CHAPTER THIRTY-TWOZEPHYR’S POV I held Taylor tight. She was coughing badly, struggling to breathe. While she sunk into my embrace, I stared at Theodore, dumbfounded. We were all so busy watching the witch and the witch was preoccupied with us. No one paid attention to him. No one noticed his leave. That sneaky son of a bitch. I knew he was good for a lot of things but this… I never thought he was this good. I suddenly had the urge to command an applause for him but the screaming witch disrupted the peace.I looked in her direction. Her hand was bleeding badly. She wanted to go after Theodore but Father had shielded him. She screamed even louder.“You will pay for that, you filthy dogs. I will make you pay!!!”“With that hand, good luck.” Father chuckled, his deep voice filled with mockery. “I mean, look around you. You have nothing left. Stand down and I won't kill you.”The witch heaved, her chest rising and falling. She looked around. She was surrounded. It was my turn now. As a
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE TAYLOR'S POVI choked on my own breath immediately. The shock of his words almost killed me. I covered my mouth. Thankfully the gasps echoing through the room hid my coughing.I bit down on my lip, my fits clenched. Hell, I wanted to pummel that bastard Zephyr. Why would he say something so… bad. “Mam, your face is red.” The maid announced. I cupped my cheeks immediately.“No they are not. Don't talk nonsense.” I snapped at her. Our little banter distracted me. I didn't know when the meeting ended until I heard the creaking sounds of chairs pulling back. I gasped.‘Damn it, he is coming.’ I ran off, the maids following behind. We must have looked like a fleet of little children because I spotted a guard holding back his laughter. I covered my face, the feeling of embarrassment seemed to get worse by the minute. I'm so going to kill Zephyr for this.I stumbled into my room, shutting the door. The maids screeched to a halt, calling out my name to open it. I thre
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE TAYLOR'S POVPerhaps it was that snapped the way I did yesterday or that I was mean to the guest. Honestly there had to be something because the universe was paying me back for it.Father appeared from thin air in the dead of the night. He came with the car. Father who was a stunge advocate os shifting. Seeing that car was the beginning of my shivers.I watched from the window in my upstair room. Hiding behind a curtain. He popped the trunk and off loaded box after box of luggage. I gulped feeling goosebumps riddle my skin. I recognized everyone of those boxes because they came from my room. “Are you throwing me out, I asked father while he handed the luggages to my maids.”“Oh my dear.” He came close stroked my hair. I stared at him with my puppy eyes. My lips pouty. “Of course I'm throwing you out.”I frowed. All the cuteness wiped clean off my face. “Don't look at me like thay. Our house isn't your house anymore. You can swing by anytime though but your thin
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIXZEPHYR'S POV“Hey Theodore, where are you?” “Home. I'm single, remember.”“Lucky you. I'm coming over.” I popped the car door open.“Wait, now!” I heard the sound of the bed creak like someone had sprung from it. “Yes. Put some good morning wine out and dress that couch.”“You are sleeping here too?” His voice had a hint of horror.“What? Are you warming your own bed tonight.” I chuckled, mockingly.He was silent but I could see that deep frown on his face. “Very funny man. I don't finger myself. Moreover, I like my space just fine. I intend to sit in the dark and read with a lamp. You will ruin it.”“Too bad.” I shut the car door and start the engine. The headlights came on, illuminating the road ahead and guiding me as I navigated through the stone bridge over the lake.“Why are you even coming here?” Beds sheets rustled in the background.“I need to get away from Taylor. She is driving me crazy.” I took a moment, exhaling.”I don't have anywhere else to go oth
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN TAYLOR'S POV I didn't sleep. I tried to but I didn't. I underestimated the power of guilt. What I had said to him was unfair. I made him look like he was some sex-crazed maniac constantly coming after me even though I knew the mate bond was messing with him. Yes, he is a bastard and I want to make him pay but I can't go around accusing him of what he didn't do. I'm not reducing myself to his level. I rolled over on the bed, the shut eye still not coming. I had felt so bad last night that I couldn't sleep until I apologized. The perks of being a well trained kid. I huffed, throwing her pillow at the door in displeasure. My cellphone beeped almost immediately, breaking into my moody silence. I sluggishly glanced at the notification. It was a text from Daisy. My eyes lithe up like Christmas lights. I sprang from bed and rushed the cell. I read the message out loud. “Hey bitch. I'm out of the hospital. Can't believe you haven't come to see me. I guess you are bus
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT TAYLOR'S POV I drew in a breath and braced myself. It was obvious, I had fucked up. Well on the bright side if I was going to die tonight, I would die beautiful.“Where have you been?” he finally spoke. I smiled hoping he could see the sweet look on my face and spare me though I doubted that because the lights were out and only the glow of the moon gave the room some sort of illumination.“Shopping… with Daisy.”“Do you know what time it is?”“Late. Its late.”He eyed me. His gaze shone in the dark. The couch creeked as he rose. “Do you think this is funny, Taylor? I’m here waiting for you and you are out there doing what you like.”I frowned. I just told him I went shopping. How is that _being out there doing what I like_?“I just went shopping. Bought stuff, got a spa treatment and…” I paused for a second, looking down at my hands. Something was missing… Shopping bags. I slapped my forehead, grumbling “Apparently I forgot what I bought. Great.” I put my hand
