Se connecterNicholas’s POV We waited in silence. Hundreds of warriors formed a protective circle around the palace. The night air was thick with tension. No one spoke. The only sounds were the occasional shift of paws on the ground and the low growls of wolves ready for blood. I stood at the front, every muscle in my body tight, eyes locked on the forest beyond Gwen’s shimmering shield. Your Majesty,” Marco said quietly beside me. “They’re trying to break through.” I could feel it…the ground vibrating under our feet as the sirens slammed against the barrier. Gwen was powerful, but she was only one sorceress against dozens of them. The shield flickered and cracked in places. It wouldn’t hold much longer. We were done running. Done hiding. For years I had pretended not to love my wife in public, parading Liora around like a distraction, all to keep this monster away from Hazel. Tonight that ended. One way or another. A massive vibration shook the earth. The shield shattered with a sound like
Nicholas’s POV I helped Hazel climb down from the bed, holding her steady until her feet touched the floor. She still looked tired from everything she had been through, but her eyes were bright with curiosity. I took her hand, intertwining our fingers, and started leading her toward the door. She followed me without question at first, trusting me completely. That trust made what I was about to do even harder. We had just reached the door when I stopped. “One more thing,” I said softly. I pulled a black blindfold from my pocket. Before she could ask what I was doing, I gently covered her eyes and tied it securely behind her head. “Nicholas…?” Her voice held a mix of confusion and amusement. “Follow my lead,” I whispered close to her ear, letting my breath brush her skin. I kept a firm grip on her hand and guided her out of the room. We moved through the long hallways slowly, my steps careful so she wouldn’t trip. Every few seconds I glanced at her, making sure she was okay. Her
Nicholas’s POV I stood on the balcony, hands gripping the stone railing so tight my knuckles turned white. My eyes scanned the forest stretching out beyond the palace walls. The trees looked peaceful, but I knew better. They were out there somewhere…hiding, waiting for night to fall so they could strike. My jaw clenched hard. This was all because of one vengeful bastard who couldn’t accept that his wife had fallen for someone else and had a child with him. After so many years, he still wanted Hazel dead. My mate. The thought made my wolf rage inside me, clawing to get out and tear everything apart. “Your Majesty.” Marco’s voice came from behind me. I didn’t turn around. “She’s here,” he said quietly. My jaw tightened even more. “Liora.” “Yes. She’s disguised as a man, thinking nobody would recognize her.” I scoffed. The audacity of that woman. After everything she had done…the poison, the attempts on Hazel’s life…she still dared to sneak into my palace. “Keep a close eye on
Nicholas’s POV “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.” The words hung in the air like a challenge. Alpha Jackson’s green eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my wolf instantly rise to the surface, snarling. I didn’t move. I waited, jaw tight, every muscle in my body coiled. Jackson swallowed, then continued, voice low. “You know I’ve always loved—” I didn’t let him finish. In one fast motion, I grabbed the front of his hospital gown and yanked him forward, my fingers twisting the fabric tight around his neck. His eyes widened, but he didn’t fight back. I brought my face close to his, teeth bared. “Say one more word out of your mouth,” I growled, voice deadly quiet, “and I’ll forget you’re still lying in a hospital bed. I’ll send you into a coma so fast your pack won’t even have time to blink.” The room went dead silent. Our eyes stayed locked in a fierce staring contest. Neither of us looked away. His breathing was shallow, but there was no fear in his
Dillian’s POV I broke through the surface of the water, my mind heavy with everything I had just discussed with my people. The meeting had been long and tense. My father’s army was unbeatable—the strongest warriors in the Northern Waters, trained for generations, fueled by pure hatred. Werewolves stood almost no chance against them. One song, one hypnotic command from a siren, and entire packs could turn on themselves in a bloodbath. Claws ripping into their own mates. Teeth tearing into their own children. The thought made my stomach turn. I needed a plan B. Something solid in case my risky deal with my father fell apart. Because it probably would. I also knew the truth I didn’t want to face…my father had been secretly following me for two days now. He didn’t trust me. Of course he didn’t. He had never trusted anyone in his life. I stepped onto the shore, my tail shifting into legs with a familiar shimmer. With a flick of my fingers I was in human clothes. The forest felt too qui
Nicholas’s POV “Breathe, Hazel. Breathe,” I said, pulling her into my arms as fast as I could. Her body was shaking, eyes wide with shock as she stared at the shimmering tail where her legs had been. I held her tight against my chest, one hand stroking her back while the other supported her. “We’ll figure this out. I’ve got you.” She was breathing fast, almost panicking. I kissed the top of her head and lifted her carefully. She felt different in my arms now—heavier in a powerful way because of the tail…but still my Hazel. Still mine. I carried her straight to the bathroom and sat her gently on the edge of the Jacuzzi. Cold water would feel better for her siren side, I guessed. I reached over and turned on the tap, letting the cool water fill the tub quickly. Then I carefully pulled the gown off her body, leaving her completely bare. Her new tail shimmered under the bathroom lights, blue and silver scales catching every reflection. I lowered her into the water. “God, this feels
Nicholas’s POV“This is not a laughing matter, Marco.” I snapped at my beta.Marco leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, that stupid grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as if the whole damn world wasn't crumbling around us. As if the woman I loved hadn't just declared war on me in front o
Hazel’s POVThe second the door slammed behind him, I jumped off the bed like it had burned me.My legs were shaky, knees weak, but I didn’t care. I ran straight to the bathroom, bare feet slapping against the cold stone floor.I dropped to my knees in front of the toilet so hard the impact jarred
Hazel’s POVMy whole body felt like it was buzzing. Like electricity was running under my skin, waking up every nerve I didn’t even know I had. I felt hypersensitive.I didn’t know if it was whatever the hell he’d forced down my throat or if it was just…him. Nicholas. Still pinning me to the mattre
Nicholas’s POV“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”The words came out low, dangerous, every syllable edged with warning.Dimitri didn’t back down an inch.“Stop pretending,” he said, voice steady even though his eyes were burning. “Everyone knows you wanted Hazel out of the picture s







