AYLA BAILOREI had packed just a few things I'd initially come with into small luggage that came to inform me I'd be moving into the pack tonight. King orders. Willow had told me Lucian spent more of his time at the pack than in the palace. I couldn't say, I wasn't ecstatic, or I hadn't been expecting that. I leaned forward on my leather seat as the car sped through the road in-between the woods. No doubt the same wood Emily's scarf and blood were found.“Ayla, are you okay?” I felt Marilyn's hand on me, as the car pulled up in front of a massive black gate. I nodded, keeping my eyes on the figures sitting on top of the walls, and huge wolves at either side of the gates.One of the big bulky guys jumped down with ease from the gate, his chest was bare but at least he was wearing some shorts. He approached the car, as the driver rolled down the windows.“Marilyn?” He called the woman sitting next to me. “This is odd. Why are you coming through the northern borders?”Marilyn rolled her
AYLA BAILORE I couldn't sleep the remainder of the night, I kept turning and tossing on the massive king-sized bed until the morning light soared in. Lucian had left with Soren last night and hadn't returned. It was still so early but I got out of bed and showered. I picked one of the dresses from the walk-in closet to wear and it was my exact size. I left my room and took the stairs. Lucian's mansion was huge. And it wasn't like the typical Packhouse I was accustomed to. The only people I'd seen so far were the helpers, cleaning around. Thankfully some didn't know who I was, despite the curious stares and whispers that kept coming my way. My throat felt awfully dry, so I looked around for the kitchen.“Good morning,” I said to the group of helpers that were bustling around in the kitchen, some cleaning while the rest were cooking.“Morning,” One of them replied, as she wiped the counter, her attention just like the others was on the young girl chopping some vegetables.“So did you
AYLA BAILORE I couldn't believe my eyes. Nor could I recognize the anger beating through me. I crossed over her dress, heading to the bathroom door when Lucian's angry growl rippled through the bathroom. “Get the fuck out, Serena,”I stopped instantly, impaled by another wave of shock. She was Serena. His Serena. The door suddenly burst open and a woman with black hair, and big brown eyes, in nothing but her undies scampered out of the bathroom. Fear imprinted in every inch of her face, one of her hands holding her neck as she rushed out. She stopped when she noticed me, the shock was only briefly before she snatched her dress from the floor and I noticed the burn of a handprint around her neck.Another growl rippled from the bathroom, and the door slammed shut, making her body tremble and she hurried with haste out of the room.What the hell was going on?I hurried closer, at the shattering sound of glass coming from the bathroom. “Lucian?” I tried the door but it was locked. Anothe
LUCIAN BLACKTHORN “It did, but the Supreme witches’ believe it has resurfaced again, along with the goddess-blessed wolf. “The powerful Moon Wolf,” I picked up some of the papers given by the witches and handed it over to Ayla. I honestly couldn't believe it but last night the Grishan witches had attacked the Supreme Fortress in search of the moonstone. They had come in large numbers, but were only able to tear down the fir.st line of enchantments and spells protecting the fortress. It had alerted the Frangilla and the other Supreme head witches, so they were able to respond quickly and wiped out the "The pack is under another attack." Killian was quick to speak, his eyes holding a cautious fear. "It's the Dark Circle. They are here for the stone," "The stone?" I repeated, my eyes traveling to the witches. I didn't know every detail of it, but I'm aware the Dark Circle is desperate to have the phoenix stone. They want all four for some reason, and so far they only have two. Ki
AYLA BAILORE I felt the hairs on my skin stand up in alert as I felt a presence behind me. I didn't need to move my head to realize who that was; my body always seemed to recognize him. "Is there any progress yet?" Killian asked. I turned to my side, my eyes dwelling on his godlike body. His piercing stare met mine. I shook my head, moving my gaze from him to the witches who were still at work. "No. They just started," I said, feeling his heavy stare on me. I folded my hands around my chest, watching as Valerie brought out a small white orb, and as they kept chanting, the orb kept glowing. It was as if I was lost in whatever the witches were doing. I really didn't notice when Killian moved closer. I turned my gaze to him, sensing a disturbing shift in the air. His amber eyes were foggy; he was being mindlinked. His eyes kept growing deadly. I waited for him to be done, and his amber eyes met mine. "Stay here!" he ordered. "Why? What's happening? " I asked in a rush. His ga
AYLA BAILORE“So good… faster Alpha… Harder,” She moaned loudly, and in response to her demand, the slapping of naked bodies became more audible.I held the rag tightly in my hands, rubbing against the wall, refusing to back at them. I couldn't even if I wanted to. The pain in my bones was too much to bear, but it was nothing compared to the torment in my soul.I couldn't stop the sob that escaped my throat, and the tears that followed after.“You take me so good,” Garrick moaned, thrusting deeper and faster into the woman he was fucking. She was just another one of them, his randoms or whores. Whichever way he decided to call it.My hands balled tightly and I couldn't take the pain anymore. My knees buckled and I collapsed on the tiles, writhing in immense pain from the mate bond. Yes, he was my fated mate. Alpha Garrick of the Red River Pack was the wolf the goddess decided was the right choice for me. The man who was supposed to be my better other half. Who was supposed to love me
