowns. ¡°They are all alike.¡± She mutters, not bothering to keep her voice


    down.


    She motions to Janaina to begin and without further ado, she steps forward, readying herself.


    She whispers a spell, raising her hands, a faint glow spreads from her hands and she ces two


    fingers to Heather¡¯s forehead. There¡¯s a frown of concentration on her face and I know she¡¯s pulling


    forward the memories from that night.


    The scene around us changes, and we¡¯re back in that forest.


    She¡¯s running, and I realise this spell is showing us everything from her eyes of that night.


    The room falls pin-drop silent as everyone watches the unfolding of the events.


    A scream pierces the air, and she shouts out, terrified.


    It looks like a scene straight out of a horror movie. I can¡¯t feel her emotions, but the shaky breath and


    the hammering pounding of her heart gives it away.


    She turns to see her friend iling in the darkness, the body being thrown around by an unseen entity


    as blood stters everywhere.


    She¡¯s screaming, as the survivors run for their lives and straight into the forest, while the Death-Noodle


    gives chase.


    I hope those who have fought the Death-Noodle can recognise its movements.


    She hasn¡¯t seen it yet, and it feels like every second issting forever. I nce around, trying to see the


    rest of the people here.


    I can see Leo leaning forward as he assesses the memory, Rayhan, Liam¡­ Del¡­ they¡¯re all observing


    it carefully. Dad¡¯s frowning as he watches, his eyes glimmering red, and I realise he¡¯s holding my


    hand¡­


    Being so nervous, I hadn¡¯t even realised, and I can¡¯t help but feel protected.


    Come on¡­ get to the part I show up¡­


    It¡¯s taking fucking forever, but what irks me is she really fucking can¡¯t see the thing attacking her, so


    how did she pin it on me?


    I¡¯m here! I recognise the part where she had backed away when I hade into the picture and told


    her to run.


    Is she deaf? I mean, we can fucking hear the rustling of the leaves in the forest and the broken trees


    flying everywhere, so why can¡¯t she hear me?


    They¡¯ll be able to recognise my voice!


    ¡°What the fuck¡­¡± Heather mumbles in the memory and I tense.


    I can¡¯t remember word for fucking word, but didn¡¯t she say thatter on? Why am I not in her memory?


    I keep watching, waiting for me to show, but there¡¯s only something dark out there. Something with


    plum eyes...


    Unease settles into my stomach, and I turn to Dad.


    ¡°Dad¡­ Dad, I told her to call the academy at this point.¡± I whisper. ¡°Why can¡¯t she hear me? She did


    look at me¡­¡±


    I fought the Death Noodle here. Why can¡¯t she see me?


    He frowns as we continue watching when suddenly, from the Darkness I appear, my eyes are burning


    purple and there¡¯s a look of pure evil on my face.


    That shit ain¡¯t me.


    My heart thuds as I look at myself stand there looking more like a demonic being than a fucking Lycan.


    There¡¯s no white fur, there¡¯s just¡­ some kind of unearthly monster. My limbs look longer as I advance


    towards Heather.


    She screams before she turns, abandoning her friend as she runs for dear life.


    ¡°That¡¯s not even what happened.¡± I whisper, fear making me feel nauseous.


    What the fuck is going on?


    The room returns to normal and Heather runs to her mother, sobbing hysterically.


    ¡°Fuck, even I¡¯d be scared of that, but that wasn¡¯t me.¡± I say clearly.


    ¡°Visions can be distorted by fear. We see things differently,¡± Janaina says. ¡°But your mind will hold the


    answers, will they not? You fought the unseen beast.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I saw it! It¡¯s damn big and fucking purple with plum eyes.¡± I say, standing up.


    Dad gives my hand a final squeeze and even when I look down at him, my head is pounding. Panic


    and worry are beginning to seep into me.


    ¡°You got this. You did nothing wrong.¡± He says firmly.


    I nod, walking towards the dais. I need them to probe my mind so I can fucking prove my point.


    I scan the room, feeling my stomach twist. Suddenly, I feel as if something bad is going to happen.

 18. Deadly Memories

    18. Deadly Memories


    SKYLA.


    Why am I feeling like this?


    I stop in my tracks, wanting to tell them about the voice I heard. Of Apophis and what he said, but how


    do I tell them?


    Hesitating, I stop before the witches, and Raihana gives me a small smile.


    ¡°We got this.¡± She says confidently.


    ¡°Yeah, I just¡­ before we begin, I want to tell you I heard a voice¡­ and it came from the snake.¡±


    I hear a murmur go through the room and know it sounds bloody unbelievable.


    ¡°And what did this snake that only you can see, say?¡± Sephora asks.


    ¡°It said, Daughter of Selene¡­ and I replied, servant of Apophis-¡±


    Sephora cuts me off, making my eyes sh with irritation.


    ¡°And how do you know that it was the servant of Apophis? Is this a web of lies that you have spun after


    we mentioned the visions we¡¯ve seen. If that is the-¡±


    ¡°This is a trial, and every side is allowed to speak in their own defence. Do not pressurise the suspect


    into not stating vital information, it¡¯s almost as if you have something against her. Do you?¡± Leo asks


    coldly.


    ¡°And for someone in your position, you should know that this was already shared with the council.¡±


    Grandad El says and I look at Magdalene and Janaina.


    So they know?


    ¡°That is correct. Sephora, please, calm yourself or I will have you step out.¡± Janaina says warningly.


    ¡°Her eyes are the same shade as the unseen monster. What proof is there that they are not one and


    the same!


    Leo cocks a brow. ¡°I understand that this is upsetting for you, considering you are the aunt of one of the


    deceased.


    However, if you can¡¯t behave professionally, then I would suggest the same as High Witch Janaina.


    And I¡¯m sure the jury would agree. So, step the fuck out if you can¡¯t behave professionally.¡±


    ¡°You are not a prime member of the council. In fact, until now you refused to even join and now that it¡¯s


    convenient, you simply step in?¡± She says.


    Dad growls as Leo cocks a brow, not phased. I nce at Azura, who''s watching him with damn googly


    eyes.


    I wish Royce was here¡­ Fuck, I¡¯m jealous.


    ¡°I''m stepping in as a substitute, please calm yourself, Ms Sephora. You¡¯re only embarrassing yourself.¡±


    Leo says calmly, only making Sephora look fucking pathetic.


    I look at her, my heart thudding, rted to the girl who died¡­


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Janaina says to me, and I nod.


    Casting a nce over at Aleric, I see that he¡¯s simply sitting there ever so calmly¡­


    I turn to Mama, needing someone to tell me it¡¯s going to be ok, and she smilesfortingly, giving me


    strength that I never fucking knew I needed. Azura¡­ Kat¡­ Song, they¡¯re all here, and so is most of my


    family¡­


    I wish I could mind-link someone right now.


    I close my eyes as Janaina begins whispering the spell, cing two fingers to my forehead.


    I wish I had Malevolent with me right now. I hug myself as I feel her magic rush through me, it''s gentle,


    a rippling sensation really.


    My breath suddenly constricts, and a sharp pain goes through my head.


    Ouch!


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Is this¡­ is this meant to be painful?


    My heart is pounding loudly in my ears, and I can¡¯t even focus much. Screams and darkness surround


    me, and I force my eyes open. Why isn¡¯t the scene reying from the car?


    I look around, trying to figure out what part this is, and I find myself looking through my eyes, but the


    only thing is, they are not mine, because whoever or whatever the fuck this memory belongs to, they¡¯re


    fucking ripping through a body as they toss it around like a sack of potatoes.


    Someone gasps, sobbing in the background, but I can¡¯t move. I can¡¯t fucking do anything as everyone


    watches the scene straight out of a fucking horror movie.


    This isn¡¯t mine! My heart¡¯s pounding as I clutch my chest, trying to bring the memory forward, but¡­


    What happened that day?


    ¡°Servant of Apophis¡­¡±


    I hear my own voice hiss.


    That¡¯s not me!


    I try to speak, but my head feels like it¡¯s being split open. I hear a scream and I¡¯m sure it was me, as I


    clutch at my head.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Someone shouts, just as a surge of my power emits off me and Janaina is thrown


    back, clutching her chest.


    ¡°Sk!¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    The room returns to normal and suddenly heavy silver chains coated with magic wrap around me,


    mping around me painfully tight. My arms are pinned to my side as the chains squeeze at my neck


    and chest.


    I¡­ can¡¯t¡­ breathe¡­


    ¡°She is the one.¡± Magdalene says shocked.


    I¡¯m forced to my knees from the power of the magic that is strong enough to affect me.


    Fuck¡­


    ¡°Sky!¡± Azura shouts.


    She¡¯s the first over the low wall that partitions the seats from the jury and dais. Mama and Kataleya are


    hot on her heels.


    Azura reaches me, only to be thrown back by the magic.


    A dangerous snarl leaves Leo¡¯s lips as Song helps her up and Kat rushes to my side, wrapping her


    arms around me protectively.


    Magic doesn¡¯t affect her¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m here Sky, I¡¯m here.¡± She whispers softly. Her touch is soothingpared to the areas touched by


    the magic chains. ¡°Let her go! She hasn¡¯t hurt anyone!¡±


    That¡¯s the loudest I¡¯ve ever heard her¡­


    I can smell my blood, that is trickling down my face and neck from my scalp. I hadn¡¯t realised I had dug


    my own nails right in.


    There¡¯smotion everywhere as Dad snarls, saying this is a lie.


    My head is pounding, the pain in it is getting stronger and I¡¯m bing dizzy.


    How¡­


    I look at Aleric. He¡¯s watching me calmly. His face is unreadable. There¡¯s no surprise or anger or rage


    in them. He¡¯s just¡­ simply¡­ calm¡­


    He had something to do with this¡­ He had to have.


    ¡°The memories were not tainted!¡± Magdalene shouts.


    ¡°Something isn¡¯t right, let''s try to get to the bottom of it!¡± Mama Red snaps.


    ¡°Sk wouldn¡¯t do this.¡± Is that Mama?


    I¡¯m not so sure anymore. Everyone is arguing¡­ the darkness and rage in the room is getting too


    much¡­


    ¡°Something is wrong. She told me her version and she almost fucking died saving that girl!¡± Dad snarls.


    A shot is fired, making everyone jump. The bullet hits the ceiling and silence finally falls over the


    courtroom.


    ¡°We¡¯re dealing with a god. They can do anything, and I¡¯m sure bypassing magic is no fucking issue for


    them. So, calm the fuck down and think with your fucking heads, not emotions!¡± Leo snarls, his voice is


    calm and venomous.


    ¡°Unbind her.¡± Dad says, his voice trembling with rage, as he lifts me up. I can see the metal burning


    into his hands, but he¡¯s not bothered as Kataleya moves away and Raihana whispers a spell, breaking


    the chains away.


    The pain eases a little, but it doesn¡¯t stop the agony in my head. Like someone wing into it with


    dulled ws.


    Mama is beside me in seconds, healing me, but the pain in my head doesn¡¯t ease up and it¡¯s making


    my eyes water from it.


    ¡°Are you alright? Are you still in pain?¡± Mama asks, hugging me tightly. ¡°Sky?¡±


    ¡°My head¡­¡± I whisper, clutching my head.


    ¡°She killed them, she is a killer!¡± Heather¡¯s mother whispers. Sephora nods as Janaina gets to her feet.


    ¡°Tell us, Janaina, did you feel anything off in her mind?¡± Magdalene asks, tight-lipped. ¡°Because from


    my knowledge, there was no maniption. That was her true memory."


    ¡°The memories were not manipted.¡± She says quietly.


    ¡°But we know from experience that there are other factors that may be at y. And considering this


    involves our king and his daughter¡­¡± Allen says gravely before turning to Dad, who is standing behind


    me as Mama holds me.


    ¡°Your daughter has immense power. Moments ago, her aura filled this room¡­ is there something you


    want to tell us, Alpha King Alejandro?¡± He continues.


    Before Dad can even reply, the doors to the courtroom open and the sound of heels on the wooden


    floor makes me turn.


    There she stands. Her long blond hair is pinned up into an 80s-style quiff. With the rest curled, she¡¯s


    wearing a tweed skirt with a matching jacket and on her feet are red stilettos.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Aleric asks her sharply.


    She ignores him as she looks straight at Dad and the witches before giving Leo a small nod, turning


    back to Magdalene and raising her chin.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for him to tell you anything, because I witnessed her in action that night. Probe my


    mind, Elder Witch, and you shall see, that it was not the Lycan Princess who killed those girls. I swear


    an oath by Selene and on my mother¡¯s life that I speak only the truth and I assure you, you will not be


    disappointed.¡±


    ¡°And you are?¡± Magdalene asks as all eyes remain on the newest entrant to the courtroom.


    ¡°My name is Charlotte Sophia Arden, and I was there the night my brother, The Sris King, Alpha


    Royce Jonathan Arden, saved his princess and yed the serpent.¡±


    A gasp ripples through the room, as she drops not one but a few mother fucking bombs on the room.


    Well, fuck¡­ now that¡¯s one way to make an entrance.

 19. Through Her Eyes

    19. Through Her Eyes


    SKYLA.


    Someone whistles and Charlotte tosses her hair, something tells me from the way she¡¯s dressed that


    Dante has managed to tell them that Royce is alive. She now saunters to the front.


    ¡°You may probe my mind, but I would do it swiftly, before anything or anyone tries to interfere with the


    truth.¡± She says looking at Magdalene confidently.


    Mama has already healed Janaina, but she still looks tired and obviously not up to performing the spell


    once again.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± Sephora says standing up and strides over to Charlotte, like a fucking bull ready to attack.


    Charlotte cocks a brow, frowning. ¡°Fine, whatever.


    Sephora nods as Magdalene frowns but motions for her to carry on.


    Seeing a slight movement from the corner of my eyes from Leo, I turn and scan the room realising that


    in themotion everyone was now at a location that covered centre ground.


    Delsanra and Rayhan were right behind Aleric, Mama was behind Janaina, Azura and Mama Red were


    to the right and Dad was on the right¡­


    Raihana and Kataleya were standing on either side of Charlotte, and I could tell from the subtle way


    Kat¡¯s hand was positioned, she was ready to use her trademark move if the need arose.


    They created the ultimate barrier around Charlotte, if anyone tried anything, they wouldn¡¯t seed.


    She risked a lot toe here, and it is our duty to keep her safe.


    Magdalene frowns, as she watches Sephora who whispers the spell with a re that makes Raihana


    roll her eyes. She ces her fingers on Charlotte¡¯s forehead, and I take a slow deep breath, my


    innocence is riding on her now. Would this work or would her memory somehow be tampered with?


    ¡°Charlotte! What are you doing to her!?¡± Aleric shouts, about to rush forward when Rayhan grabs his


    arm.


    ¡°Easy there¡­ she¡¯s not going to get hurt.¡± He says, his voice calm and clear, yet there¡¯s a warning in it.


    Aleric nces sharply back at his sister as the room changes back to that night and he pulls free from


    Rayhan¡¯s hold.


    ¡°She better not.¡± He says venomously.


    Hmm, we might need a Who''s who is the best-haired Alpha contest. That would be a good way to get


    people to pay to cast their vote¡­ I push the thoughts away focusing on the scene around me, they¡¯re in


    a car,


    ¡°Someone¡¯s in danger.¡± My man says as he drives dangerously fast, rushing toward the woods¡­


    They get out of the car, and she¡¯s staring at the dead body near my car, before Royce throws her a


    sword... She¡¯s now running through the woods¡­ they see the body on the floor, frothing at the mouth¡­


    ¡°Holy¡­¡±


    The sound of hissing and shouts fills the room and then I see myself, in Lycan form, pure white with


    sshes of blood, ws raised as a bolt of lightning shes in the sky.


    Murmurs ripple through the room.


    ¡°Is that a Lycan?¡±


    ¡°That looks like the king¡¯s¡­¡±


    But I¡¯m tense, knowing what¡¯s toe and sure enough I disappear¡­ intense power sts around


    Royce.


    His hair whips around his face as his entire body is surrounded by a crackling ice-blue aura almost as if


    a thousand bolts of lightning are wrapped around him, running through the de in his hand.


    A murmur fills the room as Charlotte cries out in the memory, ¡°Royce!¡±


    Then the invisible Death-Noodle turns, his one good eye focused on Royce¡­ the blinding sh is


    intense, and we all have to shield our eyes and Royce jumps into the scare.


    ¡°Holy mother fucker¡­¡± Dad says and I second that¡­ I got to admit it looks like a fucking action movie,


    and the best part? The hero is mine.


    I wish he could be here for the reactions as everyone gasps at the fact he remains airborne for longer


    than is possible. Did he just fly or some shit?


    He raises his sword and I¡¯m sure that¡¯s the de I had thought was the bolt of lightning in my delirious


    state that night, because it kind of fucking is.


    It connects with something, a menacing hiss fills the room, and the snake suddenly materialises,


    leaving everyone in the room shocked as blood rains down.


    Butt-naked, sorry-assed me tumbles out of it, and is dumped unceremoniously on the ground.


    Wow, I look ridiculous. I do have a nice peach though.


    ¡°Oh, my god!¡± Charlotte gasps.


    ¡°Sky! Fuck! Charlotte, call Alejandro Rossi!¡±


    The rest is roughly how I remember it¡­


    ¡°Yo listen¡­ if I die¡­ make sure you don¡¯t tell people I became a snake delicacy¡­¡± I pout as my weak


    voice fills the room before my body begins convulsing.