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINETAYLOR'S POV I had a plan. I spent all night hatching it. By morning I had perfected it. But before I could get it to work; a guest came to see us. A face I had become familiar with. I opened the door for him. “Good morning Oscala.”“Morning to you too.” He said. His voice was subtle, deep and seemed as though he spoke absentmindedly. He searched my face with his eyes and then he sighed. “May I come in?” “Yes. Please do.” I stepped aside. He strode past, slowly brushing me while he walked.“I suggest you wear a perfume that smells like lilies. It will help a lot.” He whispered.I turned around sharply but he was already seated on the couch. I couldn't ask him what he meant. “You are early.” Zephyr’s voice echoed through the hollow house. It gave me the chills. I carefully found myself a place to stay. A place which was too cramped for Zephyr to even be near. He noticed it immediately when he entered the room. He found himself another position.“I have to return
CHAPTER FORTYTAYLOR'S POVWhen I was younger, I used to sneak out some 18+ rated romance from the library. The writers from the pack's writing society had a lot of those made. One thing I will never forget about the stories was that the female lead always described the male lead’s lips as coated in Honey. I never believed that until Oscala’s mouth pressed against mine.There was almost melted butter softness about it. He was tender, like my lips were glass and he didn't want to dent it. The force he applied on the back of my head so he could hold my lips in place, was careful and gentle. I held my breath, my heart thumping faster and faster.He heard the sound of him inhaling and then he exhaled. It felt like frozen air bursting out on my burning gums. I groaned a little when I felt a piercing pain. ‘It’s just your fangs growing.’ I heard him say. His voice was in my head. ‘Bare with me. Just one more blow and I will stop.’ He took another blow at it and then, his lips left mine.
CHAPTER NINETY-FIVETAYLOR’S POV “Is it something I said?”I turned sharply, searching for the voice that just spoke to me. Zulu made me a small smile, indicating that it was him.“Are you talking to me?” I asked, touching my chest lightly.“Can I?” He replied with a question. His tone sounded a bit worried. It was understandable why.“Yes of course you can. I'm not as hard core as Zep… my husband.” I corrected myself immediately. I can't be going around calling him by his name.“That's very good to know.” He said. He was still asleep stiff as I remembered him except this time he was making some effort to loosen up a bit. I found it quite flattering.“It's not something you said, by the way. He does that whenever he has something to say and he doesn't want to look like a joker.”“It is a rather frightening way to do so.” Zulu remarked. I only smiled, looking away from him. My gaze went to the closed doors. Who knows how long they will be there. It's best if I find something to do ins
CHAPTER NINETY-FOURTAYLOR’S POVThe night passed and day broke, the Lycan king sent a convoy to bring us to the palace. Beautiful carriages and beautiful she-wolves as escorts. They brought apparels for us to clothe ourselves. The Lycan king wanted us to look more dazzling than himself. Zephyr rejected them all. He didn't want the attention. Instead he only let one carriage and then some guards escort us. It made perfect sense to me why he did that. He was going to show the Lycans he wished to make peace with, he was a pompous proud bastard who showed off at every chance he got. Although I felt there was more to it and so I asked him. “Zephyr, why did you reject the convoy?” “I didn't want to sell the wrong image to these Lycans. They are quite on edge because they know the king of the creatures that has massacred them for years, is in their land for peace matters. They don't believe it's why I'm really here. They don't trust me. All these fanciful stunts will only make them seem
CHAPTER NINETY-THREETAYLOR'S POVI sucked in a breath and exhaled. I could feel the lascivious gazes of all the guards burrowing into my skin; undressing me even before I did it myself. I drew closer to Zephyr,. placing my hands on his lap. I calmly pointed out to the guards everywhere. I wasn't doing anything with these people. He whispered to me. “If I tell them to go then you have to agree to takes your jeans off too.”“No!” I sprang away from him immediately. “Alright then, I won't tell them to do anything.”“You are being a pain in the ass right now.”I beamed. It only made my anger worse. “Why are you being so difficult?” I couldn't help but ask him.“Because it's more fun this way. Humor helps with the pain.”“Your pain sure is picky.” I said, sarcastically.“Yes it is.” He replied me like it was an ordinary observation.“You suck.” I snapped. “No I don't. But I have what you can suck.” My eyes widened. It was his words were slaps smacking my face back to back with embar