AYLA BAILOREAs usual, I was given a ton of work to do during the ceremony. But that didn't stop the plans we made to escape. Emily should already be waiting for me at a hidden spot close to the pack's border.I glanced around the kitchen as soon as I was done washing the dirty dishes. The ceremony just ended and most of the pack members were still having fun and enjoying the after-party including Alpha Garrick.This was my chance to slip out without anyone noticing me. Hopefully, by the time Garrick discovered I was missing, Emily and I would be long gone.I successfully made my way out of the kitchen and took the quickest route into the woods that would take me to the pack borders.It wasn't easy running with my legs, I bet it'd be much easier if I had my wolf. Luckily I found Emily just in time with our small bag.We made our way to the end of the pack, avoiding patrolling guards. Security was not as tight at the pack borders and I sent a thanks to the Moon goddess. Then we ran, u
AYLA BAILORE This was wrong. A bad idea. And it was going to be my end. I had all these thoughts as I was seated in a beautiful room and these women sent by Arnold dressed me up with the most expensive clothing and jewelry. They had even done my hair and applied some makeup.Now staring at myself in the mirror, I couldn't recognize myself. I looked different. I looked…“...Beautiful,” Arnold's deep voice startled me from behind. I jerked involuntarily, and my eyes instantly connected with his through the mirror.He cocked his head sideways, staring at me. “I knew I never made a wrong choice,” He smiled darkly. “Preparations have been made. And prospective she wolves have started making their way into the palace. We are late as it is, but I guess, it's the perfect way to make a grand entrance,” He said, but I remained quiet, having a feeling he had more to say. “I've made the right changes. You'll keep your name. Ayla Bailor of the Iron Claw Pack,” He added, and I couldn't stop the g
AYLA BAILORE I felt the hairs on my skin stand up in alert as I felt a presence behind me. I didn't need to move my head to realize who that was; my body always seemed to recognize him. "Is there any progress yet?" Killian asked. I turned to my side, my eyes dwelling on his godlike body. His piercing stare met mine. I shook my head, moving my gaze from him to the witches who were still at work. "No. They just started," I said, feeling his heavy stare on me. I folded my hands around my chest, watching as Valerie brought out a small white orb, and as they kept chanting, the orb kept glowing. It was as if I was lost in whatever the witches were doing. I really didn't notice when Killian moved closer. I turned my gaze to him, sensing a disturbing shift in the air. His amber eyes were foggy; he was being mindlinked. His eyes kept growing deadly. I waited for him to be done, and his amber eyes met mine. "Stay here!" he ordered. "Why? What's happening? " I asked in a rush. His ga
LUCIAN BLACKTHORN “It did, but the Supreme witches’ believe it has resurfaced again, along with the goddess-blessed wolf. “The powerful Moon Wolf,” I picked up some of the papers given by the witches and handed it over to Ayla. I honestly couldn't believe it but last night the Grishan witches had attacked the Supreme Fortress in search of the moonstone. They had come in large numbers, but were only able to tear down the fir.st line of enchantments and spells protecting the fortress. It had alerted the Frangilla and the other Supreme head witches, so they were able to respond quickly and wiped out the "The pack is under another attack." Killian was quick to speak, his eyes holding a cautious fear. "It's the Dark Circle. They are here for the stone," "The stone?" I repeated, my eyes traveling to the witches. I didn't know every detail of it, but I'm aware the Dark Circle is desperate to have the phoenix stone. They want all four for some reason, and so far they only have two. Ki
AYLA BAILORE I couldn't believe my eyes. Nor could I recognize the anger beating through me. I crossed over her dress, heading to the bathroom door when Lucian's angry growl rippled through the bathroom. “Get the fuck out, Serena,”I stopped instantly, impaled by another wave of shock. She was Serena. His Serena. The door suddenly burst open and a woman with black hair, and big brown eyes, in nothing but her undies scampered out of the bathroom. Fear imprinted in every inch of her face, one of her hands holding her neck as she rushed out. She stopped when she noticed me, the shock was only briefly before she snatched her dress from the floor and I noticed the burn of a handprint around her neck.Another growl rippled from the bathroom, and the door slammed shut, making her body tremble and she hurried with haste out of the room.What the hell was going on?I hurried closer, at the shattering sound of glass coming from the bathroom. “Lucian?” I tried the door but it was locked. Anothe