    I hear some of the boys snicker at that and know I won¡¯t hear the end of it.


    It continues for a bit. Royce rushing to get me to the Luminaria pack and Charlotte casts a final nce


    at the dead serpent.


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    Yeah, it¡¯s no fucking beast from Earth, the sheer size, its form¡­ It¡¯s obvious they are from out of this


    fucking world.


    Sephora gasps as she pulls back, her chest heaving as everyone looks at Charlotte. The courtroom is


    dead silent as everyone''s mind reys what they have just seen.


    ¡°The Sris king is born.¡± Janaina says, her voice holding a tone I can¡¯t pin. ¡°He¡¯s here¡­¡±


    That is her first reaction? I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t know about Heaven¡¯s prophecy, so what does she


    mean?


    I mean, from an outside perspective, that would seem the least of the worries¡­ but I wonder if she


    knows something. There¡¯s a look in her eyes, her face pale as she stares at us.


    ¡°This memory was also not tampered with¡­¡± Magdalene murmurs.


    ¡°But the other two memories aligned. How can we be certain this is the correct one?¡± Sephora asks.


    ¡°Oh zip it. Sk is clearly being framed and can you not see that huge serpent that Royce Arden


    killed? Something is going on and I think everyone should be aware that there is a god involved.¡±


    Raihana says icily.


    Yeah, shut the fuck up.


    ¡°These attacks have been going on for a while-¡± Grandad El is cut off when Heather¡¯s father stands up.


    ¡°Oh? Then why didn¡¯t we know!¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that putting us at risk?¡±


    ¡°I get it, but it was a decision made to not rm anyone. We didn¡¯t think it would be so serious.¡±


    Dad says gravely, I think seeing the snake shook him too¡­


    ¡°We do agree that this is something that the public should be aware of. We all know that something is


    at work. The supernatural species in the world are changing. More beings that we have nevere


    across before are showing up. However, it was a joint decision of the council.¡± Rayhan says.


    Leo nods as he stands up.


    ¡°Indeed¡­ and I think the sooner everyone realises that we need to protect ourselves, the better. Years


    ago, training and the instincts to survive were something instilled into us. We¡¯ve be rxed¡­ I


    think it¡¯s high time these things are made a focus again.¡±

 20. Their Verdict

    20. Their Verdict


    SKYLA.


    Leo looks at Dad who nods.


    ¡°Seeing this memory does make me see that this is a necessity¡­ It¡¯s time to make some changes and


    be prepared for the future.¡± Dad finishes.


    The room is deadly quiet as everyone ponders on this. ¡°And how were the memories so different?¡±


    Heather¡¯s mother says, but she seems calmer now.


    ¡°Because, for some reason, Apophis wants to create discord, and we have some theories.¡± Dad says.


    ¡°And will you share these? Or keep them from usmon folk?¡±


    We all turn and Dad, Rayhan and Raihana frown at Ahren, who smiles innocently as if he hadn¡¯t just


    asked that question.


    ¡°Asking for a friend.¡± He adds, making some of the quints snicker.


    Charlotte cocks a brow. ¡°Boys.¡± She says with distaste.


    I smirk, these kids.


    ¡°I do agree with the boy, though.¡± Magdalene says gravely. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s time for all of our kind to know


    what we have been facing.¡±


    Dad nods. ¡°I believe so. I¡¯ll hold an official conference soon, but to answer that question, we have a


    theory by Alpha Leo himself here. Leo¡­ care to give your insight.¡±


    For the first time, Leo looks surprised. ¡°That was just a hypothesis, based on myth and legend¡­ I¡¯m


    not sure it¡¯s enough.¡± He says after a moment as he looks at Dad pointedly.


    ¡°Forget your statistics, baby, just tell us.¡± Azura says, winking at him.


    Leo raises an eyebrow before he sits down again and threads his fingers together.


    ¡°There¡¯s no proof to back what I am about to say, it is pure assumptions. This beast belongs to


    Apophis, our seers have confirmed that it is a servant of the snake god, also known as the God of


    beasts, I¡¯ve been doing some research since the name was first revealed, and if it¡¯s true, then this


    serpent is nothing inparison to what else he may have under his control.¡± Leo begins.


    The ominous air in the room continues to grow as we all listen to what he has to say.


    ¡°Apep/Apophis/Typhon or whatever the fuck you want to call him, was the enemy of the sun god,


    Ra/Helios. With the Sris line nowing to light, also known as the Ardens-¡±


    ¡°Something that we kept private for a reason. How dare you share such information without my father¡¯s


    knowledge.?¡± Aleric asks coldly.


    I cock a brow. ¡°Is there anything wrong with it? It seems to me you didn¡¯t want this entire thing cleared


    up either.¡± I say.


    He looks at me, and his eyes soften.


    Cunt.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sk, that is not how I meant it. Just like you being a Lycan was kept private¡­ our heritage


    is also something we did not want to share,¡± He says.


    ¡°Toote I guess.¡± Dad says curtly.


    Aleric frowns. I wonder what he¡¯s ying at as Leo continues.


    ¡°Putting that together, one would assume that whatever Apophis wants is to do with those blessed by


    Helios¡­ The Sris bloodline holders.¡±


    ¡°So then why would it try to me the King¡¯s daughter- our Lycan Princess, who is of the Volkov line,


    not Sris, correct?¡± Rivers says.


    The fucker¡¯s looking at me with newfound awe, and I want to pummel him.


    You were ming me too, remember?


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­¡± Leo says, and the courtroom falls silent as the unanswered question lingers in the air.


    Is it because I am Royce¡¯s chosen? Is this a way to get to Royce?


    ¡°With everything put before, I would like to ask the jury for their verdict in a case that clearly disys


    that we are fighting against something far bigger than us.¡±


    ¡°The decision is without a doubt obvious, but as we proim Sk Sra Rossi, the Lycan Princess,


    not guilty, I would like to put forward that she risked her life to protect those who needed her. Just like


    her father, she is fighting the immense rage thates with being a Lycan. For that, I would like to


    Ok¡­ please don¡¯t.


    I want to disappear as everyone not already standing stands up and begins pping, but what really


    makes me feel fucking better is when Heather looks at me with regret and confusion and mouths an


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯


    I wink at her. It¡¯s all good¡­ there¡¯s more at y and she was just another pawn in a bigger game.


    ¡°We did it.¡± Dad says as he wraps his arms around me.


    ¡°Yeah, thanks to bringing in the wildcard at the right moment.¡± I say hugging him back.


    Dad chuckles, ¡°Actually, that was all Leo.¡± He says.


    I look over to my cousin who has his arms around his woman, with his tongue down her throat, much to


    Grandad El¡¯s disapproval. Clearly not fucking bothered about the room full of people.


    ¡°Thanks Charlotte.¡± I say.


    She smiles. ¡°My brother would have wanted me to do the right thing.¡± She says sombrely. I mask my


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    emotions and nod and she winks at me.


    Oh, she knows.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I say quietly, just as Alerices over.


    ¡°Congrattions on winning the trial.¡± He says.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I say, not wanting anything to do with him. He tried to kill Royce and if it was up to me, I


    wouldn¡¯t just let him walk out of here right now. I would hold him ountable and maybe have his


    fucking mind probed.


    I clench my jaw, trying to remain calm.


    He looks confused at my reaction before he motions to Charlotte. ¡°Well¡­ see you at school, Sk.


    Come on, let¡¯s go home.¡±


    She sighs and nods. ¡°Ok.¡±


    They walk toward the exit and everyone slowly begins to trickle out, I feel like a huge weight has been


    lifted off my shoulders.


    Soon, only the Westwoods and Rossis are left along with Janaina and Magdalene who are both talking


    to Raihana and Delsanra; we can¡¯t hear them, clearly having used a barrier to hide their conversation.


    ¡°Well done. You fit in like you were fucking made for the part.¡± Dad says, pping Leo on the back


    when hees over, only to get a withering re from him.


    ¡°You asked me to.¡± He says coldly,


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy I¡¯m free from the usations?¡± I ask, cocking a brow at him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any thoughts on the matter.¡± He replies arrogantly, only for Azura to smack his arm before


    hugging me.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m happy and so are you. Stop acting cold.¡± She says. I hug her back as Dad looks at Leo.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s something I wanted to talk to you about, and soon. With the shit that¡¯s going on, I think it¡¯s


    high time to put some certain measures into ce.¡± Dad says seriously.


    Leo nods. I wonder if he even realises that Dad is probably going to name him his heir¡­


    I don¡¯t bother with them as I hug my girls and text Royce that we¡¯re in the clear.


    Now, all we need is for him to return and tell his parents that he¡¯s alive and so is their first-born


    daughter¡­


    ¡°I think I need to hit a bar,¡± Azura says massaging her neck.


    ¡°I like the n. Where to?¡± Ares asks as Ahren grins.


    ¡°Naughty¡­¡± He says before Renji grins at me.


    ¡°Congrats on your win, Lycan Princess.¡± He says teasingly.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t call me that.¡± I groan, realising Aleric and Charlotte had left.


    ¡°Ah yeah, snake delicacy, right?¡± Jayce smirks.


    I try to smack him, but he dodges.


    ¡°Ass. Urgh, for once I just want to go home and curl up with Malevolent and sleep.¡±


    I nce at Leo. ¡°Will Charlotte be ok?¡± I ask quietly.


    He nods, ¡°Oh, she fucking will.¡± He says with such confidence that I truly have no doubt. ¡°Royce and I


    discussed calling her, and she was more than happy to help.¡±


    ¡°That was nice of her.¡± Mama says.


    ¡°Yeah, she, of course, wanted to meet a certain someone. The girl knows how to hustle for what she


    wants.¡± Leo smirks.


    Winona. I¡¯m certain that¡¯s who it was and when I look at Leo questioningly, the look in his eye and that


    small nod confirm that I am correct.


    ¡°Well, I think instead of drinks, how about we all go have a well-deserved dinner at a restaurant?¡± Uncle


    Liam suggests making everyone quickly agree, save a few antisocial ones.


    Usually, that would include me.


    ¡°I think I actually might enjoy that.¡± I say, surprising myself.


    ¡°Well, well, will you look at that, for once she doesn¡¯t want to get away from us.¡± Dad teases, making


    me roll my eyes.


    But you know what? He¡¯s right, I actually want to spend time with my family tonight.


    ¡°So let¡¯s go to a buffet.¡± I say.


    ¡°Oh, I love food!¡± Delsanra says as she walks over to us.


    ¡°Yes, an all-you-can-eat!¡± Kataleya says, making us all chuckle, and she blushes.


    Dad pulls her into his arms and she takes cover against his chest.


    Moments like these¡­ they¡¯re actually just so precious¡­

 21. Tats & Trouble

    21. Tats & Trouble


    ROYCE.


    A week has passed since I reached ska. I miss her so bloody much even though I see her beautiful


    face every day, and hear her voice, it just isn¡¯t enough.


    The plus side that keeps me going is that she was proven innocent. Not only that, but the news of her


    being also a Lycan had spread like wildfire over the inte, although I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s a good thing


    or not.


    Having our own inte service has helped in so many ways and onlytely have I found out that it is


    owned by Leo Rossi himself. The man is a dark horse with an impressive intellect.


    Speaking of Leo, he had asked me about summoning Charlotte for the trial if necessary, having a


    strong feeling that something will go wrong and promising she¡¯ll remain safe.


    I trusted him, and of course, I agreed. It was Dante who had asked Mom and her if it would be ok after


    he had told them that I am alive and well. As well as telling them that I am the Sris King. Dante had


    promised he would watch over her. I think I can trust that no one can do a better job at that than him.


    As for me, finding the location of the Sris court is proving a nightmare when you¡¯re meant to be


    dead. There is no one I can trust enough to turn to. After a long inner battle with myself, I decided to


    call Jade.


    She¡¯s part of one of the Sris packs and her father is one of the protectors of Sria, assigned to the


    court. Each Sris Pack has to supply a certain number of men to the court.


    She may be my ex, but I know she is trustworthy. However, I have been sitting here, wondering


    whether I should mention this to my Green-Eyed Goddess.


    I now stare at my phone. Should I tell Sky?


    I massage my temple. I¡¯m meeting with an ex who means nothing to me, but at the same time there¡¯s


    still a past and I don¡¯t want Sk not to know about it either.


    Yet, at the same time, I didn¡¯t want her to think I¡¯m telling her because it meant something to me.


    What¡¯s the right choice to stop your goddess from flipping?


    Women¡­ they don¡¯te with a handbook and sometimes the most innocent of things can trigger


    them or she might prove me wrong and won¡¯t even bat an eyelid.


    My wolf is restless, and I sigh. Who am I kidding? This is Sk I¡¯m talking about.


    ¡°Bloody hell, Royce, just call her.¡± I mutter to myself.


    Better safe than sorry.


    I nce at the time. Ennd is 9 hours ahead and it should be nearly 11pm there. We usually talk a


    littleter, but I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be at my apartment now. I¡¯m d her dad has got guards stationed around


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    her as mine couldn¡¯t risk it.


    She¡¯s also been initiated back into the Night Walkers Pack, Alejandro said until I took my ce as


    Alpha, it was better. I agree.


    I hit the video call button and wait for her to answer, and she does soon enough.


    I¡¯m met with a gorgeous view of her breasts, my heart skipping a beat as she steps back, and I realise


    she¡¯s wearing a sexy ck bodysuit that makes her look so damn breathtaking that I won¡¯t deny that I


    throb at the sight of her.


    She raises her arms, ruffling her hair, which isn¡¯t in view yet, but the move brings emphasis to her sexy


    killer curves.


    I admire her sexy thighs before she sits down on the bed with a small bounce, crossing her legs.


    ¡°Hey, Magic Fingers.¡±


    I¡¯m about to reply when I look up to see she¡¯s cut her hair, getting some front bangs. I let out a low


    whistle.


    ¡°Whoa, you got a haircut, love,¡± I say appreciatively. It¡¯s sexy and I think it suits her perfectly.


    ¡°Yeah, I was a little bored without you here, so I went for a full pamper session, nails, new tats, haircut.


    I also got keratin treatment on my hair, although I think Ri said magic would have sufficed, but


    whatever. I thought I could use a break from the curls, and besides, my man has sexy curls for me to


    enjoy.¡± She winks at me, and I smirk faintly.


    ¡°Well, you look beyond fucking sexy.¡± I say, ncing at her breasts.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you said you got a tattoo?¡± I ask suddenly, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Mmm yeah, I did. Wanna see?¡± She says sexily.


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Standing up with a smirk on her face, she turns and bends over on the bed on all fours, wriggling her


    sexy ass.


    Alright, if I wasn¡¯t fucking turned on before, I¡¯m supporting a full-on hard-on now. Both thighs have a


    chandelier-style garter tattoo that looks smoking hot, each one ending with a crescent moon at the


    bottom, ending just above the back of her knees.


    ¡°Whoa, those tattoos are pretty incredible, and really sexy, I can¡¯t wait to admire them in person¡­¡± I


    say, wishing I could run my hands over the goddess before me.


    Damn¡­


    ¡°And this one?¡± She says, pointing at her ass with a long ck stiletto nail. She moves closer to the


    camera, turning ever so slightly. I¡¯m about to tell her that her ass is hotter than the tats when I spot the


    small tattoo on it. I lean closer to read it, my eyes widening in surprise.


    ¡°Did you¡­¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± She says, tapping her ass as she spins back around to me.


    Property of Royce Arden


    That¡¯s what the tattoo on her right butt cheek has written on it. The tattoo is small no longer than 4cm.


    Mine¡­


    And it¡¯s a copy of my signature¡­


    It looks fucking good.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how much I wish I was there with you right now, so I can show you exactly how I n


    to take care of what¡¯s mine.¡± I almost growl, trying to control the hunger I have for her.


    She bites her lip, her eyes darkened with lust. ¡°I can¡¯t wait¡­¡±


    Our eyes meet, and video sex doesn¡¯t sound so bad. I mean, it¡¯s not like we didn¡¯t do that every other


    night, that or the dirty talking, but I fucking want her right now.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait until you¡¯re home.¡± She says quietly before she sits up and bes serious.


    ¡°So, I thought you might bete today. No luck? I mean weren¡¯t you going to be out all day? You said


    you were going to try to find someone who can help lead you to the court?¡± She asks curiously.


    Reality sets in and I sigh inwardly.


    Great, now I have to ruin the mood.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s proving harder when I can¡¯t simply go to my uncle¡¯s pack and ask for a meeting. Not without


    risking Dad finding out.¡± I frown. ¡°There¡¯s one of the protectors of the court, who may be able to help


    me¡­¡± I begin hesitantly.


    ¡°But?¡± She pushes.


    ¡°To get to him, I contacted his daughter, my ex.¡± I say, pretty upfront, but there¡¯s no point in beating


    around the bush.


    Her eyes sh, her small smirk fading, and it¡¯s reced by a frown.


    ¡°Right and?¡±


    Ok, she is not happy.


    ¡°I thought you should know. She means nothing to me, but I am out of options, and she was myst


    resort.¡± I say.


    She nods ¡°Ok.¡±


    ¡°Ok?¡± I ask.


    ¡°What do you want me to say? I¡¯m Luciferess remember, I know a lot about this bitch, no offence.¡±


    Oh, shoot. I forgot that part.


    Yeah, I told her I had an incredible girlfriend who was pretty, and I probably said a lot of other things


    that I just can¡¯t remember.


