登入Leera POVThey pout in jest and kick rocks like scolded children.The kids and pups scurry to the tables, some dragging their mothers, and begin making plates. A couple of them try to woo their parents into letting them have dessert first.Roman comes up to my side, and I lean into him, just taking it all in.“I love it here,” I tell him breathlessly. “Your pack, the land—it feels like the real world, except none of my problems can reach us here.”He wraps one arm around me, pulling me closer, and kisses the top of my head.“I’ve always felt at peace here, but nothing compares to being here with you.”I turn into him, resting my hand on his heart.“I’m beginning to understand that my peace seems to be wherever you are.”Just as I lean in to kiss him, Benny pops out from behind Roman.“New guy seems okay, yeah?”He’s smiling like he knows exactly what he just did, and he narrowly dodges a smack to the back of the head.“Gotta be quicker than that, old man!”“Can we eat now? I’m starved
Leera POVWe’ve spent all day helping the pack prepare for tonight, and we’re about an hour away from beginning the acceptance ceremony for the new wolf.We met and spoke with him earlier, and he seemed really nice. He was raised in a pack in the south, but when their alpha passed without an heir, it tore the pack apart. Friends and brothers turned on each other, so he made his way north. When he heard of Roman’s pack, he continued his journey here.I have never seen so much food in one place in my life.It makes sense, though. I’ve seen how much food six of them can eat—I can’t imagine cooking for an entire pack every day.The wood the men collected for the bonfire is stacked in a teepee shape that’s taller than me in the center of the rock circle we saw when we first arrived. With the wood piled that high, that bonfire is going to be humongous.I’m starting to get a bit jittery from nerves, but I keep reminding myself how worth it this will be.It almost feels like the jitters aren’
Roman POVSeeing her here, on our land, among our pack, is a moment I will tuck away and save forever. The awe written all over her face when we arrived filled me with a sense of pride I haven't felt in a very long time.I've always cared for my pack and what we built here, but I don't think I've truly allowed myself to enjoy it—or take credit for it—in years. My arranged marriage caused more unhappiness than I even realized. I only brought her here a few times because she hated it so much. All she did was complain. She never saw the beauty in our land or our people.To avoid those feelings, I unfortunately avoided my pack too.What’s that thing I heard those human men say once? “Hindsight is always twenty-twenty?” Or something like that. It’s incredibly true—and humbling.As the pack comes forward to greet us, I see the flicker of fear on Leera's face, but I don’t acknowledge it. I know everyone will love her. They won’t even be able to help it. She’ll smile or laugh, and they’ll bec
Leera POVToday is the day.The day my life will change forever.I mean, don't get me wrong, this last year has irrevocably changed me in more ways than I care to discuss, but today is on a totally different level.Tonight, to be exact.Tonight, my body will totally transfigure into the body of a wolf. My wolf. My soul. If only people really knew some of us actually do have spirit animals.I asked Roman what the full moon ceremony usually looks like so that I know what to expect.He let me know that tonight will be a special ceremony. In addition to any other wolves that will experience their first shift, there is also a new wolf wanting to join the pack, which is a separate process that will take place as the sun sets.We're on the way now—just Roman, Miss Tilly, Elder Meredith, and me, along with all of our luggage. The rest of the guys chose to make a nice long run of it in their wolf forms after they dropped India off at the airport.When we arrive, I will be introduced to the pac
Roman POVOn any other day, my patience would have dried up by now. I'm barely keeping it together because, even though Leera is doing an amazing job and I want to see her in action, this isn't how the men and I get information. We don't calm them and ask nicely.After everything she's put Leera through, I should be surprised she's able to be that compassionate with her. But it's just her. It's who Leera is. It's her presence and spirit. She's Luna down to her soul.With that thought, I find myself able to relax and wait a little longer before jumping in.“Too late for what?” Leera asks, offering India another sip of water.India accepts the water before she visibly works to gather herself for whatever she has to say. I straighten myself in preparation for the weight of what could have brought her here like this.She speaks slowly and clearly when she says,“I heard him say that they were working with dark witches. That they will never stop until they've seized control of Zabella, Sab
India POVIt's so good to come back to Zabella, where everyone knows exactly who I am. Not that I haven't built a brand and an awareness in the human world, but that shit takes a lot of work. Being the daughter of the King's advisor, everyone knows my name and reputation.I was raised in the castle like a princess. It's only right that I become a queen. I'm not as excited about the responsibilities, but the title and the crown will be worth it all.Now, it's just a matter of sorting out the whole Roman-doesn't-want-to-be-my-king business.I was tired of talking to my father over the phone, so I figured it would just be easier if I came home for a bit and surprised him with a visit.As my heels click on the white and gold marble floors of the castle, I'm plagued with so many fond memories in these halls.Why am I the bad guy for wanting something I've always deserved?My father raised me to be a queen, and I won't let him down either.When I reach his room, the door is cracked open.Ju