CHAPTER NINETY-TWOTAYLOR'S POV The sight that met us when we rode into the Lycan kingdom was not at all like anything I had seen before. I stared about the window, my eyes wide in disbelief. The houses were built in different delicate shapes and sizes. The architecture was ancient but magnificent. The passing Lycans who trended the roads, were all wrapped in silk like fabrics with dazzling embroidery that seemed to always match the tattoos that all had. The men were hefty and handsome looking. I couldn't spot one who wasn't. The women were breath taking with their alluring curves and their unique choice of attire. Their tattoos were bolder, running down their neck and probably over their chests. I couldn't help but I stare so hard I forgot I had to put on airs until Zephyr gently pulled me away from the window. He whispered into my ears.“You should be a little more pompous than this. We will have plenty time to stare from the comfort of our place here.”“Oh, yeah. Sorry about tha
CHAPTER NINETY-ONETAYLOR'S POV “I like the way your tongue feels in my mouth.”My eyes grew wider. I pulled away from him instantly, my cheeks flushing. He chuckled devilishly, his fangs revealing in the most seductive way. I stared at him with my eyes wide open. He lay on the bed like a delicious predator. Everything about the hot way he looked made me want him; made me want to forget he was hurt and take off the rest of his clothes. But I wasn't letting him use his charm to deceive me. I massaged my temples, easing out the anger that was threatening to come up. I looked at him. “Noce stunt but I'm not buying it. What's wrong with Zephyr? What do you want to tell me?”“I already said it. What-” he leaned forward, painfully; a groan escaping his lips. “Do you think I don't mean it? I can show you how much I do.”I sucked in a breath and exhaled. “How much does it hurt, Zephyr? Why are you trying to pretend you are not in so much pain? Why are you trying to hide that…. That…” my vo
CHAPTER NINETYTAYLOR'S POV I hid anywhere I could. I was freaked out. The outside was saturated with growls and roars; the stench of blood was in the air and all up my nose but that wasn't the worst. I could feel the stabs that Zephyr was taking, faintly, but it was still enough for me to know it was painful. I muttered a prayer to the goddess, begging her to keep Zephyr safe. He had been hurt not long ago and now he was taking another hit. There really is so much an alpha can take, especially an Alpha whose power is repressed because he has not mated. I bit down on my quivering lips and tried to calm my heart but I couldn't. It thumped so hard against my chest that I just had to spring out from behind that bed and rush to the door. I banged against it immediately, yelling.“Open this door, I need to help him. I got to help Zephyr, open this goddamn door!!” Evan appeared in my face immediately. He was scared but he was going to be fine.“I can't do that my Luna, I'm so sorry!!” H
CHAPTER ZEPHYR'S POVI had Taylor stay inside while I sat at the door with Evan. Ivan is somewhere as backup. I opted to play an old high school game with Evan while we patiently awaited our faith. To be honest, Taylor's idea wasn't just hers alone.Her idea has crossed my mind actually. The moment I wandered into this village, before I knew that they were going to just come and go, we would be writing out names in the history of this place, as one of its problems. Back then, when I came here and got robbed, I learnt from Father's beta that father and the village were in some kind of peace pact so he could do his dwindling business and father would get a percentage of his earnings. I admit, my father wasn't the best man. Apparently, the small pack had gone from shady business to harbouring rogues and using them to steal and kill. I lost good wolves in that forest and I wasn't going to let it go.“Alpha, if the attack tonight, what will be our fighting strategy.”“Protect the forth.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINETAYLOR'S POVOur lips disengaged but we stayed the way we were, just staring into each other’s eyes. It was like time had frozen and we had a moment to ourselves. A moment to finally say what we had been hiding. Looking into his eyes was like staring at all my lies. My heart weighed with guilt. Suddenly I discovered I had a big secret and I didn't want to say. He was breathing slowly, the warmth of his breath brushing against my nose. I watched his eyes trail off to look at my injuries then he returned to gaze back at me. He seemed to want to say it. I could feel him, I could hear his heart racing like mine. It seemed like he wanted to say exactly what I wanted but like me, he was scared. What would become of us if he uttered those words.In that silence, we both decided to do the only thing we could and keep this secret to ourselves. Zephyr leaned back in and lifted me to him, I embraced him while he sat on the bed. We kissed again, longer. It was a tender touc
CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIXTAYLOR'S POVI leapt into the open field, darting my eyes from right to left; fists balled and read to meet my enemy. The sight I beheld, shocked me to my bone and marrow.I didn't just meet him. I met a field littered with the corpses of wolf guards, rogues were everywhere. Zephyr was right in the middle, a silver blade sticking out of his side. He was breathing difficulty, his face and his clothes damped in his own blood. Our eyes met and he was stunned to see me. He sprang towards me immediately, yelling. “Run Taylor!!! Run!!!!”I spun around… and dived back into the forest. Zephyr and a pack of wolves crashed right behind me. I ran faster and faster and faster. Hell, I didn't know which way to go or what I was going to do, I just ran. I could sense the aura of something dark and evil tearing a path behind me; trying to find me. I crashed into trees, tripped on vines and collided against rocks but I picked myself up and I just kept moving until my body began to