    Smooth Royce.


    ¡°Then you also know I began to fall for you, and I had to end it with her?¡± I remind her.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I¡¯m a rtionship wrecker?¡± She frowns.


    Yeah, she¡¯s not unhappy, she¡¯s pissed.


    ¡°No Love, that isn¡¯t what I meant-¡±


    ¡°Sure, sounded like it.¡± Her icy replyes.


    ¡°I just meant¡­¡± I sigh, bing serious. ¡°You¡¯re the one wearing my mark. You¡¯re the one I think of


    day in and day out. You¡¯re the only woman who had such an impact on me that I fell so hard that it


    feels that even if the heavens conspired against us, I would not be able to leave you.¡±


    She sighs. ¡°Yeah, I know, stop going damn poetic on me to get me to feel guilty or some shit.¡±


    ¡°Did it work?¡± I ask teasingly.


    She frowns. ¡°Maybe. You know, I just get super possessive. Make sure she knows you¡¯ve moved on


    and you¡¯re taken.¡± She says possessively, her eyes shing.


    ¡°She¡¯ll know,¡± I reply firmly.


    ¡°And I know how exes can get. No sneaky hugs or clingy shit, alright. And don¡¯t do that and then give


    me the - I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t realise she was leaning in for a goddamn fucking kiss or hug bullshit because


    you¡¯re a fucking king. And if you can beat my Lycan dad¡¯s ass, a woman can¡¯t get close to you unless


    you let her.¡± She growls, her nails growing into ws.


    I nod. Why am I finding this a tad amusing? She¡¯s cute but also scary¡­ I wouldn¡¯t want to be my ex


    right now.


    ¡°Alright love, I understand, and she won¡¯t get to touch me.¡±


    ¡°Good and if she does, fry her damn ass with a bolt of lightning, that¡¯ll teach her.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Understood ma¡¯am.¡± I say just as my phone beeps. A text message from


    Jade. ¡°As much as I want to talk to you forever, I¡¯m going to head out to meet her. I¡¯ll keep you updated,


    though.¡±


    She frowns and nods. ¡°I hope you find the answers you¡¯re looking for and can return soon.¡±


    ¡°I will. When has Alejandro set the conference for?¡± I ask. I do want to be back for it.


    ¡°Soon, at the next Blood Moon, which is the biggest gathering of the year. He will do a live conference


    at the ball. This year, the Night Walker Pack is hosting it.¡±


    I nod, ¡°That makes sense. Arger public audience means more people can ask questions. Although


    shame for those who find their mates, they¡¯ll be hit with a lot of questions.¡± I say.


    She snickers. ¡°Yeah. But it¡¯ll be before the Blood Moon takes effect, early evening.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I aim to be back by then. There¡¯s so much that needs doing when I return, starting with Aleric,


    and I miss you.¡±


    ¡°Me too¡­ Royce, I know no one wants to stress you out but¡­¡± She tenses and I frown.


    What am I missing?


    ¡°Baby girl?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s been another snake attack, there¡¯s another motherfucking Death Noodle out there, and this


    time, Dad faced it¡­¡±


    This isn¡¯t good.


    ¡°Did they manage to kill it?¡± I ask, unease filling me. How is Aleric doing this? He needs to be


    contained, but like Leo said, if a god is involved, we need a n.


    ¡°He and Leo managed to wound it pretty badly, but it got away¡­ Dad couldn¡¯t see it Royce. So it


    makes me wonder why can I? I first thought it was because I¡¯m a Lycan¡­ but¡­ clearly fucking not...¡±


    ¡°Because then your father would be able to see it¡­"


    She¡¯s scared. I know what her brother said and what the witches had said the day before the hearing.


    Even though things seem to be looking up, she is still scared and now this just made things ten times


    worse¡­

 22. A Kings Command

    22. A King''s Command


    ROYCE.


    It¡¯s almost an hour before she finally shows up, alwayste. She knocks on the window of my car in


    which I have been waiting for her. I unlock the doors and she quickly gets in. She¡¯s still the same as


    ever, her caramel brown hair falls to her waist, her blue eyes look me over and she gives me a small


    smile.


    ¡°Hey,¡± She says, about to reach over for a hug, but I turn away, looking ahead, resting my arm on the


    steering wheel - not giving her the option to get close.


    Her heart skips a beat, and she sits back after she shuts the door behind her.


    ¡°Hi, how have you been?¡± I ask emotionlessly.


    Seeing her just shows how intense the feelings I have for Sk are.


    She nods, her hair falling in front of her face. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been ok. What about you?¡±


    The tone says otherwise, but there¡¯s nothing I can say that will help her.


    ¡°Good,¡± I reply, deciding to get to the point. ¡°Alright, so like I told you, I needed to talk to your father. Did


    you manage to get him to agree?¡±


    She bites her lip and nods. ¡°Yeah, and I didn¡¯t tell him who it is as you ordered. I just said it is someone


    who desperately needs to see the court.¡±


    ¡°Great. So where are we headed?¡±


    She doesn¡¯t reply and I turn to look at her, her eyes are filled with sadness and pain as she stares back


    at me.


    ¡°Cold much?¡± She whispers, hurt clear in her voice.


    I cock a brow. I don¡¯t want to be harsh but I¡¯m not here to mislead anyone or hurt anyone. ¡°I¡¯m not here


    to make amends Jade, I only contacted you because I genuinely needed to get in touch with someone


    from the Court of Sria,¡± I exin. ¡°We broke up months ago. Leave it in the past.¡±


    ¡°I get that, but you never answered me. What happened to us?¡±


    ¡°The spark faded, and you can¡¯t deny that we argued. When a rtionship bes a burden, you let it


    go,¡± I reply coldly.


    She scoffs, giving a shakyugh. ¡°Yeah? I don¡¯t believe you. Your family thinks you¡¯re dead. You


    contacted me, I thought-¡±


    ¡°You thought wrong, I¡¯m sorry Jade, but I¡¯ve moved on, I¡¯ve found someone,¡± I cut in, my eyes shing.


    I don¡¯t owe her anything more.


    ¡°It¡¯s her right? The online friend? The one you said there¡¯s nothing going on with?¡± She whispers, a


    trace of usation in her voice.


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    I remain silent, start the car and begin driving. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s her, but it¡¯s not what you think.¡± I say, ¡°Nothing


    happened when we were together.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    It is the truth, if she wanted to believe it or not, that is on her. ¡°Where are we headed?¡±


    ¡°Straight, I¡¯ll tell you when to turn,¡± she replies. She¡¯s fiddling with her hands and the silence is tense.


    ¡°What¡¯s she like? I mean, you never saw her back then.¡±


    ¡°We click, she¡¯s my dream girl,¡± I reply softly, Sking to my mind.


    She really is¡­ she¡¯s the girl I never knew I needed until she stepped into my life and showed me it¡¯s


    good to not always follow the rules.


    Her heart thuds as she motions left. ¡°She really must be something¡­ your aura also feels different.


    Like, so much more powerful.¡±


    I also have it reigned in¡­


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s something I want to talk to your father about.¡± I reply and she nods.


    We fall silent and soon we are in a hotel car park.


    ¡°Here?¡± I ask, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll wait outside. We shouldn¡¯t be seen together. Here¡¯s the room card.¡± She takes a card out from


    her pocket and holds it out.


    I take it from her. ¡°Thanks,¡± I say, looking up at her.


    Our eyes meet and I can tell she¡¯s near to tears. This is why I kept this as myst solution.


    I turn away, opening the car door when she grips the back of my jacket. ¡°H-how serious are the two of


    you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve marked her,¡± I say quietly, hearing her gasp as I tug out of her hold.


    Not waiting any longer, I pull the hood of my jacket up, slipping my hands into the pocket as I head to


    the hotel entrance.


    Room 111¡­


    It doesn¡¯t take long to find it and swiping the key card; I scan the hall before stepping inside, my senses


    on alert. I could be walking right into a trap¡­


    ¡°Royce.¡± I look at the man who stands in the centre of the room, clearly having been pacing.


    ¡°Owen.¡±


    He looks shocked before his face changes to one of confusion ¡°You''re¡­ alive?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am. I need to talk to you,¡± I say, shutting the door.


    He looks tense. ¡°Jade said this is extremely important¡­ but you know we shouldn¡¯t be meeting like


    this. I also can¡¯t give you the information you may want. I have a duty to fulfil and an oath to uphold. I


    will not break myws.¡±


    ¡°I am not asking you to. I just need you to give the Court of Sria a message.¡±


    He frowns, hesitating. ¡°Your father is head of the court. Why not go to him?¡±


    ¡°Because he is one of the few, I¡¯d rather not have know about this,¡± I reply.


    ¡°And what is it?¡± He asks, frowning slightly.


    ¡°I need you to tell the council that the King of Prophesy is here¡­ that he wishes toe before the


    council, and they are wee to confirm his abilities.¡±


    His eyes widen before he shakes his head. ¡°The Sris King¡­ That¡¯s¡­ How can we hide that from


    the High Alpha who leads the court?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but he isn¡¯t the Sris King whose word alone isw, correct?¡± I ask sharply.


    ¡°No, but that¡¯s¡­ how is it possible? Where is the Ki-¡±


    ¡°Let me rephrase. This order is directly from your king,¡± I say, my eyes zing blue. ¡°I want a meeting


    with my council without my father¡¯s knowledge.¡±


    I let my aura surge around me. My eyes sh as lightning crackles around my hands. I look out of the


    window as a sudden downpour of rain begins gushing down and thunder roars in the sky.


    He¡¯s staring out of the window, his heart thundering as his face pales, realisation flooding him as he


    stares at me and then back at the storm I had created.


    ¡°Do you need more proof?¡± I ask quietly.


    He steps back, shaking his head vigorously, and instantly goes down on one knee. ¡°Y-your wish is my


    to meet your council, my king?¡±


    ¡°How soon can you make it without alerting my father?¡± I ask after a moment.


    He pauses, his heart thudding as he ponders over the question. I knew he would be safe to talk to. The


    protectors of the court live to serve the court and its values, and although he is probably loyal to my


    father, the power of the king trumps that.


    ¡°Can I tell them the king is here?¡±


    ¡°No. I wish to remain a secret until I can talk to them together, minus my father.¡±


    ¡°Then give me a little time to summon them without telling them your news¡­ It will be a little harder, but


    I will manage it. Give me one week My King.¡±


    It¡¯s longer than I want it to be¡­ but I also know that is the soonest he can do it. He has already


    submitted and epted me as king.


    ¡°Very well, thank you, Owen.¡±


    He shakes his head, ¡°Not at all, after centuries¡­ we- the Sris people have been blessed with a


    king¡­¡± He lowers his head again and I really don¡¯t like it. Swiftly bending down, I pull him to his feet


    and shake my head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bow, we¡¯re in modern times. There¡¯s no need for that,¡± I say quietly.


    This is why I never wanted anyone to know my truth, because, with it, the way people see me will


    change¡­


    ¡°There is every need, and rest assured, the council will be ecstatic.¡± He says, looking out towards the


    storm I have created.


    ¡°Excellent, then I will wait for you.¡±

 23. A Much Needed Surprise

    23. A Much Needed Surprise


    ROYCE.


    A week has passed since then and tonight I will be going before the Sris council. As promised,


    Owen managed to set the meeting and in just an hour, I will be escorted to the secret court of Sria


    itself.


    I know Owen is risking a lot to help me. After all, if I did prove to be a fake, he would suffer


    consequences from the court, so I am grateful to him.


    I run my fingers through my hair before pulling it back into a hair tie. This is it¡­time to show the council


    that I¡¯m here¡­ to take up my position. From here on, there is no turning back. After tonight I will no


    longer be Royce Jonathan Arden, second son of Alpha Keh Arden¡­ but The Sris King, Alpha


    Royce Jonathan Arden¡­


    I¡¯m wearing a ck shirt with ck pants and I¡¯m just putting on my suit jacket when there¡¯s a knock on


    the door. I turn sharply, I¡¯m not expecting anyone¡­ Even Jade would know better than to try to show


    up here¡­


    I walk towards the door, I can hear the steady beating of a heart and when I pull the door open, Ie


    face to face with the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.


    My eyes widen when I find myself staring at the gorgeous bombshell. She¡¯s in a sexy little ck dress.


    A delicate ne disappears between her breasts, a soft shimmer covering her skin, and she wears


    I look up into her face, ck bangs frame her beautiful face, those dazzling green eyes gazing into


    mine and her lips are a deep matt red. She runs her fingers through her ck locks, drawing my


    attention to her rose-tattoo sleeve.


    ¡°Did you happen to order room service?¡± She purrs, her eyes raking over me. And I won¡¯t deny her


    voice makes my heart race.


    ¡°Fuck if this is it, yes I did,¡± I growl, pulling her into my arms. Pleasure rushes through my body and I


    grip the back of her neck, not giving her a chance to reply. My lips meet hers in an explosive kiss,


    fuelled by passion and love.


    Fuck, I missed her.


    She clutches onto me, her heart thundering. My own emotions are a mess. She¡¯s here, fuck she¡¯s here.


    The sweet taste of her mouth consumes me and then she¡¯s kissing me back and I can tell she missed


    me equally as much.


    A soft moan leaves her lips, the scent of her arousal fills the air, and she whimpers against my lips. It


    only makes me kiss her harder. The intense tingles that course through me, are dizzying.


    Turning, I pin her to the wall, holding her tighter, dominating her mouth as my hands roam every inch of


    her body. Her back arches as she presses herself into me.


    ¡®Oh, fuck Royce¡­¡¯ She moans through the link when I rub her pierced nipple.


    Fuck, the council can wait. I¡¯ve not seen her in two weeks. I need her.


    Kicking the door shut, I pull her sexy dress up and squeeze her ass.


    I break away from her lips and assault her neck with rough kisses.


    ¡°Fuck yes.¡± She growls hornily.


    I turn her, and she ces her hands on the wall, sticking her ass that¡¯s d in a tiny G-string. My gaze


    falls to the tattoo of my name, and I tap her ass hard, making her moan louder.


    ¡°I knew I¡¯d love it even more in person. Fuck it¡¯s sexy.¡± I growl into her ear, as I reach over and


    massage her pussy, making her whimper.


    ¡°Show me how much you love it,¡± she whispers, grinding against my hard cock.


    ¡°I n to,¡± I whisper as she turns, kissing my lips passionately. Her hand reaches behind as she rubs


    my cock, fumbling for my zipper.


    I assist her, pulling down my zipper and boxers.


    ¡°Oh fuck, Daddy.¡± She moans, running her hand along my shaft the moment I pull it out, I suck in a


    breath, pleasure consuming me when she guides me to her entrance.


    We¡¯re both in a rush and this raw hunger and passion is new. All I want is to fuck her, and hard. I grip


    my cock, pushing aside her soaking panties and rub my cock between her folds. She¡¯s wet and ready


    and I swear as I m into her, making her cry out.


    ¡°Oh, fuck, that¡¯s it!¡± She cries out as I begin fucking her, watching her ass jiggle with every thrust.


    She¡¯s beautiful and seeing her in front of me just hits differently. I wrap my arm around her, fondling her


    breast as I kiss her neck, my other hand rubbing her clit.


    ¡®Fuck, I missed you.¡¯ I murmur through the bond.


    ¡®Me too baby, fuck that feels so good¡­ah!¡±


    I groan as I feel myself so damn near, but I hold out until I feel her walls tightening around me.


    ¡°Come for me,¡± I whisper seductively in her ear before sinking my fangs into her mate mark. Pleasure


    erupts through me as our release hits us at the same time and shees undone in my arms. My own


    release ms through me and I see white dots before my eyes.


    Her body trembles from her orgasm as she leans into me.


    ¡°Fuck I love you.¡± She breathes.


    ¡°I love you too and I missed you, Love,¡± I murmur, cing soft kisses around her neck.


    My phone rings and I know it¡¯s Owen.


    ¡°Shit, you need to go. I didn¡¯t mean for this to go this way¡­¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. They can wait. Let¡¯s get cleaned up and go,¡± I say, squeezing her ass before I grab her


    hips and bend down, cing a kiss on her ass, right on top of her tattoo.


    She sighs softly and I smirk as I tug down her G-string.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep these.¡± I wink at her, and she bites her bottom lip, watching me put them into my jacket


    pocket.


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t have an extra pair right now¡­¡±


    I smirk. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll mind knowing you¡¯re not wearing anything under that dress¡­it¡¯ll make it easier


    forter¡­ and you look absolutely sexy, by the way,¡± I say to her.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She says as she walks off to the bathroom. I watch her go. Her hips sway sexily and her long


    legs look fucking fine. My eyes linger on her ass, her dress still up around her waist before she


    disappears from view.


    Needless to say, I¡¯m looking forward to tonight.


    Ten minutester I¡¯ve changed into a clean pair of pants, text Owen I am on my way and she¡¯s back


    from the bathroom, her lipstick is fixed, her hair sleek and her dress hugging her figure again. The


    smell of sex clings faintly in the air, but it''s overpowered by hers. I pull her close, kissing her softly.


    She ces her hand on my chest, and I kiss her cheek. Her eyes flutter shut for a moment, and I take


    a moment to appreciate her. ¡°I apologise for not greeting you properly earlier,¡± I murmur, wrapping my


    arms around her.


    She chuckles. ¡°Oh, I loved that greeting, baby.¡± She moans, kissing my neck.