AYLA BAILORE I couldn't sleep the remainder of the night, I kept turning and tossing on the massive king-sized bed until the morning light soared in. Lucian had left with Soren last night and hadn't returned. It was still so early but I got out of bed and showered. I picked one of the dresses from the walk-in closet to wear and it was my exact size. I left my room and took the stairs. Lucian's mansion was huge. And it wasn't like the typical Packhouse I was accustomed to. The only people I'd seen so far were the helpers, cleaning around. Thankfully some didn't know who I was, despite the curious stares and whispers that kept coming my way. My throat felt awfully dry, so I looked around for the kitchen.“Good morning,” I said to the group of helpers that were bustling around in the kitchen, some cleaning while the rest were cooking.“Morning,” One of them replied, as she wiped the counter, her attention just like the others was on the young girl chopping some vegetables.“So did you
AYLA BAILOREI had packed just a few things I'd initially come with into small luggage that came to inform me I'd be moving into the pack tonight. King orders. Willow had told me Lucian spent more of his time at the pack than in the palace. I couldn't say, I wasn't ecstatic, or I hadn't been expecting that. I leaned forward on my leather seat as the car sped through the road in-between the woods. No doubt the same wood Emily's scarf and blood were found.“Ayla, are you okay?” I felt Marilyn's hand on me, as the car pulled up in front of a massive black gate. I nodded, keeping my eyes on the figures sitting on top of the walls, and huge wolves at either side of the gates.One of the big bulky guys jumped down with ease from the gate, his chest was bare but at least he was wearing some shorts. He approached the car, as the driver rolled down the windows.“Marilyn?” He called the woman sitting next to me. “This is odd. Why are you coming through the northern borders?”Marilyn rolled her
AYLA BAILOREInstinctively, I rose up slowly from my chair. My gaze was still locked on Lucian, as his was on me. I had no inkling as to what was going on beneath that black storm that swirled in his eyes. He took a step forward, but Dane appeared from his side, stopping him. Holding him back. For the first time in my life, I wished I had heightened hearing like the others. I was desperate to know what Dane was whispering to Lucian above the music with his eyes still stuck on me. His gaze wanted to kill. My heart was drumming hard in my chest, and slowly his eyes shifted back to Arnold who I'd forgotten was still standing next to me. Without saying a word, Lucian stormed away.Something in my gut told me to quietly stay put. I'd never seen that kind of look in Lucian's eyes. The dark storm that brewed at the back of his eyes, the gaze that wanted to kill, and his anger that had licked the surface of my skin and almost burned me. Strangely, it didn't just confuse me, it affected me so
AYLA BAILORE “What?” I blurted out in a whisper, almost frightened at the way Lucian's voice had sounded in my mind. “What about my eyes?” I cocked my head to one side.His brows furrowed in deep thought, and I almost urged him to say something when the crowd suddenly burst into cheers and applause.“We'll talk later,” Lucian's voice penetrated my mind. I bit my lips in an attempt to stop the abrupt gasp that almost left my lips at the sparks that zapped across my skin as Lucian held my hand, turning to the large crowd.It has gotten more intense than I had ever felt. I wasn't sure if this was what happened when one took a chosen mate, or if it was because of the fact that despite not officially bearing his mark yet, Lucian and I had in every way marked each other by drinking each other's blood. That must be the reason I felt so intensely for him now, other than the usual attraction I'd always felt. This was dangerous.I looked away from his penetrating eyes, which attempted to pry i
AYLA BAILORE As I walked through the portal at the northern gates, I could already feel the shift in the air. Something was wrong. And it felt really bad. Three warriors were waiting for me there, along with a witch who was usually with Triss and also Dane. “Ayla!” He rushed over to me, as soon as he saw me, surprising me by pulling me in for a hug. He let out a quick sigh scanning my body for any injuries before glancing back at the portal gates. His sharp questioning eyes returned back to me. “Where's Lucian?” I shook my head. “He left me at the northern gates. I think he went back to hunt the wolves who had somehow gotten into the woods,” “Fuck!” Dane cursed under his breath. “I'm glad you're at least fine,” I looked around, the place was almost in a chaotic mess. “What happened here?” Dane held my arm, leading me away. “Some packs and a few kingdoms were attacked in the West. Some of its survivors fled here seeking asylum,” He informed me, and my lips parted in shock. Dane l
AYLA BAILORE I groaned, almost in satisfaction, from the tingling flutters that ignited throughout my body. It was dark. I could hear owls hooting and the faint sounds of distant howls. I snuggled deeper into the warm, soothing feeling that blanketed my body. I wanted to stay like this forever, but a small whisper at the back of my mind kept telling me to wake up.I was surrounded by darkness the instant I snapped my eyes open. I could barely see a thing, and couldn't move either. It took me a second before the last few hours kept rushing back. The grey creatures. The fight… and I fell.I attempted to jerk up but that was impossible. I was being cocooned in a tight, warm grip by Lucian. He had me pressed into his chest and arms wrapped protectively around me. He must have jumped after me when I fell off the cliff.“Lucian…” I called, but there was no response. No movement. My chest constricted in fear when I couldn't hear his heartbeat.With great effort, I untangled myself from his