OSCARWe could all feel how stressed and upset Ava was, and that’s before you even get to the pain where she felt three marked mate bonds snap. And, of course, she nearly had one forced upon her by someone that wasn’t her fated mate.She wanted to mark us all again so badly, but she was terrified. She was terrified that Elijah’s mark was still going to stick and that we’d have difficulty removing it, unless he marked someone else.From what we could tell, if we were interpreting all the legends correctly, is that he only managed to remove hers just because her bond wouldn’t be complete until she had all four. Until that point… the bond just hadn’t cemented yet.We’d have to try to talk to Alpha Michael to see if his scholars found anything, or, hopefully one of us could still reach Selene to find out how we could safely do this… but right now, we are in the dark with broken mate bonds and an Alpha Queen who wants to give up.“I wish we could get answers for her,” Theo’s voice was low,
AVAWe managed to relax by the lake for a few hours just as a group before we had to go back to reality. We’d even gotten Paula to bring us lunch so we didn’t have to go back inside to eat. She did make good cakes, that woman.Orgasmically good.Once we got back to the packhouse, we were ambushed by Jacob, Amelia and Alex. I hadn’t seen them since being discharged. The only people I’d seen were my Kings and my parents.“Ava!” Amelia squealed, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she pressed a kiss to my forehead.“Thank you, Amy, I’m glad you and Jacob have recovered too,” I smiled back.Once I’d had a similar conversation and a hug from Jacob and Alex, they finally explained why the packhouse was so crazy. There were people running around like headless chickens, carrying boxes, furniture, and who knows what else.Apparently, we were having a party to celebrate everyone being back and conscious. Relaxing and feeling like a normal seventeen year old for an evening di
AVA10am the next morning and we were all gathered in my office with nice, fresh cups of coffee. Best £1000 I’ve ever spent, that coffee machine. I’d even successfully started to bringwe my Kings around to my way of thinking. My Kings were on either side of me, and we had Jacob, Amelia, Alex and Jeremiah opposite. Dream team.“Shall we start with Elijah?” I proposed.“Let’s do it,” Jacob replied.“So, we know that he’s the Lycan I was betrothed to before I was born, but in the end, not even with the consent of my own parents, it was forced by the council. After working out it was a bad idea, it was called off, my parents were murdered and I was smuggled out. At some point after that, he set himself up as the Rogue King.”Callum nodded. “We know he’s a psychopath working with a lot of witches.”“He’s also dead,” Oscar interjected.“Did we find the body?” I asked Jeremiah. He’d looked after everything when my Kings and I all lost consciousness. “No, my Queen. There was no sign of him.
AVA“We need to drag my parents in for this bit,” I bit my lip as I spoke. “Alex, there might be some things you can answer too, since you’ve always been like a second adoptive father to me.”They all nodded. I opened a link with my mum; her and my dad would be here within ten minutes. She even promised to stop by the kitchen for a tray of Paula’s cookies… she’s just the best, and Paula’s cookies are just the best.They reached us in no time at all, complete with what was easily one of the biggest trays of cookies I’ve seen in my life. We suddenly had a room full of wolves with watering mouths.“Paula’s also made you one of those caramel shortbreads you like so much, Ava,” my mum smiled.I clapped excitedly… It was bloody good shortbread. Paula made this salted caramel that was just spot on. Never had anything quite so good.Once everyone was settled with cookies and another cup of coffee, we got straight down to it.“Mum, dad… we need to know whatever there is to know about what happ
CALLUMAfter that delightful meeting… I felt absolutely terrible, and I knew Oscar, Theo and Noah did too. I couldn’t have told you what started it, why we thought it was the right thing to do… but like they said, it had to have started somewhere. There must have been a catalyst. Whether or not Ava still wanted to go away to the cabin after that though… I couldn’t blame her if she didn’t want to. That was not a pleasant trip down memory lane for any of us, and definitely wouldn’t have been for her. The four of us were assholes as children. I know I felt untouchable because I’m one of the Beta’s heirs, and I’m sure the others did too. It was probably even more extreme in Theo and Noah’s case since they were the Alpha’s heirs. Her having such bad self esteem issues until she started coming into her power would not have been helped by us. The four people who are supposed to protect and care for her through everything… and we put her through so much pain.After that meeting, Ava stood