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Perfect then. I¡¯m d you¡¯re here, but may I ask how?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a big moment, and you¡¯ve been alone over here for thest two weeks finding answers¡­ for


    this moment, I wanted to be by your side.¡± She looks up at me seriously, and I caress her cheek. The


    maturity in her eyes makes me kiss her forehead gently.


    ¡°In all honesty¡­ I do appreciate it. It¡¯s a difficult moment. From here, there¡¯s no going back.¡± I say


    quietly. It¡¯s not easy being so open with how I feel when I¡¯m sure she¡¯s used to the men of her family


    never feeling so insecure. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I am up to the standards that a King should be.¡±


    She tilts her head, her gorgeous green eyes full of concern.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± She begins, cupping my cheek. ¡°A king is brave, selfless, strong, and fair and you are all those


    things, Royce. You will make an incredible king and a few years from now, I am going to say, I fucking


    told you so.¡± Tiptoeing, she presses her lips against mine.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± I smile slightly at her, and she hugs me tightly.


    ¡°You got this. Your mother, your sisters, me, as well as my family, we all believe in you, Royce. Now


    im that title and let me mark you.¡± She says, sounding sulky as she moves back, a pout on her lips.


    Instantly, the mood lightens, and I can¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Alright Love, are you sure that isn¡¯t the


    reason you came?¡±


    She smirks. ¡°Hmm, maybe it did cross my mind.¡± She admits, kissing my jaw before I take her hand


    and lead her out. It¡¯s time to do this¡­


    Reaching the parking lot, I spot Owen there and, to my dismay, Jade.


    Both the women¡¯s hearts skip a beat at the sight of each other. Their eyes sizing each other up. Sk


    tilts her head as she does a slow once over.


    Oh, shoot.


    ¡°Who is this Your- Alpha Royce?¡± Owen asks, clearly concerned about thepany.


    ¡°My mate, Sk Sra Rossi, the daughter of the Lycan King Alejandro Rossi.¡±

 24. His Values

    24. His Values


    SKYLA.


    She¡¯s gorgeous. There¡¯s no denying that the woman in front of me is fucking fine. She¡¯s wearing a red


    dress to her knees, and a cropped ck leather jacket. Her eyes are on me, and I don¡¯t need an


    introduction to know that she is Jade¡­


    ¡°The Lycan King¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Sk. I am Owen Benjamin, a protector of


    the court, and this is my daughter, Jade Benjamin. She¡¯s a warrior and will soon be initiated to be


    a protector of the court too,¡± he says proudly.


    ¡°Nice¡­ pleasure to meet you, Owen,¡± I say, holding my hand out to the man. He takes it, but instead of


    giving it a shake, he touches his forehead to my knuckles and kisses them softly. I cock a brow at


    Royce, who is frowning slightly. He gives me a small smile.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡®It¡¯s the way the greet those of rank around here,¡¯ he exins.


    ¡°Hi, nice to meet you,¡± she says, holding her hand out to me. She gives me a smile that looks forced,


    but it doesn¡¯t disguise the sadness in her eyes.


    ¡°Likewise,¡± I reply, epting the outstretched hand, and giving it a quick shake before I let go.


    Our eyes meet, and Owen clears his throat. ¡°Ah well. The car is ready, shall we?¡± He asks, looking at


    us. ¡°Jade, sit in the front.¡±


    She nods and quickly moves out of the way as Owen reaches to open the door, but Royce beats him to


    it, holding it open for me. I can¡¯t help but smirk.


    Owen chuckles before he steps back politely and I lock my arms around Royce¡¯s neck, tugging him


    closer and kissing his lips deeply. His arm instantly wraps around me, and my core knots when his


    hand squeezes my ass.


    ¡®I like you in no underwear,¡¯ he murmurs, making my pussy clench.


    ¡®Me too¡­ All I¡¯m missing is you yanking this dress up and fucking me all over again.¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry, Love, I n to do so tonight,¡¯ he murmurs as we break apart. He holds my hand, helping


    me into the car and then closes the door before walking around to the other side.


    I can see Jade watching him as he walks around the car, but her long hair covers her face. I don¡¯t know


    what to make of her, but she¡¯s obviously not over him.


    Royce gets in, kissing my lips as Owen starts driving.


    ¡°I appreciate the effort, Owen,¡± Royce says, cing his hand on my thigh.


    ¡°Not an issue, King Royce¡­ The court is not too happy, but when I mentioned the issues with serpents


    and Apophis, they agreed. It was a smart suggestion, your majesty,¡± he says, ncing in the rear-view


    mirror at Royce. ¡°After all, Apophis is a known enemy of the sun god.¡±


    I frown, was Leo on to something. Royce and I exchange looks.


    ¡°There¡¯s a link?¡± Royce asks.


    Owen nods. ¡°I¡¯m sure the court will have more answers, but in the old testaments when Helios resided


    in Ancient Egypt and went by the name Ra, he and Apophis became enemies. However, it was


    something that continued for thousands of years. I am not too certain, as there are things that only the


    court will know. I am sure this is why they agreed,¡± he exins.


    ¡°I see...¡± Royce replies. He looks incredibly handsome as he sits there, but there is something that


    niggles at my mind. ¡®Leo was on the right track.¡¯


    ¡®I thought the same.¡¯ I reply.


    We''re all silent but there¡¯s something on his mind, I can see it from the way he¡¯s frowning.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong, Magic Fingers?¡¯ I ask.


    He nces over at me. ¡®I apologise for the way I introduced you.¡¯


    I look at him in surprise. I have to admit, it¡¯s not like Royce to mention my father to introduce me. I did


    notice that, but I didn¡¯t think much of it.


    He¡¯s always been a person who¡¯s never cared for titles, and he knows I¡¯m tired of being in my father¡¯s


    shadow. He himself said you are your own person, you are not his shadow.


    ¡®It isn¡¯t an issue, I know you Royce, I also know you don¡¯t see me as a trophy.¡¯ I say.


    His frown only deepens. ¡®It was rather shallow, and it still doesn¡¯t sit right with me, but I was trying to


    get a message across.¡¯


    I cock a brow as I reach over and kiss his jaw. ¡®To whom?¡¯ I ask, observing him sharply.


    He pauses and his eyes meet mine


    ¡®The entire court will not be on my side. I¡¯ve risked it by calling a meeting without their head ¨C my father.


    I told Owen not to tell anyone I am the King, but there is a low probability that he may have.¡± He frowns


    as he continues.


    ¡°The chances that someone there may try to harm me is a high probability¡­ but now that you¡¯re


    daughter of someone they don¡¯t want to mess with. I will not refuse youing with me. You are made


    to stand beside me¡­ however, I won¡¯t risk your life for me and if that means using your father¡¯s name


    as an extra precaution, then I will do so.¡±


    I frown. It makes sense¡­ ¡®You¡¯re enough to protect me, Royce.¡¯ I remind him.


    ¡®I will do everything in my power to protect you, but there¡¯s no harm in being careful because if anything


    happens to you, Sky¡­ I will bring this world to its knees.¡¯ His words are quiet, almost as if he doesn¡¯t


    want to voice them.


    He pulls me close, lifting my legs over his, but his words remain in my mind. So, he knew the risks, yet


    he hade here¡­ alone, but for me, he¡¯s concerned.


    I rest my head on his shoulder. ¡®So it was a risking here, yet you never told me that,¡¯ I muse.


    ¡®I can handle myself. We are going to be fine, or I would not take you, it''s just an extra precaution. I¡¯m


    not going in there unprepared.¡¯ He frowns. ¡®How did you get over here?¡¯


    I tilt my head up, and he pecks my lips. ¡®Leo got me over. I have two guards with me, but aside from


    that, I¡¯m just here until you are able toe back.¡¯ I reply. ¡®Dad was like fine, go.¡¯


    ¡®d to hear it. I truly missed you.¡¯ He says, kissing my jaw.


    I smile faintly. ¡®I love you,¡¯ I say softly,


    ¡®Love you, Doll,¡¯ he replies through the link, as he grips the side of my neck, burying his face into the


    crook of my neck, peppering it with sensual, soft kisses.


    From the corner of my eye, I spot Jade tilting her head slightly and although she¡¯s given me no reason


    to hate her; it doesn¡¯t mean I have to like her.


    I run my hand along Royce¡¯s thigh. I can feel his slight tension through the bond and in the way he¡¯s


    sitting, he rxes under my touch as he continues to kiss me. A distraction he clearly needs¡­


    I just hope everything goes well¡­

 25. A Kings Power

    25. A King''s Power


    SKYLA.


    We reach our destination soon after, but I have no idea where we are going as we drive through an


    underground tunnel.


    Although it is underground, the walls and roof of the tunnel seem to be made of some sort of glittering


    stone. It¡¯s smoothed with lights running along the entire length.


    ¡°Alpha Royce¡­¡± Owen says quietly.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°The news may have gotten to your father, although I stressed that this guest ¨C yourself requested this


    one condition. Not everyone on the council will willingly go against the High Alpha,¡± he says quietly.


    Royce frowns but nods. ¡°I assumed as much.¡±


    Owen looks surprised as Jade turns to look at Royce.


    ¡°Not surprising. You know Royce is always ahead, Dad,¡± she says.


    Owen frowns as he looks at his daughter and I can tell they¡¯re mind-linking. No one speaks and Owen


    clears his throat.


    ¡°We will have your back. If there is foul y, I will be there,¡¯ he says.


    Unease fills me and I wonder what we¡¯re walking into. Even Royce is frowning deeply.


    When we finally get out of the car, we are led through a heavy door and are in a wide hall. It goes on


    for ages. The marble is a creamy gold here, with golden chandeliers, the halls have no door; it keeps


    turning right and it¡¯s slightly uphill, we¡¯re going back up.


    What was the point in going down then?


    Weird ce¡­


    A good five minutester of making our way through the never-ending hall. I realise the walls aren¡¯t just


    in marble now, but there are engravings within the marble, emphasised in gold. Werewolves


    symbolise the moon, but I can see the Sris hold both the sun and moon in equal importance.


    ¡°No offence¡­ but these halls are sacred to the Sris bloodline. Yet you brought an outsider to the


    meeting. I am not sure how well that will be epted-¡±


    ¡°I brought my mate, the future queen of the Sris people. She is not an outsider,¡± Royce says sharply.


    ¡°The Sris King is said to not have a mate. She¡¯s your chosen,¡± Jade replies, looking at him.


    Ok bitch, I don¡¯t like you.


    My eyes sh as Royce¡¯s aura swirls around us and Owen frowns. I¡¯m about to speak, but Royce¡¯s grip


    on my waist tightens.


    ¡°Chosen or destined, you will never understand what we have. If you continue with this attitude, which


    is an insult to Sk and to me, then stay out of our way,¡± He says, irritation clear in his voice as he


    res at her.


    ¡°Jade, stay here,¡± Owen says warningly.


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, the scriptures say, to keep the bloodline of the Sris people, the king must take a


    Sris mate!¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± His voice is low, yet it makes my heart skip a beat, the menacing warning sending a shiver


    down my spine. I¡¯m not sure why thement triggered him, but his eyes are hard when he looks at


    Jade. ¡°Don¡¯t question my choices.¡±


    She looks away, bowing her head in submission.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispers. She looks at me and I roll my eyes.


    I¡¯m being nice, I¡¯m being well-behaved, but piss me off and I will speak.


    ¡°I apologise on her behalf,¡± Owen says quietly as we continue through the hall.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s her dream to work as a protector of the court¡­ if she continues as she is, then she will be


    rejected,¡± Royce replies in warning, and Owen lowers his head.


    I see the disappointment in them, and I feel bad for him, it¡¯s not his fault his daughter¡¯s a dumb brat.


    We finally reach a pair of grand double doors. However, it is the insignia on it that seems oddly


    familiar¡­ but before I can observe it, the doors are opened and a wave of poweres from within.


    ¡°You''ve got this,¡± I say softly to Royce. Our eyes meet as he threads his fingers with mine. cing a


    kiss on my hand, we step into the brightly lit room.


    It¡¯s not what I imagined. The huge room is circr shape, and it is bathed in a golden glow. A huge


    golden chandelier hangs from the middle of the domed ceiling.


    For a moment I freeze, staring at the intricate ss, and metal filigree designed roof. However, there¡¯s


    more - within the metal designs are symbols and images depicting stories that would take hours to


    study.


    The arches that separate each of the court members hold intricately designed metal filigree twirling


    around the marble pirs. Something tells me it¡¯s pure gold.


    There is a low balcony that wraps around the entire room, and behind each of the angled archways,


    someone sits in therge chairs.


    There are two arches opposite one another that are empty, one links with the balcony, but the arch is


    wider. However, the one on the left is most noticeable, unlike the rest of the alcoves, it''s not bathed in


    bright light, and I can see that a shimmering barrier covers the entrance.


    The ce remaining untouched for centuries¡­ Beyond the barrier, there are steps leading up to it and


    it is a few steps higher than the other seats around the room. A huge throne sits there. The sun and


    moon are engraved on the backrest of the throne itself.


    The throne of the Sris King¡­ So then that one must be for the High Alpha, I think, as I nce back


    at the one opposite the darkened throne.


    Owen bows before he keeps his head down and stays behind Royce, while Jade, who followed us


    slowly since her little outburst, remains outside.


    ¡°One not of the Sris is brought here.¡± Someone murmurs the moment the doors m shut behind


    us.


    ¡°Alpha Royce Arden?¡± Another asks, and I turn to look at the man.


    A murmur ripples through the room.


    ¡°We thought you died.¡±


    ¡°That was nned, but before I exin everything there is something I wish to proim,¡± Royce says.


    ¡°And what may that be? What is so important that you wanted us to go against the High Alpha?¡±


    Royce steps forward and I follow suit, the sound of my heels echoes in the room and we stop in the


    centre of the room. That¡¯s when I realise why the engraving on the door was so familiar. The very same


    design is now engraved in gold on the floor beneath us. I frown, it¡¯s more detailed than the one on the


    door and I realise where I¡¯ve seen it¡­


    My free hand goes to my neck, my heart thudding.


    My mark¡­


    ¡°My rank trumps his,¡± Royce says quietly.


    ¡°Oh? And what rank is that exactly? Unless the court votes for you to rece your father as the High


    Alpha, you cannot simply walk in. We thought this was something new regarding Apophis, and that you


    were bringing a seer or a witch. Sir Owen Benjamin, you know the punishment for breaking the Law.¡±


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The man who had recognised Royce first, says.


    His hair may be pure white, but his eyes are sharp and full of life as they remain fixed on Royce.


    ¡°He broke now or rule,¡± Royce deres, and I can¡¯t deny that sounds sexy-as-fuck. ¡°As I said, I am


    above my father''s rank.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t move, but the moment his eyes snap up, he unleashes his immense aura, and he doesn¡¯t


    hold back at all.


    A violent wind whips through the room, and everyone shields their face. Some are forced back,


    pressed into their seats, their hair and clothes whipping around them. I can see the waves of power in


    the air. Lightning runs through Royce¡¯s hands and I look down at ourbined hands.


    I¡¯m not sure how he¡¯s doing it but despite the powerful aura, and the very real blinding crackling


    lightning around our hands, it isn¡¯t hurting me.


    The sound of heavy wind and the sh of lightning hits the dome ceiling, and through the ss in the


    domed roof, we can see it. Deafening thunder follows along with a torrent of rain that hammers down


    on the dome. Waves of immense power whips around the room and only when it¡¯s beginning to get


    hard to breathe does he rein it back in.


    ¡°Do you need further proof?¡± I ask the court, my voice strong, carrying across the hall.


    The thudding hearts and the expressions on the faces of those powerful werewolves around the court


    are clear enough proof that they realise his importance. One by one, they all rise from their seats.


    Some pale, others are simply shocked, and some are trembling from the immense power that Royce


    holds.


    As one, they all go down on one knee, lowering their heads to their king. The white-haired man is the


    ¡°The King has returned.¡± He says quietly, bending the knee to his King.

 26. Taking His Place

    26. Taking His ce


    SKYLA.


    The battering rain is drowned out by the murmur of Long live the king and I smirk at Royce.


    ¡®You aced it. There was nothing for them to doubt.¡¯ I say through the mind link.


    He nces at me and smiles faintly. ¡®I don¡¯t think they¡¯re done with their questions though,¡¯ he replies,


    as the white-haired man is the first to rise.


    ¡°Your majesty, before you open the vault and announce to the Sris people that their king is here, will


    you share who is the woman beside you?¡±


    All eyes now turn on me and I can see the curiosity in them, noticing how Royce¡¯s eyes flick to Owen.


    Almost as if surprised he hasn¡¯t told anyone anything. Had Royce been testing him?


    ¡°She is my chosen, and she bears my mark. This is Sk Sra Rossi, your queen,¡± Royce says,


    reaching over he brushes my hair back turning my head towards him so they can see the mark that


    adorns my neck. Our eyes meet and his thumb caresses my cheek.


    The white-haired man smiles proudly. ¡°Brothers and sisters! We need no further proof of our king when


    his mark mirrors our sacred crest!¡± He says.


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    If there had been any doubt left before, it¡¯s now gone as they all stare at us.


    ¡°Your queen is powerful, and if I¡¯m not mistaken¡­ the name Rossi means she is of the Volkov line, and


    the Lycan King correct?¡± A woman from the court asks.


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± I reply, now looking at the woman who had spoken.


