She knew that whatever she was about to say, whatever attempt she was going to make to push me, I wasn’t in the mood to tolerate it. And judging by the fact that I was still in her house, I also knew that Caspian would be listening. This was not a pleasure that I would be willing to give him. Arguin
Caspian:I had my arms crossed over my chest as I watched the pack members from the balcony of my office.Everyone was tending to their things, responsibilities, and whatever details they needed to be taking care of. The maids inside were already preparing lunch by this time. The smell of fresh vege
It was a shame that I only saw that when it was too late…“I know she’s a problem for you,” I admitted. “And I also know that you’re not wrong for feeling the way you do.”Surprise flickered in her eyes for a brief second before she masked it. “That’s a first.”“I’m not here to argue,” I muttered. “
Valerie:I watched from the front porch as Adrian played with his father, my eyes softening when I heard his laughter around, making something in me relax despite the ongoing raging war that I felt brewing inside me.Caspian knelt beside him, adjusting the wooden blocks Adrian had been stacking. His
Caspian:The walk back to the villa was quiet, the evening breeze carrying the scent of pine and fresh earth. It was one of those scents that I found myself enjoying. It was one that I knew was both comforting and assuring, and I knew that it was one of the few normal things that I had in this world
Valerie:The villa was quiet. The only sounds were the occasional rustling of the trees outside and the soft ticking of the clock in the living room. Adrian had long since gone to bed, curled up under his blankets with the peace only a child could have after a day well spent.It was something that I
Caspian:I walked inside the house knowing that the day was not going to end as good as it began.Daniel was nowhere to be seen, though I knew that he would be in his bedroom. It was far too late for him to be awake anyway. And if he was, I knew that it would mean that he was in trouble, but I also
Valerie:The sun was yet to rise when I woke up.But I did not really mind. I liked being an early riser. At least it meant that I could get a few things done before Adrian woke up. And I also knew that there was a lot for me to do, for him to be able to settle here.I still needed to look for a sch
Caspian:One Year LaterThe breeze was warmer today.Softer.Gentler in a way I hadn’t felt in years.More peaceful and more contenting, More calm and even happier.I stood at the edge of the gardens, the same gardens where so much had been taken from us, and so much had been given back, watching Ad
Valerie:The sun was rising over the horizon, golden streaks splitting the sky wide open, like a promise finally fulfilled.I stood at the highest point of the estate grounds, the wind tugging at my hair, the scent of fresh earth and morning dew wrapping around me like a cloak.It was over.Giovanni
“Impressive,” Giovanni called, his voice carrying easily across the clearing. His smile was cold, razor sharp. “I knew there was more to you, Valerie. I knew it from the second I laid eyes on you. I did say that I had more respect to you than I had for others, but it seems to me that I did not expec
Valerie:The boy's cries ripped through me like claws.My heart raced with each passing moment and I did my best not to harm that child. I did my best not to dirty my hands with his blood, to save him out of this, to get him out of this before the man played the game that I was not willing to handle
Caspian:The air was too still.It was the kind of stillness that came after the fight, when the blood had dried and the bodies were cleared, but before the real danger revealed itself.I didn’t like it. Not one damn bit.Because I knew that stillness was one that only told me that more danger was
Valerie:The earth still smelled of blood.I smelled of blood. People's blood the blood of our enemies the people who had dared invade our territory.The ground beneath our feet was turned upside down. We were going to need to fix that later, but I knew that the vines that worked their way from the
Caspian:The moment my boots hit the dirt at the border, I knew it was going to be a bloodbath.The trees were alive with tension, the air so thick with rage and power it was almost suffocating. All around me, my men stood ready, rows of wolves shifted into their full forms, low growls vibrating th
Valerie:The sound of war drums echoed faintly in the distance.I stood on the balcony of Caspian’s estate, the crisp night air sharp against my skin. Below, the pack was preparing, shadows moving with purpose, weapons flashing under the moonlight, wolves shifting and howling into the night. It wa
Caspian:The great hall buzzed with low conversation, tension coiling in every corner like a living thing. They were all here, my warriors, my council, the elders, even some of the civilians who had asked to stay and fight if it came to it.Ryan was right when he said that the bastard had more enem