AVAYesterday sucked, and badly. But that just made this trip even more necessary. Yes, we had security with us now. But that I could deal with.I just wanted to put my feet up, spoil my mates, and be spoiled. Rolling around in bed with them all would be good too.We ended up taking one of the seven seater SUVs Michael had arranged for us whilst I was unconscious because it was just easier. Us five plus Jeremiah and another warrior drove with all the luggage, and the other two warriors shifted and ran ahead to make sure the cabin was safe.Jacob and Amelia's cabin was in the middle of nowhere surrounded by beautiful forest. It was still in Blood Moon territory, but only just. It was far enough away from civilization that we wouldn't be bugged by anyone. Calling it a ‘cabin’ was a little derogatory too. Yes, it looked like a wood cabin. But it was enormous, and it had a second little cottage just behind it. The plan was that the warriors could use the cottage when they weren't on acti
AVAWe all relaxed by the river watching the waterfall for hours before we all started getting a little handsy.Theo pulled me to my feet, capturing my lips in a passionate, tongue-filled kiss, Noah stood behind me, his fingers trailing along my shoulders and down my back, sending a shiver down my spine.Callum and Oscar joined the bundle from my sides, both of them kissing down my neck. My skin was tingling all over, leaving me moaning between them at the sensation. “My Queen, my Kings?” Jeremiah’s voice cut through the clearing.I groaned, pulling myself out from the bundle.“Yes?”“I’m sorry to interrupt, my Queen. We’re very exposed here and it’s getting dark, I recommend we move back to the cabin.” He dropped to one knee, head bowed like he was expecting us to be mad.I could feel how uneasy he was at interrupting us, but looking after us is what I pay him for.“Jeremiah, stand,”I held out one hand to him, which he took and kissed the back of. “You’re just doing your job. Let us
AVAWe fell into bed after the first round, ending up with Oscar’s face buried in between my legs, Noah and Theo having their mouths on my breasts and Callum leaning over from above me, my head tilted towards him so he could devour my mouth. His fingertips were dancing down my neck, teasing along my collarbone.I tried to wind my fingers into Oscar’s hair, but Callum grabbed my wrists, pinning them above my head. I attempted to tilt my hips, grinding my core against Oscar’s face, but Theo and Noah’s hands just appeared on my hips, stopping me from moving.I was melting between them, dissolving into a puddle of desire and need. I moaned against Callum’s mouth, whilst fighting my body to keep still against the onslaught of sensations.Oscar curled two fingers inside me, pressing against that sensitive spot before adding a third finger and rubbing my clit with his thumb. He swirled his tongue around my opening where I stretched around his fingers, sucking and teasing until I whimpered as
AVAThe Crown Suite was a whirlwind of colour and laughter as we decorated for Christmas. Tinsel glittered everywhere, catching the light and sending sparkles dancing across the walls. I perched precariously on a ladder, trying to hang a particularly stubborn strand of lights.“Careful up there, love,” Theo called from below, his hands steadying the ladder.I grinned down at him. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this under con—” My words were cut off as I wobbled slightly, eliciting a chorus of concerned noises from my mates.“Maybe I should do that part,” Noah suggested, already moving toward me.I waved him off. “I’m fine, really. Just focus on not tangling yourself
AVAI placed my fork down, feeling pleasantly full and warm. The energy in the room shifted subtly, a familiar tension building. Callum’s eyes met mine across the table, the heat in his gaze sending a shiver down my spine.“Shall we retire for the evening?” Oscar suggested, his tone deceptively casual.I nodded, my heart rate already rising. As we moved toward the bedroom, anticipation thrummed through our bond.Noah reached me first and pulled me close. His kiss was gentle but insistent, and I melted into it. When we parted, I turned to Oscar, who waited patiently. His lips met mine with passionate intensity, leaving me breathless.Theo was next, his kiss tender and reverent. “My queen,” he m
AVAThe sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in swathes of crimson and gold. I felt the familiar tingle of anticipation as we stepped outside, the cool evening air caressing my skin. The Queen’s Guard fanned out around us, a protective circle of silent strength.“Ready?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Four pairs of eyes met mine, each burning with an intensity that made my heart race. Callum nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Always, my love.”I closed my eyes, letting the shift take me. It had been a rush of power, of primal energy surging through every cell. When I opened them again, the world was sharper—scents and sounds amplified. My midnight-black fur rippled in the breeze, the silver moon on my chest