    The woman nods in approval. ¡°Not of the Sris¡­ but a powerful queen indeed¡­¡±


    A flicker of annoyance shes on Royce¡¯s face and I ce my hand on his chest.


    ¡®Regardless of her status or strength, she would still be my queen.¡¯ He says quietly.


    A ripple of murmurs spread through the room.


    ¡®Don¡¯t get offended, it¡¯s only natural they would want you to have chosen a strong queen. Don¡¯t argue


    over it when I am strong enough to stand by your side anyway,¡¯ I say, my eyes sharp as they meet his.


    His hand wraps around my wrist. ¡®I know,¡¯ he replies, he frowns slightly, but the truth is, even if he


    doesn¡¯t approve, it is how the world works.


    I have seen my parents grow up and the pressure and expectations on them. Maybe it¡¯s the fact I grew


    up like that, that I understand these things.


    ¡°Formalities aside, there is something I need to discuss with the court regarding my father, my brother


    and the wrongs they havemitted, to the point that it was my own brother who tried to kill me.¡±


    Royce now says as he scans the room.


    The mood darkens as everyone exchanges looks, and the white-haired man frowns. ¡°Before the


    matters of court can be discussed, the king must take the sacred treasures of the Sris line. Only


    then will he and his queen be able to cross the barrier and take their position.¡± He points to the throne.


    ¡°You are in a rush to crown me, yet it¡¯s been a while since Ist saw you. Will you not hug me,


    grandfather?¡± Royce asks quietly.


    My eyes fly open as I stare at the man before me. He smiles before he steps forward and pulls Royce


    into his arms.


    ¡°It truly has.¡± He says quietly. He then turns to me and smiles faintly. ¡°And this is the Lycan Princess¡­


    daughter of the Lycan King.¡± He takes my hand giving it a light kiss on my knuckles before he steps


    back once more.


    ¡°Our king is back. We should hold a coronation in style.¡± The woman who had spoken before suggests.


    Royce¡¯s grandfather nces at her. ¡°There are grave matters to discuss. We will hold a coronation


    when the time is right. We should not dy this moment. The king is here, and him epting his


    birthright as swiftly as possible is best.¡±


    The woman frowns slightly, and I wonder if there¡¯s more to it.


    ¡°Does that mean I can finally mark him?¡± I ask, making his grandfather smile amused.


    ¡°You have spark, I think that would only be fair. After the sacred treasures are in the King¡¯s hold, you


    may mark him,¡± he then turns to Owen, ¡°You risked a lot to do this, yet you saw that he is the true king,


    there is no doubt and when the vault is opened, there will be no space left for doubts¡­ now we shall


    hold our meeting, in that time, prepare a grand feast, for the Sris King has returned!¡±


    The ps resound through the room as Royce pulls me close, and I can¡¯t help but admire him. He did


    the right thing bying here. ¡®Just a vault left to open, and we¡¯re done.¡¯ I wink.


    ¡®And the marking¡­ I¡¯m looking forward to that,¡¯ he murmurs, looking into my eyes.


    Yes¡­


    It¡¯s ten minutes or soter and his grandfather, Edward, who is his mother¡¯s father, exins what he


    needs to do.


    ¡®I¡¯m surprised he isn¡¯t the head of the council.¡¯ I remark.


    ¡®I¡¯m afraid my father beat him in the final round where strength came into it. Grandfather would have


    been better for the position.¡¯ Royce replies, as he readies himself to ce his hand at the centre of the


    engraving on the marble floor, right beneath the highest point of the dome. The vault is beneath this


    floor, and it has not been opened for thousands of years, protected by magic.


    He takes a deep breath as we all clear the floor, allowing a drop of his blood to fall onto it.


    I notice how Edward stays close to me. Royce nces at us before he closes his eyes, allowing his


    aura to flow through his finger trips. I see it travel through the gold lines of the engraving, making them


    ¡°Only the Sris King can unlock the vault and unseal the dome, do so and the Sris people will


    know their king has arrived,¡± Edward murmurs, more to himself than anyone.


    Royce looks at me, and I wink at him.


    ¡°You got this,¡± I say quietly.


    He steps back just as the ground begins to shift and rearrange itself, everyone holds onto their seats


    and Royce sends a wave of wind my way, and I feel it snake around me almost like his arm, supporting


    me so I don¡¯t fall to the moving ground. It finallyes to a stop, and I find myself looking down at a


    stone room, but what piques my interest is the altar at the centre.


    Royce doesn¡¯t speak, taking the stone steps two at a time as he approaches the altar. There are three


    things upon it: a crown, a sword and a medallion. He¡¯s silent, as are the spectators, all who are


    watching on in awe.


    The items may have been locked away for centuries, but they don¡¯t have a speck of dust upon them.


    Royce is calm and collected, as if he knows what he must do. He first picks up the crown and looks


    ahead.


    ¡°I vow to uphold thews and scriptures of Selene and Helios, the gods who have blessed our people,


    to fight in their name and to protect in their name.¡± He ces the crown upon his head, and brilliant


    gold and silver light swirls around him. He tenses and I almost run to him, but Edward stops me.


    ¡°He must do this.¡± He says quietly. I frown as I turn back to Royce.


    He now picks up the medallion. It¡¯s intricate, like the crown. It holds clear diamonds, and I can see the


    faint depiction of the sun and the moon in the medallion. The items themselves seem to hold an energy


    of their own.


    ¡°I swear to uphold justice and equality. Forsake the greed for power with valour and empathy. When the


    darkest of times will befall us, I will stand as a shield for the people.¡± He ces the medallion around


    his neck, and another brilliant wave of glittering light swirls around him.


    ¡°I will¡­¡± Royce trails off, and he nces at me sharply and I wonder what it says. ¡°I will¡­ ride behind


    the Adonai, protecting all those who may need it, and bow to the gods who have blessed me. I swear


    it.¡±


    With those words he lifts the final item, the sword, and another shimmering glow swirls around him,


    sizzling through the sword, and then he is surrounded by a dazzling light that seems to be more


    concentrated around his right arm.


    It soon fades away, and the room is filled with silence as everyone witnessed something that will not


    happen again.


    ¡°It is time to take your throne, my king,¡± someone says, as Royce now nces at it. The barrier is gone,


    and the throne awaits.


    ¡°Is it necessary?¡± Royce asks, and I can¡¯t help but smirk.


    ¡°Of course it is. You are the king, and you have returned,¡± I state.


    Royce nces at me and, with a gorgeous smirk on his face, he holds his hand out to me.


    ¡°Then join me, my queen.¡±


    Edward releases me, and Royce has just taken my hand, the tingles of pleasure dancing through me,


    and I notice the symbols that now run up his right arm. It¡¯s like runes, only they are glowing around his


    hand and arm in a golden colour.


    ¡®I have no idea what it is either.¡¯ He replies to my unanswered question. I¡¯m about to answer him when


    someone rises from their seat and clears their throat.


    ¡°Before the king epts his chosen, I fear that a grave mistake has been made¡­ The Lycan Princess


    is the niece of the Deimos Prince¡­ an enemy of Helios. Are you certain by taking someone who is a


    descendant of the Deimos line that you will not make our God turn away from us?¡± she asks quietly,


    raising an eyebrow as she looks around the hall.


    I frown, looking around. Will this be a problem?


    Of course, I know how badly that curse hurt us. It was Helios¡¯ curse that was triggered at Dante¡¯s birth


    and affected Liam to the point he almost fell into darkness.


    ¡°Then Helios should be grateful I¡¯m not holding his people and the King responsible for what my uncle


    went through,¡± I say sharply, cocking a brow.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± the woman looks pale when Royce tugs me closer as a ripple of whispers and shock


    rushes through the room.


    ¡°Enough.¡± His voice is powerful and calm, yet it resonates through the hall. ¡°Respect her as you would


    me. Helios will have no qualms, after all¡­ the Deimos Prince and Helios fought over a woman. This


    time, it¡¯s a Sris King who has a woman of Deimos blood. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll consider it befitting.¡±


    A ripple of approval rushes through the room and Royce smiles faintly. ¡°And now¡­ I want you to make


    me yours.¡± Those words are directed at me,


    ¡°But¡­¡± That same woman whispers, but Royce''s eyes are fixed on me as he lifts a finger, silencing her.


    ¡°The king is here. We abide by hisws.¡± Edward says sharply before he turns to us.


    ¡°Her mark is clearly that of the first Sris King! His mark graces her skin. That is enough proof that


    even Helios has no qualms.¡± Another says. ¡°They will only bring further power to the Sris people!


    ¡°Mark your King, Princess Sk.¡± Edward says.


    I nod, turning to Royce just as he puts his sword down and opens the top button of his shirt, making me


    bite my lip as I wait impatiently.


    Damn, I want to pounce on him.


    ¡°Ready, Love?¡± He asks me, his hands gripping my waist.


    My heart is pounding, and I nod, despite the sudden nerves that are rushing through me. I take a


    moment to admire him, a crown upon his head, a spark in those gorgeous grey eyes as his gaze dips


    to my breasts before he smiles faintly.


    ¡®Tonight, I¡¯m taking you to heaven.¡¯


    Fuck, if I wasn¡¯t a mess before, now I am. I cup the back of his neck, pressing myself flush against him


    and kiss his lips softly, cherishing every brush of his lips against mine, before I move back and taking a


    deep breath, let my fangs out.


    My eyes ze plum as I sink my teeth into his neck¡­


    A wave of power rushes through the room, and I feel my own powers surge. Something snaps inside of


    me, and I feel the final part of our bonde to life and sizzle into ce.


    I gasp, feeling the electric-like tingle, one that may not be as strong as that of a fated mate, but it¡¯s still


    intense and extremely powerful. Our love knows no bounds¡­


    Extracting my teeth, I run my tongue along my mark that is already beginning to take form on his neck.


    For a second I watch, entranced, seeing the faint lines dancing along his skin¡­


    No one has ever described a mate mark forming like that¡­


    I turn and look at my Ice God. With that crown on his head, he looks like a Greek god. His heart is


    racing as he yanks me close, his lips crashing against mine as the court ps to their new king and


    queen¡­


    ¡°May your reign be long and prosperous. Long live the new King and Queen of Sria! Long live those


    blessed by our Moon Goddess and Sun God. Bow to your rulers.¡±


    The voices fade away as I melt into the kiss of my beloved. Locking my arms tightly around his neck as


    he lifts me off the ground, a thousand fireworks erupt within me.


    This is true love. This is a love that we have formed.


    He is mine, and I am his.


    I¡¯m in heaven.

 27. An Old Enmity

    27. An Old Enmity


    SKYLA.


    A few hours have passed, and we¡¯re now seated around a dining table. The meal is impressive and


    even more so considering how little time they had to even prepare it.


    After I had marked Royce, they ced a crown on my head which matched Royce¡¯s. It was just a little


    smaller.


    We were then led to the throne. There was a second throne behind the first and it had been lifted and


    ced beside Royce¡¯s.


    One thing we weren¡¯t anticipating though was the fact that every single Sris Bloodline holder would


    have felt the return of their king. However, with Royce having made it clear about Aleric and his father¡¯s


    wrongdoings, despite themotion the bloodline holders felt, no confirmation was given.


    A short while before dinner, Keh had apparently called an immediate meeting in three days¡¯ time. A


    dy that only happened when a few core members of the court made excuses.


    The dinner only began after Royce had made it clear, with hismandced into his voice, that what


    is said here shall remain at this table unless he says otherwise.


    I almostughed when Royce immediately removed his crown and medallion, almost as if he didn¡¯t


    want to be seen in them. I had to tell him he looked damn sexy, however, it didn¡¯t stop him from


    removing them.


    We are currently discussing Aleric and Keh, as well as the issues at hand.


    ¡°Does Catherine know?¡± Edward asks, a frown on his face.


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Royce asks,


    ¡°Of course.¡± His eyes are hard as he looks at his grandson.


    Royce smiles slightly. ¡°No, Mom does not, and on that note, there is far more that Father needs to be


    held ountable for.¡±


    All eyes of the court turn upon us. ¡°And what may that be?¡± The annoying woman from earlier, whose


    name is Nicole, asks.


    ¡°I am certain you all must know about my father¡¯s eldest child, a daughter, who was apparently


    stillborn?¡± Royce asks.


    A tense silence falls over the table, and Nicole is the first to speak. ¡°Of course, but it¡¯s not umon.


    Are you trying to use your father of foul y? It happens, especially for Alphas-¡±


    Royce''s eyes sh. ¡°Lady Nicole Glen, if you will continue to question my every statement and defend


    my father¡¯s action, then perhaps your seat is not at this table.¡±


    The room is dead silent as the womanposes herself.


    ¡°I do ask for forgiveness,¡± she says quietly, lowering her head.


    ¡°I will let it slide this once,¡± Royce replies quietly, and I look at him. This side of him is different.


    He¡¯s made for this position, and I can see that he¡¯s already falling into it perfectly.


    ¡°As I was saying, my father staged her death, andmanded the Beta, who has recently passed, to


    kill her.¡±


    My eyes are on the crowd, assessing which ones look angered and shocked and which ones are in


    denial. There are six Sris bloodline packs in the US, with The Shadow Wolves Pack being the


    seventh.


    ¡°But instead, the Beta, unable to do what my fathermanded, left her at a human orphanage. The


    night of his death, I called him to the bridge, where he was murdered in cold blood, to ask about her.


    However, I did not realise it would cost him his life. Before his death, he confirmed that she was alive.¡±


    Edward¡¯s eyes are simmering orange. ¡°How dare he¡­¡± He growls. ¡°We need to locate her.¡±


    ¡°I already have, she is mated to a powerful Alpha and is living her life happily,¡± Royce replies curtly.


    A wave of relief flits across Edward¡¯s face and for a moment, he ces his head in his hands.


    ¡°I am going to kill him.¡± He snarls in a rough growl. ¡°I have seen the guilt, self-me and pain Victoria¡¯s


    death had on Catherine.¡±


    ¡°I know, as have I¡­ there is more¡­¡±


    The table goes silent and despite the food before us, no one is able to stomach the food as the truth of


    their high alphaes to light. We listen to Royce tell them about how his father not only tried to have


    his sister killed but wanted him and his brother to gain favour with the Lycan king through me. His ns


    were to gain Ennd as a whole and to be named King.


    If only he realised, he had a King at home already...


    ¡°He also noticed my aura was stronger than my brother¡¯s and he did carry out extensive testing and


    experiments on me as a child and teen until I refused to allow him any longer,¡± Royce continues quietly.


    My heart thuds as I look at him sharply, my chest heaving as I shake my head, suddenly feeling like


    there are too many people close by. Royce looks at me and there¡¯s guilt in his eyes.


    My eyes only hold one question; Why?


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, I should have told you.¡¯


    His words aren¡¯t enough to calm the storm of emotions that have hit me.


    Something so big¡­ what exactly has he gone through, and how the hell is he fucking coping?


    ¡°Keh Arden has broken every rule of this court.¡± Nicole says quietly, her eyes zing.


    Guess someone is no longer favouring him, but there are others who seem shocked.


    ¡°Are you sure? We have never heard anyint against High Alpha Arden¡­¡±


    They¡¯re still addressing him as high alpha?


    ¡°Without meaning any disrespect, we will need proof, of course, we believe you, My King-¡±


    I m my fork straight through my steak, the cracking of the fine China fills my ears, as the force


    breaks my te. My eyes sh as I re at them all.


    ¡°Proof? Ken-fucking-Arden has abused a child! And tried to kill another and you need more proof?!


    Your king has taken his ce and proved he is your leader. You need no proof. I¡¯m with you Edward.


    We can leave this entitled lot to gather their proof. You and I can go kill the fucker.¡± I growl.


    That makes them go silent, a few of them hanging their heads in shame.


    Royce¡¯s hand goes to my thigh, but I¡¯m in no mood. My eyes are zing plum as I re at him.


    ¡®Not know Royce.¡¯ I say through the bond.


    ¡®I know I should have told you, but I am fine. I was able to tolerate the tests and experimenting with


    ease-¡¯


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡®I really don¡¯t care. We¡¯ll talk about itter,¡¯ I say icily. ¡®You should fill them in on Aleric and Apophis.¡¯


    He gives my thigh a gentle squeeze and although it calms me a little; I don¡¯t want it to, because when


    you push aside the anger¡­ you¡¯re left with crippling pain¡­


    He went through so much and I used to share all my issues, which now seem so selfish and small in


    ¡°I like the idea, Lady Sk¡­ however, if not us, when Catherine finds out¡­¡± Edward doesn¡¯tplete


    his sentence. His hand shakes slightly as he tries not to break the ss in his hand. ¡°However, you are


    right¡­ if anyone wants to continue to question the King, they should leave this table.¡±


    ¡°But we also should question things before blindly following. I prefer that I¡¯m asked openly, and then


    gossiped about behind my back. The court has ties to witches, correct?¡± Royce says.


    ¡°A few, however, the rtionship between the coven and us is not very¡­ pleasant.¡± Someone else


    says.


    ¡°Certain packs. As a court, we have not approached them. Our pack has ties with them, and we are


    pleasant enough with them.¡± Edward says.


    Royce nods. ¡°Then we will have a witch show you those memories as well as the night Aleric tried to


    kill me¡­¡± he frowns before looking around at the others. ¡°Moving on¡­ what is the story behind the Sun


    God and Apophis?¡±


    Edwards frowns, clearly not pleased with the conversation and although Royce¡¯s hand remains firmly


    on my thigh, his thumb gently caressing my thigh, sending rivets of pleasure up to my core, I refuse to


    acknowledge it.


