KNIGHT
Shit.
Things went out of hand quickly.
She had just seen Gage shift, and she was terrified. Who wouldn’t be? She was human and only aware of our existence in fantasy, fiction books, and movies, and our representation was a terrifying beast that ripped human parts apart.
And I pissed her off. It was better that way.
She was away from our dark and dangerous world. She was better off out of my life. The longer she stayed at the vineyards, the harder it was to stay away from her. The pull was so strong it drove me crazy in just a little time I sat with her.
She better hate me than drag her into my world.
I dialed Alpha Califf, one of my allies. He had one of the biggest packs in the world, a witch coven, and the Lycan Alpha King at his disposal.
“Knight, how’s life?” Califf found his mate, a lycan princess, Shadow Hawks, and they were stronger and fought enemies together.
If I was being honest, I envied him that he had a stronger mate. Shadow was also a half-witch gifted with healing, but Moon Goddess somehow liked to play Russian roulette, and that one cartridge emptied at me.
“Great. How’s Shadow?”
“She’s in Italy with her father, doing Goddess knows what,” he said with a chuckle.
“Well, her father has a private jet. She can come to you anytime.”
“Well, this is not a courtesy call, isn’t it? Do you have trouble with other packs?” I instantly heard the worry in his voice. I knew if I got into trouble, Califf would have my back.
“So far so good. My only problem here is these bikers. They like to bully the twins, but nothing a crate of wine can’t shut them up.”
“I understand how difficult it is to hide our kind and abilities from humans. So, what can I help you with?”
“Can I have Zarah’s number? I have a consultation to make.”
“Huh.” He chuckled. “You don’t have erectile dysfunction, do you?”
I laughed even if my life suddenly got complicated. “My dick is fine. Thanks for worrying.”
“Well, contacting Zarah doesn’t work the way a human does. I will give you her number, but it depends on her if she calls you back, or she will send a message through a burning arrow or burn down half of the vineyards.”
“Wow. That’s awesome.” I wished I had a witch in my pack, but given that Califf and I were allies and friends, Zarah was also a part of that deal.
“I will send the number.”
“Thanks, Cal.”
“No problem. I’m just a call away if you need anything, whether pack business or heartaches.”
“Appreciate it, man.”
When the call ended, I received Zarah’s number. I dialed it quickly, but she didn’t pick it up.
I went to my bed, hoping to get some sleep. My wolf was getting agitated. It had been days since my last run.
All of a sudden, a gust of wind entered the room, and a light appeared on the wall. Zarah emerged, and it looked like something like a sci-fi movie. It’s a holographic display of some sort.
“Zarah?” She straightened her voluminous hair. She looked different but fantastic anyway.
“You’re lucky I’m already awake.” She always puzzled me. Werewolves lived long, but witches lived longer. I wondered how old she was because she didn’t look older than her mid-thirties.
“I’m sorry for disturbing you. I was hoping a normal call would do.” I stood up and slipped my hands into my sweatpants pockets.
“What do you want, wolf?”
I smirked. “Really? Wolf?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m a busy witch. Just spill it out.”
“So you can’t read minds?”
“I can if I can touch you. I can teleport and come over, but I have things to do. Now tell me what your problem is, Knight.”
“Do you know any spell or incantation that—”
“Hold on.” She raised her hand. “Whatever you are planning to do, I’m not gonna help you.”
“Why? Because I’m not Shadow?”
“Yes, but I can see it in your eyes and the atmosphere that I won’t like what you’re planning. So no.”
“Just hear me out first.” I threaded carefully because I badly needed her help. I was desperate.
“No, Knight.” She pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest, eyeing me intensely.
“I will pay you handsomely. Just name the price.”
“You, rich people, think money can buy everything in this world.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean it like that. It’s just a matter of—” I scratched my scruff.
“You found your mate, didn’t you?”
My mouth gaped. I wanted to say something, but my brain went blank.
I had to shut my mouth close because I didn’t know where to start now that she somehow knew the reason for this call.
“You want to unbind the bond.”