AVAI sank into the plush armchair, my body feeling like lead. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as the fireplace crackles softly. Oscar lay on the chaise lounge nearby, his chest rising and falling steadily. Relief washed over me, but it was tinged with a lingering anxiety that refused to dissipate."How are you feeling, love?" Theo's voice broke through my thoughts.I met his concerned gaze, and I knew my eyes were full of pain. "Like I've been hit by a truck, then run over by a train for good measure."A weak chuckle escaped Oscar's lips. "That's my girl, always with the colourful descriptions."My heart clenched. He nearly died saving me, and there he was, still trying to make me smile. I reached out, grasping his hand tightly. "We need to talk about what happened," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Callum leaned against the mantle, his jaw clenched. "Agreed. We can't let something like this happen again."I could feel the weight of their worry, their lov
AVAI couldn't bear it anymore. The pain of feeling Oscar slipping away was too much. With a surge of desperate strength, I pushed against Theo's chest. "Let me go," I choked out, my voice barely above a whisper.Theo's arms loosened, surprise flashing across his face. I took advantage of his momentary hesitation and scrambled away, my legs giving out as I reached Oscar's side. I collapsed to my knees, my hand finding his."Oscar," I whispered, squeezing his fingers. They felt so cold. Too cold. "Don't you dare leave me."I could feel our bond stretching, thinning like a gossamer thread about to snap. Panic clawed at my throat. This couldn't be happening. Not after everything we'd been through."Ava," Callum's deep voice c
CALLUMI could feel Theo's anger radiating off him in waves as we strode down the dimly lit corridor toward Sera's cell. My own fury simmered just beneath the surface, barely contained."Remember, we need information," I said, my voice low and tight. "Don't let her provoke you."Theo's jaw clenched. "I'll try."As we approached the heavy iron door, I took a deep breath, steeling myself. The guard unlocked it with a harsh clang that echoed off the stone walls.Sera sat on a narrow cot, her raven hair tumbling over her shoulders. Those unnerving violet eyes locked onto us as we entered."Well, well," she purred. "To what do I owe the pleasure of a royal visit?"
OSCARI couldn’t tear my eyes away from Ava's lifeless gaze as the healers swarmed around us like agitated bees. The scent of herbs and magic hung thick in the air, mingling with the acrid tang of fear emanating from my brothers and me. My fingers tightened around Ava's limp hand, desperately seeking some flicker of response."Damn it, why isn't anything working?" I growled, frustration boiling over as another potion fails to elicit even a twitch from our mate.Noah placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. "They're doing everything they can, Oscar. We have to be patient."Patient? How could I be patient when the love of my life is lying there like an empty shell? The urge to lash out, to find that witch and tear her apart with my bare hands, was nearly overwhelming.
AVAThe moon's absence cast an eerie darkness over the ritual circle, the air thick with anticipation and the scent of herbs. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I stepped into the silver-etched boundary of the circle, my heart pounding against my ribs like a caged bird. Sera's violet eyes gleamed in the flickering candlelight, her raven hair seeming to absorb the shadows around us. I could feel the tension radiating from my Kings through our bond, their worry and love intertwining with my own determination."Are you ready to begin, Your Majesty?" Sera's melodic voice carried an undercurrent of excitement that set my nerves on edge.I swallowed hard, casting a glance at my mates. Callum's jaw was clenched, his blue eyes stormy with concern. Theo's hands were balled into fists at his sides, while Noah's gaze was fix
AVAI bolted upright, a scream tearing from my throat. The room spun, shadows dancing in the dim light of dawn. My heart pounded, sweat plastering my nightgown to my skin."Ava!" Noah's voice, thick with sleep, cut through my panic. His strong arms encircled me, pulling me against his chest. "It's okay, love. You're safe."I couldn’t stop shaking, the nightmare's grip still tight around my mind. The empty crib, the hollow ache in my arms - it felt so real."The nightmare again?" Theo asked softly, his hand finding mine in the tangle of blankets.I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Oscar shifted closer, his warmth a comforting presence at my back. Callum's fingers brushed my cheek, wiping away tears I hadn't realised I'd shed."Talk to us, Ava," Callum urged gently.I took a shuddering breath. "It was... worse this time. I could hear a baby crying, but no matter