    How dare he not tell me¡­


    ¡°What have you heard? Surely the old history lessons were not wasted on you?¡± Edward asks.


    ¡°You mean myth and legend?¡± Royce asks as he drinks his wine.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Edward nods and Royce frowns.


    ¡°Apophis and Ra were said to be the greatest of enemies. Apophis always wanted to destroy Ra and


    the light he brought, wanting to swallow his power and cast the world into darkness. Ra was said to ride


    on his chariot through the sky, setting the world a glow with his light, yet each time he made this


    journey Apophis tried to stop him. It¡¯s said that a huge fight broke out with other gods protecting the


    chariot of Ra and thus forcing Apophis to retreat.¡± Royce says.


    Just as I reach for my ss of wine, he captures my hand in his, making me look at him sharply, my


    eyes still glittering purple. His eyes are soft, and I can feel his regret through the bond as he raises my


    hand to his lips, kissing it softly.


    My heart skips a beat, but I look away as one of the other members, Alpha Madden, speaks. ¡°Although


    we don¡¯t know the exact reason, the base concept is simr. When the Sun God blessed the world with


    the morning rays of light Apophis would try to thwart him, his hatred towards the Sun God- Ra, knew no


    bounds and although there was no reason for him to hate him, he hated him with an intense vengeance


    and wished him dead.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say it was entirely out of nothing.¡± Edward says, sighing. ¡°Apophis resided in the Middle East


    long before Ra, and he was the supreme and the most powerful god until Ra showed up. That was the


    beginning of Apophis¡¯ hatred and despite his many attempts, he kept failing to kill Ra, no matter if he


    sent the monsters under his control, or himself¡­¡±


    Edward pauses to drink some of his juice, and I realise I am listening with bated breath.


    ¡°And although Ra could not be killed by Apophis, Apophis was still causing great hindrance to him and


    he, too, was unable to kill Apophis. That is when one of Ra¡¯s daughters, a goddess born to him with an


    Egyptian woman, offered to ride out to defeat Apophis herself, instead of her father.¡± Madden


    continued.


    ¡°Now, this is my favourite part. Allow me to continue,¡± Nicole says as she sits forward. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t


    love a strong woman?¡±


    The table chuckles as we watch her. ¡°So, they hatched a n, with the help of Selene and Dolos, they


    masked the morning to deceive Apophis, so when the Sun God had made the sunrise, kept hidden


    behind the moon that¡¯s when Ra¡¯s daughter, Bastet donned her father¡¯s armour and rode his chariot.


    Ready to take on Apophis.¡± Nicole continued.


    ¡°And then?¡± I ask, enraptured by the story.


    A feathery chuckle fills the room and I nce around, my heart thudding.


    It¡¯s the same voice I¡¯ve heard before¡­


    ¡°Then she disobeyed her father, where she promised to stay in the safety of the chariot she did not.


    Bastet, known for her love of cats, transformed fully into a Lioness and with only courage, bravery and


    determination she yed the three-headed serpent that Apophis was riding and managed to defeat


    Apophis.¡± Nicole says a small smile on her face.


    I let out a low whistle. ¡°Then it should be Bastet, you guys should be worshipping,¡± I muse, ncing at


    Royce, who smiles faintly.


    ¡°I do agree.¡±


    ¡®Still mad at you.¡¯ I remind him through the link.


    ¡®Of course.¡¯ He replies, kissing my lips softly.


    The urge to bite into his lip is tempting but instead, I re at him, which only makes his smile grow, but


    the guilt in his eyes remains. Even though he¡¯s trying to hide it, it¡¯s not as easy for him to hide his


    emotions fully anymore. Not with the bond fullypleted.


    ¡°But Apophis is alive.¡± I say, suddenly realising that it doesn¡¯t add up.


    Edward nods. ¡°Yes, as a god, they cannot truly die, but he was weakened to the extent that he had to


    retreat. And for centuries he kept to hisnds, hidden away. Even when the barriers between the mortal


    and immortal realm were raised and many gods were not happy with this, he remained in the


    shadows¡­ until now.¡±


    ¡°So, he¡¯s gained enough strength to somehow prate the barrier and send his monsters through,


    because gods can no longer walk this earth.¡± Royce says. ¡°And if I¡¯m understanding correctly, he¡¯s


    using Aleric as some sort of¡­ host or something?¡±


    ¡°Correct,¡± Another member says. ¡°It¡¯s all that makes sense. It took Apophis centuries to regain the


    strength Bastet destroyed. He must be ying his cards far more carefully, with his newfound servant


    carrying out hismands, it will keep his own strength intact, for the greater battles ahead.¡±


    ¡°So then¡­ we somehow need to do what Bastet did, defeat the fucker by all means, get rid of his grasp


    on this and send him packing back to Snakeville. Easy as a fucking game of chess,¡± I say with a


    wave of my hand.


    A few people chuckle when Nicole raises an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t really sound like a British... Lady¡­¡±


    I cock a brow. ¡°Oh, my apologies, let me rephrase. Let us defeat the bloody worm. He¡¯s taken the


    biscuit for far too long, and we should have him on his way before it''s time for tea. We wouldn¡¯t want


    him toe in the way of our evening cuppa. Better?¡±


    The table erupts inughter and the dark mood somehow just got lifted.


    ¡°To our Queen!¡± Madden says surprising me. They all raise their sses, clinking them together. Royce


    raises his ss, clinking his too, but his eyes are on me.


    Admiration and amusement clear in them before he takes a sip of his wine. ¡°To my Queen.¡±


    Our eyes meet and despite the fact that he needs to answer my questions, I can¡¯t help but lean over


    and kiss him deeply¡­

 28. This Passion

    28. This Passion


    ROYCE.


    I didn¡¯t tell her because I didn¡¯t want her to worry about me. But telling the court before her, and having


    to learn of it at the same time as others, hurt her and I cannot me her for feeling like that.


    She¡¯s now removing her earrings as she stares at the wall in the open lounge area of the penthouse.


    We ended uping here as she said all her stuff was here. This ce belongs to Leo.


    Although something about him makes me wonder if the entire ce isn¡¯t under surveince. However,


    that¡¯s the least of my concerns as I watch my Queen re at the nk wall, removing her earrings and


    tossing them onto the small table against the wall.


    I can¡¯t help but smile, despite her rage, the fact that she has marked me, and made me hers


    She bends down, stroking Malevolent¡¯s fur, who is contently sleeping despite the new environment.


    I close the distance between us, and she instantly turns her back with a toss of her hair. I wrap my


    arms around her from behind and kiss her shoulder.


    She smells absolutely divine.


    ¡°I am sorry, but words alone will not be enough¡­¡± I murmur, kissing her neck ever so softly. Her scent


    is an addiction, and I can¡¯t help but run my hands down her waist.


    Her heart thuds as she struggles not to lean into me, her body unable to fight me.


    ¡°No, they won¡¯t be, and neither will your touch,¡± she growls, pulling free from my hold and turning to


    face me.


    Our eyes meet and I brush a few strands of my hair that havee loose from the hair tie back.


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± I know she wants details, but how do I start?


    How do I tell her that my father has always been intrigued by how much my body could handle? I hold


    my hands out to her, but she frowns.


    ¡°Royce,¡± she warns.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t want me to touch you, but I could do with your touch right now.¡± I say quietly. Her


    eyes soften, and she instantly takes my hands. A wave of sparks and calmness rush through me, and I


    close my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry baby¡­¡± she whispers, letting go of my hands. She cups my face, pressing her forehead


    gently against mine. ¡°You can tell me through the mind link.¡± Her lips brush mine and I kiss her back


    before I look into her eyes.


    ¡°The injections that often caused pain were never an issue, neither were the constant samples he was


    taking from me. Yeah, they weren¡¯t an issue, but when he tried to see how much my body could take,


    those experiments were pretty intense¡­ Whether it was electrocution, cing me in ice-cold water or


    fire¡­¡±


    She gasps, her heart pounding, and I can see the sadness, shock, and above all, the rage in her eyes.


    ¡°How dare he¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not so bad. Many have it worse. Those tests were rare and far between as a child because Mom


    always kept us with her. She always wanted to know where we were and anytime we came home from


    training, she had to make sure we were fine.¡± I continue, nudging her nose with mine before I continue.


    ¡°Mom¡¯s protective attitude kept me safe, and I know it also made Dad limit his testing, but on the rare


    asions he managed to organise a ¡®boys trip¡¯ or send her out on a short break with her friends, telling


    her she needed a break, he got his chances. Even then, he feared Mom finding out, and even though


    Dad told her to focus on her Luna duties, and allow our nanny to take care of us, she refused. No


    matter how busy she was, she¡¯d always ask about our day, ask if everything was going well and if


    anything was worrying us.¡± I look at her, but she¡¯s simply listening, her eyes full of raw emotions.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you ever consider telling her?¡± she asks softly.


    I sigh. ¡°I often wondered what would happen if I did tell her, but seeing that light in her eyes when Dad


    entered the room, I couldn¡¯t do it¡­ because I knew she was still hurting over Victoria. Then he sent us


    to America, where he would sometimes visit and continue with his testing, but again, even far from her,


    Mom¡¯s eyes were on us. My Mom is a Queen in every way, and I realise now she would have preferred


    the truth. One I will tell her because she¡¯s probably waiting for it, wondering why I had to resort to


    faking my own death.¡± I finish.


    She wraps her arms around my neck. ¡°You are incredibly brave. You have been through so much, yet


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    you¡¯re still sane¡­ I feel like I¡¯ve been acting like an entitled cow all my life. What you¡¯ve been through


    is so much worse,¡± she says, kissing my neck, right over my mark, which seems to be healed or almost


    healed. A sizzling rush of pleasure goes through me, and I caress her waist.


    As much as I want to see my mark, I need to make it up to her first.


    ¡°No, just because our experiences were different, it does not mean your struggles were any less, Love.


    Always remember that,¡± I reply, kissing her jaw. ¡°So¡­ tell me, am I forgiven?¡±


    She pulls back and frowns. ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ I mean, I¡¯m not angry, but that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t be mad


    or hold a grudge,¡± she says pointedly.


    I smirk faintly. ¡°Oh really? Then allow me to satiate your rage,¡± I whisper seductively.


    She rolls her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t try to work your magic on me, baby,¡± she murmurs. Her tone alone tells me


    she¡¯s falling. ¡°It won¡¯t work.¡±


    I smirk ¡°And if it does work?¡± I challenge, tangling my hand into her hair and tugging her head up a tad


    roughly.


    She bites her lips. ¡°Is that a challenge?¡±


    ¡°Do you take it as one?¡± I counter sexily.


    She smirks, ¡°Try me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I n to,¡± I reply huskily, and without further ado, I wrap my hand around her neck. ¡°I told you,


    tonight, I¡¯m taking you to heaven.¡±


    Not waiting for a reply, my lips are on hers, kissing her hard and rough. For a split second, she¡¯s taken


    aback as I push her up against the wall. I know my girl likes it rough and I¡¯m going to give her exactly


    what she wants.


    ¡®You¡¯re ying dirty.¡¯


    ¡®I always do.¡¯ I reply.


    Her heart¡¯s pounding. Even when she struggles not to kiss me back, I¡¯m driving her crazy, but she


    stubbornly tries to deny me.


    The moment she moans softly, I take the chance to slip my tongue into her mouth, ravishing it


    I yank her dress up, making her gasp as the cool air hits her heated core. The intoxicating scent of her


    arousal fills my nose, making my own throbbing cock, harden.


    Fuck.


    ¡°Royce¡­¡± Her voice is halfway between a moan and a gasp.


    ¡°Tell me to stop and I¡¯ll call it your win.¡± I tease as my fingers brush her bare pussy.


    I do like her without her panties¡­


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    She¡¯s soaking wet and I rub her.


    ¡®As much as I loved the dress, it has to go.¡¯ I growl through the link, mming my fingers into her. She


    cries out, moaning in pleasure as I begin finger-fucking her hard and fast.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± she swears, her nails digging into my shoulders. ¡°Royce!¡±


    ¡°You can tell me to stop,¡± I murmur, running my tongue along her lips.


    Her eyes meet mine, eyes that are filled with raw, unbridled lust. Her lips part, and I curl my fingers


    inside of her, making her whimper again. She leans her head back against the wall as she parts those


    sexy legs of hers.


    My eyes rake over her appreciatively, taking in that sexy dress onest time, and then I tear it right off


    her.


    The sound makes Malevolent meow before I hear her escape the room, clearly annoyed at being


    disturbed by the ripping sound.


    My doll gasps, her eyes flying open as she nces at the dress that now lies torn on the floor. But it¡¯s


    only a nce as she drowns in the pleasure I¡¯m inflicting her with. I grab her breast, bending down and


    taking the hardened nipple in my mouth.


    ¡°Fuck, harder!¡± She gasps, her hand now twisting into my hair. I smirk,


    ¡®I guess that option of telling me to stop is gone.¡¯ I tease, a tad arrogantly as I suck hard on her nipple,


    knowing it¡¯s going to hurt, but when a satisfied moan reaches me, I know I can push it more¡­


    She cries out as I m into her faster, squeezing a third finger into her. Fuck, I don¡¯t know how my cock


    fits, she¡¯s damn tight.


    ¡°Does my girl like pain?¡± I whisper, flicking her nipple, that now looks bruised and red.


    ¡°Fuck yes,¡± she whimpers, her other hand now on her other breast, kneading it.


    I like her ying with herself¡­ a little anyway¡­


    I bite down on her nipple. The taste of blood fills my mouth and I suck it, twirling my tongue over it,


    sensing how turned on she was getting.


    She¡¯s close, if her moans and screams of ecstasy are not enough to show for that. I can feel her walls


    mping around my fingers, her entire body tense as the pressure builds.


    I¡¯m painfully hard and the urge to fuck her is at breaking point.


    She¡¯s soaking wet as her juices squirt from her just as her orgasm hits her, knocking her over the edge.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± She cries, her entire body reacting to the waves of pain. And through the bond, I can feel her


    emotions as she rides out the waves of her orgasm.


    Fuck¡­


    She grips my wrist, trying to remove my hand from her pussy, but I¡¯m still stronger than her.


    ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± she murmurs. Her hand that is threaded into my hair now yanks my head up and she


    bends down, kissing me roughly as she pushes me onto the floor with immense power.


    My eyes sh and I instantly lift my head just as my back hits the ground, the impact making my head


    snap back.


    The entire room shakes as jarring pain rushes through me.


    ¡°Fuck Royce! I¡¯m sorry!¡± She cups my face and I shake my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± I say, tugging her close and kissing her to calm her thudding heart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, I lost control¡­¡± she murmurs as she looks around before ncing back


    at me, shocked.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably the effect of the bond. Our power increases.¡± I reassure her, knowing her greatest fear is


    hurting someone she loves. I can feel something inside of me heal.


    Did I break something?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened though¡­ I didn¡¯t push you that hard at all¡­¡± she says quietly, staring at


    her hands.


    ¡°Hey¡­ it¡¯s ok¡­ kiss me,¡± Imand quietly, caressing her waist and ass with one hand, the other


    cupping her face.


    She looks up, her eyes meeting mine, and I freeze.


    Her eyes are zing plum, but I swear for a split second her pupil looked like a slit¡­


    A damning image of the serpent returns to me, and I push it away.


    I¡¯m imagining things¡­.


    ¡°Well¡­ where were we¡­¡± she whispers as she tears off my shirt before she grabs my shoulders and


    kisses me passionately.


    I kiss her back with equal hunger, because despite the crazy thought that ran through my head, my


    body is in control and I want her so fucking badly¡­ but I can¡¯t deny that it has left me shaken¡­

 29. The Meaning Behind It

    29. The Meaning Behind It


    SKYLA.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, Love¡­¡± He groans, his hands cupping my breasts as I ride him. We¡¯re still on the floor, the


    smell of sex in the air and the passion between us reaching new heights,


    We¡¯re a mess. We¡¯ve been rolling around kissing, fucking, and making out like it¡¯s thest fucking time -


    losing track of time, but never wanting this night to end.


    I bend down, kissing his lips roughly. He growls, meeting my thrusts with his own rough ones before he


    flips us over. One of his hands brushes my hair back and he lifts my leg to his hips, ramming into me.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I cry out.


    He speeds up impossibly harder, the pain and pleasure of his rough thrusts sending me to fucking


    cloud nine and I don¡¯t hold back the screams of pleasure as I feel my release nearing.


    ¡°You¡¯re.¡± Thrust. ¡°So.¡± Thrust. ¡°Tight.¡± He growls, his voiceced with pleasure as he rams into me.


    ¡°And you¡¯re mine.¡±


    Just as he says those possessive words, Ie undone, and so does he, shooting his load into me. I


    pull back, despite my mind nking, my entire body shudders from the earth-shattering orgasm and I


    push him onto his back. Crawling down, I wrap my hand around his cock and pump it, wanting to taste


    him.


    ¡°Sky¡­¡± he groans, trailing off when I stick my tongue out and lick the swollen tip of his huge cock. I can


    taste myself on him and I taste pretty good, but it¡¯s the taste of him that drives me nuts.


    ¡°I want to taste you,¡± I purr, as I milk his cock for thest few ropes of his cum.