KNIGHT “Yes.” I nodded glumly. “She’s better off without me. She’s—” “Human? Yeah. And the intoxicating mating pull was nothing I’d ever felt before. It was so strong I couldn’t control it, and it started to drive me insane.” “Poor thing. I won’t help you, Knight. You’re being selfish. Werewolves and Lycans can have human mates. It works just fine.” “Really?” I met her gaze. “What’s the lifespan of a human? She grows old, and I barely age. I can’t go through that. When my father died, my mother took her own life. And they were both werewolves and were strong, but my mother couldn’t handle losing her mate. She couldn’t handle the pain.” Every time I thought of having a mate, I saw my mother’s lifeless body in her bed as she took poison to end her life. “Is that why you don’t want a mate?” “Yes. We will both suffer in the end. Considering how weak humans are.” “You’re wrong. When Shadow lost her wolf and her ability, she did everything to fight against Aciano. She may not have wh
NIRVANA I felt so cold, my chin trembling. I was in my pajamas, barefooted, and walking in the woods alone in the dark. I couldn’t remember how I ended up in this place, but I had a feeling I was lost. I wrapped my arms around my body when chilly air seeped through my bones. My body shivered, and my breath steamed as I mindlessly walked through the dirt path. Then, a big gray wolf appeared before me. I stood frozen. My heart hammered as its dark eyes narrowed, and the rings around the irises glowed golden as if it just found its prey. I’d never seen a wolf so big before, taller, more robust, standing with pride, its fur shining against the darkest night. The wolf prowled, growling, exposing its long, sharp, white fangs. “Don’t hurt me!” I jolted up in bed from a dead sleep, drenched with sweat, still catching my breath. My heart pumped so hard in my chest till it was so uncomfortable. And my dream felt so real. “Oh, thank God.” I wiped off the beads of sweat all over my for
NIRVANA “Knight is visiting Blackwell Firm, and since I’m his assistant, I came with him and used his card to book a suite for myself.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “You book a suite for yourself?” “That’s what we agreed upon, or I’ll leave the vineyards, stay with you, and find a job.” “Huh.” That was all I could say. “He’s loaded anyway. He has a penthouse here. He can stay there or book a suite for himself, but I didn’t.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a surprise, but Knight, besides his nasty, gruesome attitude, seemed grounded. Before I could reply, a knock on the door interrupted us. “That’s our coffee.” Kailin rose to her feet and went to the door. Since she was my roommate, she still had keys to our apartment, even if she left months ago. I was about to get up when I heard a familiar voice from my small living area. I was curious to know if it was still a remnant of my dream. I went to see if what I heard was right. “Be nice, or I swear to—” Kailin warned Knight when they
KNIGHT “What the hell is wrong with you?” Kailin was still pissed at me. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. It seemed that every time I saw Nirvana, the world stopped spinning, things suspended, and my mind went blank. The pull between us was getting stronger and stronger. I started to lose my mind, and it seemed that I was the only one who was affected. And it fucking drove me insane. “Don’t challenge me again, Kailin.” My warning didn’t seem to budge her. “You don’t wanna see me mad. And I’m still your alpha.” “Then tell me, why do you hate her so much?” “I don’t hate her.” “Then why do you act like she has some kind of infectious disease when she’s around?” “I don’t wanna talk about it. You can stay here if you want to. I’m just going to visit the firm. See you at lunch.” I was already walking towards the door when she held my arm. “What?” She sighed. “I apologize because you’re my alpha, but not as my cousin.” “Apology accepted, but don’t ever challenge me again, espe
KNIGHT “Mr. Blackwell, welcome to Case Restaurant.” He offered his hand. “Thank you.” I shook his hand hesitantly, but he was in a pack. I could smell that. “Oh, you two have met.” My cousin had just arrived, or she was already here. “Yeah.” I was still confused, and the man didn’t introduce himself. “I’m Case Woodrow.” He smiled as he must have seen the look on my face. “You’re the owner.” My pulse accelerated. I looked at Kailin, and she just shut her mouth. “Yes, son. And you’re an alpha.” “Yes. White Moon from California.” I paused for a moment to gather my bearing. “Can we speak in private?” “Of course. My office is downstairs. Follow me.” He gestured as he led me the way. Before Kailin could follow Case, I held her wrist. “You knew?” “Obviously, I can smell him.” I tightened my grip around her. “Are you going to tell me about this?” She met my gaze, and I instantly saw the guilt in her eyes. “I promised Case I won’t tell what we are to his granddaughter.” Case open
NIRVANA I checked the time on my phone— it was supposed to be lunchtime on the reservation. I had already been in the restaurant since morning, but Kailin hadn’t arrived yet, nor did her grumpy hot biker cousin. To be honest, I was excited to see his annoying, handsome face, so I sent a quick text to her. “Mara, has Kailin arrived yet?” She’d been working here for five years and knew my best friend. “Yes, and Mr. Blackwell.” A small smile appeared on her lips. I knew what it meant. Even the blind could see how attractive Knight was. “I saw them went to your grandfather’s office and the beautiful woman.” “Beautiful woman?” My brows knitted. A sliver of jealousy pierced my heart. “Yes.” “Okay.” That was all I could say before I went to knock on my grandfather’s office. I still felt the pang in my chest when the door opened wide. Grandpa, Kailin, Knight, and the beautiful woman Mara talked about were there. She was indeed beautiful in her thirties, but I’d seen her before. “Oh,
NIRVANA “Never. Knight’s always focused and a little bit aggressive, but he’s respectful, protective, and loyal to default. Forgive his manner, Grandpa Case, Zarah. My cousin is a lot, but he’s very respectful. Lately, he’s been temperamental.” “I completely understand, honey.” “It’s all right, Kailin. Your cousin is under a lot of pressure,” said Zarah, agreeing with Grandpa. “Excuse me for a moment.” I got up. “I’ll go find him.” “Good idea,” Zarah and Kailin said in unison. “He’s probably in the parking lot, honey.” I went out towards the parking lot. He was there pacing before the rental car. I hadn’t got closer, yet he somehow sensed me. He stopped and turned to me, still wearing a confused look on his face. “Look, I know you hate me, but you can tell me now if I shouldn’t join you over lunch. I don’t want to make it more awkward than it already is, and I don’t want you to look disrespectful in front of Zarah. I will understand.” I stopped before him, and he just stared at
KNIGHT After lunch, Nirvana had to stay at the restaurant with her grandpa until the afternoon. Kailin and I went to the hotel suite she booked for herself. At the same time, Zarah told me to talk to me later before she left Italy. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Kailin figured it out as I expected and wouldn’t let it go. “Why didn’t you tell me her grandfather is a werewolf with ancient blood?” “It’s not my secret to tell, Alpha. Besides, I already told you I promised not to tell anyone.” “Even to me, your cousin and your alpha.” I was both offended and admired her commitment. “Don’t change the subject. I’m dying to know here.” She was already grinning. “Shut that grin off. I need a nap.” I took off my jacket and put it on the chair. “This is my suite, Knight. Go and find your own.” I ignored her as I went to bed and shut my eyes, hoping Nirvana’s face wouldn’t appear in my sleep. Not that I was complaining, but I had been sleeping terribly since meeting her. “Let me guess, you k