LOGINSamuel glanced at them, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Alright, time for a new game,” he said, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. “This is as real as it gets, just like Squid Game, but trust me, mine’s way better. So, place your bets, witches. Callum, grab some drinks; I’m parched.”The contestants began climbing the steps, tension thick in the air. Rane gripped Amaris’s hand tightly. “Stay close and keep your eyes open,” he murmured.They reached a door and paused, all of them standing together. When it swung open, they froze. Inside was a chaotic jungle scene, with a shaky suspended bridge stretching across the center. They were shoved onto it without warning.“Climb on my back, now,” Rane ordered Amaris, urgency in his voice. She leapt onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck.He sprinted across the bridge, skidding to a halt just shy of the other side as a panther lunged at them. Rane set Amaris down, yanked off his shirt, and wrapped it around his arm. Without he
Damian leaned by the window, pecking Mateo’s cheek. “Your uncle’s a walking disaster, isn’t he?”His son, just six months old, gurgled softly. Hannah walked in, arms full of laundry.“What are you two scheming?” she asked, tossing clothes onto the bed.“Keeping an eye on Zarek. If he screws up again and we have to move, I’m going to lose it,” Damian said.“Cut him some slack, Damian. His parents are…” Her voice cracked, eyes glistening.“Come here, I’ve got a free arm,” Damian said, and she let out a wet laugh. “We’re raising him, Hannah. That’s the job.”“Damian, are you seriously letting him go?” Hannah asked, wiping her face.“Yeah, but look at him. Head over heels for that girl. Though, let’s be honest, he’s got a new one every other week,” Damian shrugged.“Jealous of your brother?” Hannah teased, smirking.“Not a chance. I wouldn’t trade this mess for anything,” Damian said, glancing at Mateo.The church bells rang out, the sound echoing through the old-fashioned town where they
Genevieve was terrified of Samuel, hell, everyone was. The guy had killed a witch just for trying to escape. What would he do to her if he found out she was feeding the vampires blood? She shook off the thought. Whatever. She was both vampire and witch, and honestly, she liked the vampire side a whole lot more.The water was pitch black when she heard a noise behind her. She turned to see Hunter.“Are you out of your mind? You’ve got a kid to think about,” Genevieve snapped.“I need to talk to her, Sophia,” Lucas said, pointing to the water. “Where’s my mom?”“Samuel hid her away,” Genevieve replied. “Probably scared she’d rebel. I’ll do what I can to call the spirits.” She began chanting softly, and a few spirits materialized.“Sophia?” Lucas shouted. “Show yourself!”Nothing. Just the eerie sounds of the night.“Sophia…please,” he pleaded, dropping to his knees. Lucas missed his mate, missed his sons.And there she was, right in front of him, looking down with a smirk. “Got you begg
Samuel’s estate cellarJackson hummed softly, his voice barely audibles over the faint groans of hunger. They were all starving, sluggish, barely holding on.Isabella lay motionless, lost in a shallow coma.The others sprawled across the cellar floor, weak and wasted."We owe your ugly face a favor," Jackson muttered, glancing at Victor. "Apparently, this girl’s got a thing for you. She’s bringing us blood."A few raspy chuckles escaped the group."She’s risking her life for me," Victor said quietly. "That’s real love."Another round of weak laughter."I’m going to rip Samuel’s head off," Remy growled."You can’t," Jackson shot back. "He’s Chloe’s grandson. Plus, Sophia’s black magic’s got his back.""Wait, Jackson," Remy interrupted, incredulous. "You’re a grandpa?""Shut it," Jackson snapped. "You’re the one who’s been single for centuries. How long you going to wait, huh?""If I make it through this century, I’m done waiting," Remy fired back. "I’m getting myself a mate."Their lau
PART IITHE RISE OF THE WITCHESBayou, main highwayHe was running along the road, hood pulled tight, face down. Cars blew past him like he wasn’t even there, just another blur in their way. He turned his head just as a car swerved, and before he could move, it hit him hard. He flew, tumbled, then hit the pavement with a thud. The car kept going, tires screaming as it disappeared. A couple of minutes later, another car rolled up. Someone got out, checked his wrist, then shrugged, hauled him up, dumped him in the trunk, and took off without a word.Callum, former mansionSamuel strode in and let out a low whistle. “Callum, you old bastard, get out here.”Callum appeared, smirking. “King Samuel, always a pleasure.”Samuel glanced around, nodding approvingly. “Damn, you really went all out. Fucking upgraded the place.”“Only the best for you,” Callum replied dryly.Samuel’s eyes landed on the thrones.“Aleah, check this out. Fancy, huh?” He extended his hand dramatically.“My queen.” The
Samuel and Aleah stood by the roaring fire, the Nwa territory alive with cheers and howls. The Elder glanced at Samuel, resigned. It was done; the marriage was final. They danced, they celebrated, and then Samuel’s gaze locked with Aleah’s. Together, they stepped forward, chanting into the flames.Lucas darted to Ava, shoving her toward the woods. She sprinted, clutching Liam tight, almost reaching the road. Then she saw it, a wave of blue light, draping over the trees like a blanket. Ava inhaled sharply and pressed on.The wolfs dropped to its knees, entranced. Samuel chuckled. “Who’s your king now?”“You are,” they all murmured.“Aleah,” Samuel grinned, kissing her hand, “I’m into this. Now go pick a pretty girl and bring her to the bedroom. Don’t mess this up, woman” He turned, whistling as he walked away.Aleah returned with a blonde woman, her fairness a stark contrast to Aleah’s darker features. Samuel, now propped up naked against the pillows, commanded, “Come here.” The woman