    He¡¯s sexy as hell, his godly body glistening with ayer of sweat, his chest heaving, and he¡¯s all fucking


    mine. Swallowing everyst drop I pull back, a small pop sounding as I release his cock from between


    my lips and lick them as he yanks me close and kisses my neck, breathing heavily.


    I drop onto him, feeling exhausted too, my entire body covered with hickeys and marks from our


    lovemaking. Sweat and sex juice mixed in too, the perfect way to end the night¡­


    ¡°I love you,¡± he says, his voice serious as he strokes my sore ass from the few hard ps he had given


    it earlier when he bent me over on all fours.


    I bite my lip as he kneads my ass, delivering another light tap to it, making me moan against him as he


    caresses the skin.


    ¡°I love you too, Magic Fingers. Fuck, I should change that to magic everything,¡± I murmur, making him


    chuckle.


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ and next time I want to save some of your cum to ze my donuts and brownies with. The


    perfect iced donuts. Ice, get it?¡±


    He moves back so he can see my face better, and cocks a brow. I smirk back at him.


    ¡°One point for me. Did I shock you?¡± I tease.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯re an addiction¡­ and I love the taste of you,¡± I purr seductively, wrapping my hand around


    his cock. ¡°Mm, I could milk this cock day and night¡­ I wonder how many times you coulde?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Although it sounds enticing, I¡¯m also a tad scared. I can imagine you testing that,¡± he


    jokes.


    I snicker, ¡°Yeah, maybe next time you piss me off, I¡¯ll tie you up or some shit, but I still want some of


    that special icing,¡± I say, kissing his lips.


    ¡®Mm, only I prefer to do the tying,¡± he replies huskily through the link as he kisses me back.


    I¡¯m ok with that too¡­


    We move back, and his fingers go to his neck as my gaze falls to my mark on his neck and I tilt my


    head. His hair is in the way, but I can tell it¡¯s healed.


    ¡°Mind if I take a look at it?¡± he asks, just before I¡¯m about to reach up to move his hair back. I shake my


    head, as he lifts me bridal style and carries me through to the bedroom. I¡¯m d he did, because my


    legs are gone.


    ¡°Not really surprising that we didn¡¯t make it to the bedroom,¡± I say, kissing his chest.


    The feeling of fulfilment is fucking real. ¡°You¡¯re really mine¡­¡±


    ¡°I was yours even before you marked me. However, there truly is something unique and precious about


    being marked by the person you love,¡± he replies.


    Brushing his hair back, I¡¯m about to reply when I stare at the mark, curious to see the form it¡¯s taken,


    but it has thrown me off. It is fucking gorgeous, trust me and I¡¯m not saying it because it¡¯s mine, but it¡¯s


    also different¡­damn unique but¡­


    ¡°That mark is¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s formedpletely?¡± he asks, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ it¡¯s¡­.¡± I begin, but he kisses my lips as he ces me on the bed and I almost flinch. ¡°Fuck,¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°You did say harder.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, trust me, and you delivered just the way I like it,¡± I reply with a smirk,ying back on the


    cushions. My pussy feels sore and achy, but damn, I loved it.


    ¡°As much as I want to hold you forever, I¡¯m curious to see it,¡± he whispers, moving back, and pulling the


    bedsheet over me.


    Damn, my man is fucking hot¡­


    He walks over to the mirror, and I can¡¯t help but admire the way he walks and that ass¡­


    I bite my lip, watching the muscles flex in his thighs as he reaches the mirror and tilts his head, looking


    at his mark.


    A surge of emotions rushes through me and I know they¡¯re his. My own emotions rise with approval,


    the Lycan within me satisfied by his reaction. It¡¯s intense and makes my heart thump.


    Pride, happiness, approval, and love.


    ¡°It¡¯spleted¡­¡± he says, running his fingers over it.


    ¡°Yeah¡­. But it¡¯s interesting, right?¡± I say, sitting up. He¡¯s frowning now as he observes it¡­


    ¡°Yeah¡­ your eyes earlier¡­¡± He turns sharply as he heads out of the room and he¡¯s back in s seconds


    with his phone, taking a picture of his mark before hees over to the bed.


    He gets into the sheets, pulling it over us slightly and I can¡¯t help but pout at the fact that he only


    covered me up to my thighs yet he covered my favourite toy right up.


    ¡°Why are you covering the mega-size popsicle up?¡±


    He smirks. ¡°Because I need your attention on me. Earlier when you Hulk-smashed me into the floor-¡±


    I smack his shoulder, making himugh. ¡°Hey, that was weird¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, your eyes changed¡­ they were purple, but the pupils became slits.¡±


    My stomach plummets. ¡°Wait, is that why you paled? I thought it was from the pain.¡±


    He cocks a brow. ¡°I told you from the start I can handle you, Love,¡± he replies arrogantly.


    ¡°Ass.¡±


    ¡°Yours.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with that,¡± I murmur as I kiss him, before moving back and staring at the mark on his phone.


    ¡°I have a theory¡­. A wild one, but then again, is there anything that isn¡¯t bloody wild in our lives?¡± he


    muses.


    ¡°Mmm true, especially the sex.¡± I nod in agreement, making him turn to me with a smirk and kiss the


    centre of my breasts.


    ¡°Point taken, focus girl, you¡¯re turning me on,¡± he whispers.


    My stomach flutters and I nod. ¡°Ok, so what¡¯s your theory?¡±


    ¡°This mark¡­¡± He begins as we both stare at it.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ even though I love cats, and I do love animals, especially cats, but for my mark to form one¡­


    it is weird,¡± I admit.


    ¡°Unless of course, a cat symbolises you¡­¡± Royce says, just as a meow on the door makes us both


    look up. ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡±


    He gets out of bed, pulling on his boxers before he goes to the door and pulls it open for Malevolent,


    who runs to the bed and jumps onto it, snuggling down on myp. Royce gets back in bed, and I smile.


    ¡°Thanks, babe,¡± I say.


    ¡°What can I say? You twoe together.¡± He kisses my cheek softly before he turns back to his


    phone.


    He¡¯s frowning at the mark, zooming in. We both stare at the picture of his mark, it''s fully ck.


    There¡¯s a double ring circle, with the cat at the centre. It looks like an Abyssinian breed, with tall ears.


    It¡¯s wearing a ne-like band just below her neck but as Royce zooms onto the centre of the


    ne.


    ¡°Look,¡± he says in a hushed whisper. ¡°I think the theory I have might just be true.¡±


    I don¡¯t reply, staring at the Egyptian eye symbol that sits in the middle of the ne¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re somehow tied to Bastet, Sky. Your eyes earlier. Maybe they were taking on a feline


    form¡­ not even maybe, I¡¯m certain. I think you''re tied to Bastet. I¡¯m not so sure how, but somehow you


    are.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what to say. I want tough it off, but the mark on his neck is screaming that he¡¯s onto


    something.


    The featherugh fills the room and Malevolent tilts her head.


    Wait, did she sense something?


    ¡®Why won¡¯t you believe what¡¯s before you?¡¯ the voice whispers, almost as if right beside my head,


    making me jump.


    I turn sharply, scanning the room, and Royce sits up.


    ¡°Sky?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I just¡­ I¡¯ve heard this voice a few times¡­ and I just heard it again.¡±


    ¡°Love, you¡¯ve been hearing voices, and you didn¡¯t think to tell me?¡± he cocks a brow. ¡°Yet you were


    mad at me for not telling you something that happened years ago?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know, I¡¯m a hypocrite. That fucking won¡¯t change.¡±


    ¡°What kind of voice?¡±


    ¡°Right now, it said, won¡¯t you believe what¡¯s in front of you or something.¡±


    He looks up sharply. ¡°And have you ever tried to talk back to her?¡±


    ¡°How did you know it¡¯s a female voice?¡± I ask, and I shake my head, realising what he¡¯s implying. ¡°That


    can¡¯t be, like seriously, this is too much. How can I be hearing a voice-¡±


    ¡°Denial will only push it away, face it. Your mark is a symbol of the Goddess Bastet. Your love towards


    a cat, which is not the norm for our kind, is so obvious. Why wouldn¡¯t she choose someone who loves


    their cat? What more signs do you need, Sky?¡±


    I¡¯m talking to Reign. The way he¡¯s talking right now, debating with me over something. He isn¡¯t my lover


    right now, not telling me what I want to hear. He¡¯s being my best friend and pointing out the facts and I


    hate how he is usually right.


    ¡°You know I¡¯m right, Lil Lucifer,¡± he says, reaching over. He cups my face and caresses my cheek.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you always? So if that¡¯s the case, does that mean defeating Apophis is my job?¡± I ask, and I


    can¡¯t deny the glimmer of excitement that rushes through me.


    Royce¡¯s face drops, a deep frown settling on his face.


    ¡®Now we are on the correct path¡­¡¯ the voice whispers, and it¡¯s beginning to cement Royce¡¯s theory.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Royce begins, a deep frown now on his face.


    Seems like he didn¡¯t like that fact.


    ¡°You know I¡¯m right, Reign.¡± I reply in the same tone he was using moments ago, but no matter how


    lightly I portray it, the severity of the circumstance is real.


    If I¡¯m somehow linked to Bastet, the goddess of cats herself, then I¡¯m the one who has to deal with


    Apophis, his damn death noodles, and even Aleric himself¡­


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you were the only one who was able to see the serpent¡­ and don¡¯t you think you had


    more run-ins with it than anyone else?¡± Royce says suddenly.


    If I needed any more proof, that shit was it. And with it, the sheer weight of the situation hits me like a


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    fucking avnche.


    Shit just got real.


    I let out a low whistle. ¡°Well, fuck.¡±


    A/N: For those who follow me on social media, please do not leave spoilers in thements! The


    reader group and discord are up for discussion though :)

 30. Betrayed

    30. Betrayed


    ALERIC.


    This morning I felt an odd wave of power rush through me and instantly found myself lowering my head


    in submission.


    The excitement that this was Apophis¡¯ bestowing me with what he had promised, ready to bestow me


    with my rightfully earned powers. But it felt too¡­ light. There was no dark raw power that I¡¯m used to.


    There is no change in my power, and I feel unsettled. It almost feels like something has awakened, but


    nothing has changed! To make matters worse, Apophis has not reached out to me again.


    Then, I learned everyone felt it, and by everyone, I mean the entire Sris bloodline, including those


    packs in America.


    The reason behind it is unknown, but it¡¯s making me uneasy. What is that? We have to rule out magic if


    even those abroad felt it, but something just isn¡¯t right.


    I¡¯ve been trying to summon Apophis, trying to call him forth, but he hasn¡¯t answered. It¡¯s evening now


    and I¡¯m making my way to the woods, not far from where the first serpent had been killed. There¡¯s a


    tear in the veil around here, one that no one even knows of, and they never will.


    I smirk coldly. Don¡¯t they get it? This is needed¡­


    Apophis didn¡¯t need to exin in detail for me to know that his n and beliefs are best for us. If the


    Gods walk upon earth once more, destroying this barrier between the worlds, it will make this world a


    ce of great power.


    We could rid the world of humans entirely, we don¡¯t need them. Imagine, only the strong will survive,


    and we will all be gods in our own rights.


    Just imagining the possibilities excites me. I pull my hood up, scanning the trees, before I enter the


    woods, making my way deeper and deeper into it.


    Ah¡­ the ancient burial ground...


    With the naked eye, one would not think it used to be one. It doesn¡¯t even look like a cemetery


    anymore. With time, everything has be covered, buried into the ground or destroyed, but I know


    what it used to be.


    A graveyard that thousands of years ago was the burial pit for Apophis¡¯ dead. His ves and beasts


    that were killed, and a ce that was used to cultivate his power.


    How intriguing¡­ Thousands of years ago, this was a pit of darkness and death.


    I keep going, heading down the slightly rock path that is fully surrounded by brambles and trees.


    I¡¯m close now.


    I frown as the thorns snag at my top before I finally stop at a narrow crack between two jagged rocks. It


    looks like it just links onto the huge rocky cliff behind it, buried behind the trees, but I know better.


    A ce no human could get into. From the outside, it looks like a dead end, anyway.


    Smiling, I tilt my head, calling upon the power that Apophis has blessed me with so far and focus on it.


    I feel my body shift and the excruciating pain of transforming tears through me as my body changes


    and reforms. I drop forward now in my new form, slithering through the gap.


    It¡¯s more like a transformation by magic. It¡¯s not the same as it usually is when we shift to our wolves,


    and my body does not like it. I can feel it trying to reject my new form.


    I hiss as I speed up, the darkness around me is getting heavier as all moonlight is blocked out. Soon


    I¡¯m past the narrow area and I transform back, cursing under my breath- it takes a toll on me too¡­ I


    brush the gravel from my clothes.


    The only benefit is we don¡¯t have to get undressed and dressed every time. I now stare ahead into the


    pitch-ck darkness, seeing the slight wavering in the air, a glitch in the matrix even¡­ but that is the


    veil¡­


    The tear that will benefit us. I walk closer to it. A part of me wants to know what would happen if I cross


    through. The excitement makes me reach for it when a darkness begins to envelop me.


    ¡°Apophis.¡± I whisper, his presence is strong here, and the first question thates to my mind is, why


    has he note forth? I killed Royce several days ago, yet Apophis has not approached me again.


    ¡°Can you hear me?¡± I ask the darkness.


    Irritation rushes through me, and my eyes sh. ¡°I killed my brother as youmanded! The Lycan is


    next, and the n is already set out, yet I have not heard anything but silence from you! You owe me


    power!¡±


    I clench my fists, fire swirling around them.


    What if he just got me to obey and wasn¡¯t nning on giving me the power he promised?


    ¡°Apophis!¡± I shout.


    ¡®Remember that I am the God, not you!¡¯ The menacing snarles from all around and a violent wind


    whips up, swirling around me and cutting into my skin. The sheer power forces me to the ground, and I


    find myself lowering my head.


    ¡°Do forgive me, but I only mean well. I killed my own brother to show you I am loyal to you-¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He lets out a menacing chuckle. ¡°For me? You wanted him gone, remember that!¡¯ he hisses.


    I look up, seeing the thick purple and ck smoke seeping through the crack in the veil.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± I say, trying to squash the sliver of fear that is rising within me.


    He¡¯s extremely angry¡­ the rage I can feel in the air is making me tremble, squeezing around me. The


    tendrils of smoke wrap around my chest, and my neck, blocking my windpipe.


    ¡°What have I done that displeases you?¡± I manage to choke out.


    Something has happened, but I have no idea what?


    ¡®He¡¯s alive. Did you not feel it? The Sris Bastard King is alive!¡¯ His shrill hiss of rage makes me flinch


    as I¡¯m thrown back, and the pain in my head and ears, makes me clutch my head and it takes a


    moment for his words to register through the pain.


    Alive.


    My heart thuds as I look up at him. ¡°No, I killed him with bullets that cannot be-¡±


    ¡®Are you calling me a liar?!¡¯


    I¡¯m thrown back once again, and this time I hit the rocky wall behind me.


    My anger swirls around me.


    ¡°Fine! Stop it! I''m on your side. Remember that!¡± I snarl. ¡°If he isn¡¯t dead, then I¡¯ll kill him! Rest assured,


    he won¡¯t live for long!¡±


    My mind is spinning. How is he alive, though? I killed him and left him for dead¡­


    Why does this make me uneasy? He survived those shots?


    ¡°I thought you took his body. It was not there when we went to look¡­ it isn¡¯t my fault and my father felt


    the pack link break!¡±


    Everyone else was ounted for¡­ did he leave the pack?


    He yed me¡­ and he knows what I am¡­ he¡­


    ¡®Only a coward tries to justify his mistake!¡¯ he hisses. ¡®I was waiting for his death! Yet it never came! My


    visits to you are limited, and I did not want to waste one without an answer. Only when he became king


    did I realise you have failed me, for he is now not only fully awoken, but he is also marked.¡¯


    ¡°Marked, by who?¡± I stare at him, not wanting to believe this. It can¡¯t be¡­.


    ¡®Who else but the woman you want under your control?¡¯


    Time seems to stop, and it feels as if my head is going to burst, but not because of his wrath but my


    own rage.


    How dare she¡­ she¡¯s mine! I already imed her as mine!


    Royce has done me dirty¡­


    Fire spreads around me, spreading across the ground and burning everything in its wake, melting the


    soles of my shoes, but I don¡¯t care.


    The blistering rage and resentment I feel towards Royce is festering like poison, and until he¡¯s dead, I


    will not rest.


    This time I will make it painful. I will take his so-called woman and I will fuck her in front of him! I¡¯ll make


    sure he watches, helpless and unable to save her! I bet that would destroy him! Knowing he will never


    be with her again! Knowing that I will im her again and again and he can do nothing!


    I will destroy him in every single way possible, no matter the cost. He will die.


    ¡°I need more power.¡± I hiss, ring at the smoke.


    He chuckles darkly.


    ¡®Your rage will fuel you. I will give you the power promised, but remember if you fail¡­ the


    consequences will not be favourable¡­¡¯


    ¡°I won¡¯t fail.¡± I seethe, as a wave of darkness squashes my mes.


    ¡®Remember, you must also kill the Lycan king, his time is long past on this earth.¡¯


    I nce at the smoke. ¡°Is he going to cause us issues too?¡± I ask resentfully.


    ¡®No¡­ but the moment he was reborn into this world and given a second chance¡­ I saw my future


    shift¡­ it is still unpredictable, but if he had died that day, my path would have been easier¡­¡¯


    Ah, a past grudge.


    ¡°Fear not, I¡¯ll kill them both,¡± I say coldly.


    ¡®Good¡­ Then you will do well to remember we need to give that woman the final dose on the blood


    moon. There is something about the woman that makes me uneasy, far too uneasy¡­ if she proves a


    threat¡­ we will kill her too.¡¯


    ¡®Fine by me.¡¯


    When I¡¯m done with her, she¡¯ll be worse than dead anyway.


    ¡®And this time, kill the cat. I hate cats,¡¯ he snarls.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Master.¡± I reply, ¡°Of course¡­ As for Sk, she¡¯ll be my ything, nothing more, and with the


    Lycans family all dead, I¡¯ll be the next king.¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s marked by one of the rulers¡­ let us hope that all goes to n¡­.¡¯


    ¡°Yes, I will do my best.¡± I reply, closing my eyes as the avnche of power hits me.


    ¡®Remember¡­ the final dose must be given on the blood moon¡­¡¯ His voice is fading as I spread my


    hands, weing the power that swirls around me.


    Submitting to a god was not wrong, it means in return I will be treated like a demigod! I will hold powers


    that many have only wished to attain.


    I will rule them and those who defy me¡­ I will kill them¡­


    As for Royce¡­


    I throw back my head,ughing into the darkness.


    The day of reckoning is near.

 31. A Kings Decision

    31. A King''s Decision


    LEO.


    The Blood Moon is tomorrow. Sk and Royce are back in the UK, with some pretty interesting


    updates. As for the entire theory I had, this shit solidifies it.


    However, despite all that power and shit they unlocked, as well as Sk¡¯s intriguing mark, apart from


    her eyes shifting to feline slits we haven¡¯t seen anything more for now.


    There¡¯s got to be more to it, but at the moment there¡¯s been no progress. She¡¯s tried to talk to the voice


    she¡¯s heard, but nothing.


    If we go by history, myths, and legends, then it¡¯s down to Sk to defeat that snake- no fucking pun


    intended.


    I knew I didn¡¯t like that bastard from the first time I fucking saw him. Aleric Fucking James Dickhead


    Arden is an entire fucking sicko who needs to be fucking locked up somewhere he can never escape.


    The fact that Sk¡¯s obviously going to have a huge part in his downfall, well, that wasn¡¯t shit that


    Alejandro wanted to hear, but I guess we all have our own shit to do in this world.


    He¡¯s got to realise that she ain¡¯t his fucking baby girl anymore. But I also know I¡¯m going to be as


    fucking worried about my own girl when she¡¯s old enough.


    Although just like her Mama, she¡¯s a little devil. She¡¯s only six fucking months, but she¡¯s a smart one,


    just like her Daddy, and her smile lights up the fucking room, just like her brother¡¯s.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    My entire fucking world. That¡¯s them, and just like Alejandro, I¡¯d do anything to shield them from every


    pain and heartbreak that this world may bring.


    We are currently at the Night Walkers Pack as Alejandro wanted me toe down early to discuss


    some shit.


    I don¡¯t get that, in this day and age, where technology is everything, we don¡¯t need to be in the same


    room but here I fucking am, sitting in his office in the dark, with my feet up on his fucking table cus the


    bastard is taking too fucking long.


    Dad and Winona will being tomorrow, although Winona isn¡¯t feeling great. She wants toe,


    because tomorrow is the night that Royce will make his re-entrance, as well as Winona finally getting to


    meet her sister and mother.


    Although she doesn¡¯t want to see Keh Arden, we will make sure they don¡¯t cross paths. But I can


    see her excitement at meeting her mom and sister overrode her nerves and dislike for Keh.


    Plus, Azura did make a fair point that Kiara can heal her if she still isn¡¯t feeling great. She had spoken


    to Charlotte over a video call, since that girl refused to back down until she had seen her, and in the


    five mins I was able to allow them, neither talked much, but there were plenty of tears though.


    Their mother still doesn¡¯t know about her existence, but Royce will be breaking the news to her himself.


    This is the end of the bastard¡¯s reign as Alpha of that pack, it''s time he pays for his wrong doings. We


    have enough on him to prove to the council that he¡¯s a fucking twisted psychopath and Royce will be


    testifying to that.


    The door opens, and Alejandro steps into his office, smirking at something.


    ¡°What are you so fucking happy about? You told me to be here ten fucking minutes ago,¡± I say, taking a


    drag on my cigarette as I lean back in his office chair.


    He doesn¡¯t seem bothered. ¡°I just heard Kat¡¯s skipping the blood moon. She¡¯s a good girl and she¡¯s


    smart.¡±


    I cock a brow. ¡°Yeah and clearly you fucking ain''t.¡±


    Did he really think she¡¯s skipping because she¡¯s not ready to find her mate?


    In the short time I¡¯ve known her, I instantly picked up on her infatuation with the Fuego De Seniza kid.


    It¡¯s the only reason she¡¯s gone into bionic engineering and the determination she has to make the


    perfect, most realistic prosthetic is fucking intense.


    I did my research, on the low of course, but there¡¯s not one picture of the fucker online, he¡¯s an Alpha,


    and despite being forced into that position as a child, his pack seems to be doing great, although it''s


    pretty isted and though we don¡¯t do that shit here, he¡¯s known to take over other packs around his,


    expanding his territory.


    I don¡¯t bother bursting Alejandro¡¯s bubble by telling him she¡¯s already found the man she fucking wants.


    Right now, I hope that fucker remembers her too, cause she¡¯s dedicated her entire fucking childhood to


    this shit. I¡¯ve seen her notes, her ns, her research¡­ I¡¯ve seen papers from ten years ago until now.


    She knew more than I expected, and she has a vision, and she¡¯s fucking intelligent. When I agreed to


    take her on, I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d be at the level she''s at.


    She doesn¡¯t show it, but she¡¯s book smart and the passion and determination she has for learning will


    take her even further.


    I personally feel she¡¯ll be making a breakthrough that will truly help all wolves who have been maimed


    or even have a disability¡­


    Right now, we¡¯re trying to make it indestructible. She wants the very best before she takes it to him¡­ I


    wonder if the grinning fool in front of me knows she¡¯s taking the next ne the first fucking chance she


    can once she¡¯s nailed the shit she¡¯s working on?


    ¡°You seem to be enjoying sitting in my seat,¡± he remarks, dropping onto the chair opposite and putting


    his feet on the table as he lights a cigarette.


    ¡°Good view of the fucking office from here.¡± I remark.


    He smirks. ¡°Yeah, that chair has probably experienced a lot.¡± He winks, and I re at him.


    That shit did cross my mind. ¡°Yeah, well, we both know this entire fucking ce is probably


    untouchable if we look at it from that aspect.¡± I reply coldly.


    ¡°Obviously.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t fault you. There is something fucking hot about taking your woman in the office.¡± I muse.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear about Azura¡¯s and your sex life. She¡¯s still a fucking kid to me,¡± he frowns


    unhappily.


    I cock a brow. ¡°Too bad. I didn¡¯t really fucking wanna know about yours.¡±


    He snickers before he sighs, tilting his head back, letting it hang as he stares at the ceiling. ¡°Time flies.


    I remember when you were a pup, too.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it does.¡±


    He wants to talk about something, but it¡¯s obvious he ain¡¯t able to just get to the fucking point and so I


    sit forward, dropping my feet to the floor.


    ¡°So how about you share whatever shit you wanted to, cus Kiara offered to keep Phoenix tonight,


    which means I get my girl for the entire fucking night.¡±


    ¡°Since when did we be babysitters?¡± he grumbles.


    ¡°Since you got old.¡± I smirk. ¡°So, spill it, or are you too fucking scared?¡±


    I can usually assess what shit he mighte out with but right now I¡¯m stumped.


    I helped with the security at the venue, the live coverage streaming and the other shit he¡¯s asked about.


    There¡¯s nothing left to put in ce.


    ¡°No¡­ I¡¯m just enjoying the calm¡­ anyway, let¡¯s get down to that shit. As I¡¯ve told you, we are


    implementing new rules for all packs, telling people about the attacks that have begun urring again


    and I¡¯m introducing them to their future king too.¡± Alejandro finishes.


    I cock a brow. I never knew Dante will be here. ¡°Is he going to be able to walk into that hall, or are you


    putting spells in ce?¡± I ask.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine without spells and shit,¡± Alejandro says, now serious.


    I nod. As much as it makes sense for him to introduce the future king, I didn¡¯t like it.


    ¡°Why now? I mean, shit ain¡¯t going to happen to you, so why do you feel the need to announce your


    heir? I mean, everyone fucking knows he¡¯ll take over when the time fuckinges. If you announce


    that shit, people may feel scared¡­ as if you''re preparing¡­¡± I trail off, not wanting to say the words.


    I don¡¯t like where this conversation is going.


    ¡°I may what? Die?¡± he asks with a faint smile.


    ¡°It ain¡¯t fucking funny. You¡¯re the one that binds this shit together. I don¡¯t think you should announce


    your heir, when you¡¯re about to tell the entire fucking world that we¡¯re pretty much facing fucking dark


    times.¡± I say.


    The room suddenly feels too small.


    Alejandro sits forward, and he¡¯s frowning now.


    ¡°First of all, I don¡¯t n to die, but I am fucking fifty-seven years old, Leo. I¡¯m not in my thirties, and


    although I ain¡¯t fucking weak or shit, it is time to pass the mantle down to the next generation. I will step


    back because I want to spend some time with my woman, you know¡­ there¡¯s a waring and who


    knows what the fuck might happen¡­ let me have that time¡­¡±


    Yeah, I hate this fucking conversation.


    ¡°Fine. Do whatever the fuck you want,¡± I say coldly.


    ¡°I just want to live a little, you know. Pass the title on, just be Alpha for a bit.¡±


    I get it, doesn¡¯t mean I fucking like it. As king, I know he has many responsibilities¡­ He met Kiara


    when he was thirty-four¡­ he deserved to spend more time with her¡­


    ¡°Well, you know I¡¯m always here if you ever need my help. I¡¯m sure you can ease up the burden but


    remain king for a while longer,¡± I say quietly.


    He smirks, and I cock a brow as he snickers.


    ¡°Yeah, well, I¡¯m giving it a couple more years, don¡¯t fucking worry,¡± he stands up and walks over to the


    window. ¡°Tell me, Leo, what makes a good king?¡±


    I frown as I look at him. His back is to me and for a second I¡¯m reminded of the time we first met¡­


    He brought hope.


    Even when I misunderstood, when mistakes were made¡­ he always tried to do the right thing.


    ¡°One who will always strive to protect his people, who rules with justice, equality and trust¡­ one who


    can bring hope at the darkest of times¡­ the one who will choose the right path over the easiest¡­ ¡°


    Why ask me? But still, I continue.


    ¡°And above all, one who is mentally strong enough to remain standing, even when his entire fucking


    worldes crashing down around him. No matter how hard it is, he has to put everyone before


    himself and stand before them as a shield.¡±


    Like you.


    Alejandro turns back to me and even in the darkness of that room, with only the moon shining through


    the window, I can see his eyes glittering with many emotions.


    ¡°I agree, and that¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m making you my heir.¡± My eyes widen in shock as I stare at him. ¡°You


    will be my sessor. There is no one better for this position than you. Every quality you fucking said,


    you hold. You will be the future king, Leo. One who will surpass even me.¡±

 Sneak Peak & Authors Note

    Sneak Peak & Author''s Note


    PLEASE READ TO THE END!


    IT WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS!


    Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed that epilogue.


    Sky being Sky is always hrious and despite everything that has happened, and she has found


    herself, she has not lost herself. She¡¯s still the wild, crazy Sk Rossi who loves to barter with her dad


    for money, leaving Royce gobsmacked with her crazy remarks that she WILL follow up on and not to


    mention her love for Malevolent!


    Well now that the journey is over and we bid a ¡®see youter¡¯ to our loved duo, we will move on to a


    new story. For those on my socials, you probably know that I will now write Precious Bond, it will be


    added to the end of Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire.


    This is a short nove, so hopefully won¡¯t take us too long toplete. After Precious Bonds is


    Possession.


    Which means there will be a gap before I start Kataleya¡¯s book! Yes, I know no one wants that but I¡¯m


    afraid that is what I have got to do hehe.


    Thank you to everyone who has followed this journey and trusted the process. I appreciate you all!


    Please don¡¯t forget to leave a review on the book if you haven¡¯t already done so as this really supports


    the novel a lot.


    Like the rest of my work, this one will alsoe to print, and the Legacies will alsoe to K1ndle.


    Now¡­ enjoy this little snippet from the next story in the Legacies¡­


    ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~


    The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness


    ~~~ ~~~~


    The smell of perfume and alcohol fills my nose as I sit on the couch in the booth in the VIP lounge of


    the club. A ce Ie to often enough for a little distraction from my own mind, duties, and demons.


    I swirl the drink in my ss as I watch the three women in nothing but thongs and jewelled nipple


    coverings dance around the poles, grinding their bodies against one another sensually.


    For a moment they manage to distract me with as two of them rub their boobs together, their hands


    running over one another¡¯s thick ass. They¡¯re curvy, with meat on them just like I like them, but it¡¯s not


    enough tonight.


    Even when they nce at me before they begin to kiss each other, it doesn¡¯t manage to distract me


    entirely. They¡¯re satisfying enough to look at, but it¡¯s doing nothing for me.


    One of them is my usual, and the other two I selected on my way in, but tonight I¡¯m unable to keep my


    mind off work.


    Two women sit beside me, stroking my chest and thigh, promising a good night if I allow them.


    ¡°Loosen up, we¡¯ll deal with it. My Beta and friend Jose says as he downs his ss of alcohol, his eyes


    fixed on the woman who is giving him ap dance. Carlos, my Delta, is also here, but although he¡¯s not


    mated, he refuses to have a woman serve him.


    Cabr¨®n¡­ Why bothering?


    I¡¯m poured another ss as I continue to watch the women in front of me emotionlessly. My face is as


    cold and expressionless as ever.


    ¡°We can pleasure you tonight, Alpha.¡± One of the women who sits beside me whispers sensually,


    running her hand up my thigh. They know not to cross their limits unless I myself give them


    permission¡­


    I ignore her, and she doesn¡¯t dare to repeat herself. Everyone knows who I am, and respect is


    paramount.


    ¡°Do you have a n?¡± Carlos asks quietly.


    I clench my jaw, as I nce out towards the ss window that looks out to the main club, trying to


    control the anger I¡¯m feeling.


    ¡°What do you think? We find him and kill the hijo de puta. It¡¯s fucking simple.¡± I say, my voice is


    menacing and low. ¡°This is mynd and anyone who so much as tries to im it, even an inch of it, will


    face pain and death.¡±


    There¡¯s power and rage in my voice that makes every woman in the room falter. Fear envelops them as


    strongly as their perfumes.


    I¡¯m not called heartless for nothing.


    I tilt my head, watching a woman through the ss as she walks through the club below. Her light-


    coloured curls bounce with every step she takes, and I¡¯m about to look away when she steps up onto


    the bar area and I get a view of her body.


    A body that sends a wave of pleasure to my cock.


    Now that¡¯s a woman I want beneath me¡­


    She has the perfect body, breasts that you can y with in many ways, and her ass is the type you


    want to fuck from behind and watch it jiggle as you yank on her lush hair.


    My eyes glimmer with a hunger that even my wolf approves of. I am a beast and not many women can


    handle me, but I don¡¯t care.


    Women are made for our pleasure¡­


    ¡°Where are you busy at?¡± Jose questions, but I don¡¯t answer, and he soon finds what has drawn my


    attention.


    ¡°Fuck, hot damn, now that¡¯s what you-¡±


    ¡°Cabr¨®n, esa es m¨ªa.¡± I say quietly, yet possessively. ¡®That one is mine¡¯


    I¡¯ve staked my im here, but there are others out there who are watching her making my eyes sh in


    irritation.


    ¡®Luis, that woman at the bar. I want her.¡¯ I mind link the club owner.


    ¡®Ah, Alpha¡­ Lo siento, but she is not one of mine¡­¡¯ He replies apologetically, sounding scared.


    My eyes sh with irritation as I stand up. I¡¯ll get her myself. No woman will refuse me¡­


    I leave the room, walking past my men, the sound of the music louder out here.


    The smell of sex, sweat and alcohol out here hits me strongly, but I drown it out as I make my way to


    the bar. The crowd part, knowing exactly who I am, allowing me to pass with ease.


    That¡¯s the woman I¡¯m taking home tonight.


    I take the seat on her right as the bartender approaches.


    ¡°What may I get you?¡± He says lowering his head in respect.


    I nce at the woman. She¡¯s not from my Pack, nor is she local¡­ the enticing scent of cherry


    blossoms flits into my nose and I frown deeply.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a mojito. What will the sexydy have?¡± I say quietly.


    She tenses, looking up from where she was fiddling with her phone, and I find myself looking into a pair


    of beautiful dark eyes rimmed with thickshes. A slender nose and plump lips that will look excellent


    wrapped around my cock.


    Not only does she have a body I want to fuck, but she has a face to match.


    ¡°No thank you, I don¡¯t want anything¡­¡± she says. Her voice is like a soothing melody, but it¡¯s the


    ent that triggers every fibre in my being, making anger surge through me; it reminds me of a ce


    that I hate to the very core.


    She¡¯s fucking British.


    ~~~


    The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness


    Book 5 of the Rossi Legacies


    Coming end of 2023¡­


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!