ApphiaI've been awake but don't open my eyes or move. My first thought when I woke up was Nicholas. He comforted me when I was crying after the nightmare i had. I dreamed that Rory was assaulting me again, but this time, it was way worse. I was scared but thankful Nicholas heard me and came in. For some reason, I trust him. I know he'd never hurt me. I finally get up, and my gaze instinctively goes to the glass table. Like the other mornings, there is a note and a flower. I read the note; ' Good morning, beautiful. You had a nightmare last night, and I stayed with you. Thank you for trusting me. May your day be as lovely as you,' Nicholas. I bring the pink lotus to my nose and put it in a large drawer. I go to the bathroom and look at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are red and sunken, indicating how much I cried. I quickly shower and change into a black long-sleeved dress just above my knees, paired with black tights, and wear black suede ankle boots. Lily said I should t
Nicholas "You promised me, Nicholas," she says softly. I growl; why can't she comply and tell me the name of her pack? "I can't keep it. I must make them pay as an alpha Prince and your m.." I don't finish my sentence. My lycan wants me to tell her I'm her second chance mate, but I can't do that. It's better if she feels the bond to believe it. She needs time to heal and trust to accept her new life. She's here, safe and close to me, where she truly belongs. Apphia isn't going to give us the name of her pack. She says she's okay now and doesn't want anything to do with them, but I just can't let it go. 'Punish them,' the evil voice echoes in my head. It doesn't belong to my lycan. The voice that spoke was hollow and otherworldly. I feel a cold sweat run down my temple. My anger suddenly rises as unbidden thoughts of dead bodies flash in my head, rogues and enemies I've killed over the years. The darkness around me grows. However, it disappears, and the chanting voices quiet as a
ApphiaBaby,' Fuck, baby, you're. so. sweet,' the sultry voice of the man in my dreams would say. " Apphia, are you okay in there?!" I hear Lily ask, voice filled with laughter. I tap my cheeks. " Yes, Lily! Is a steak lunch good for everyone?" I ask. " Please," Great steak lunch it is. I leave the pantry, avoiding meeting Nicholas's eyes, who has made himself comfortable on the barstools like the rest. I face the four chefs instead. They look eager to be ordered around. " Hello, my name is Apphia. What are your names?" I ask. The older lovely woman steps forward, " I'm Mrs Wilson, the head chef, and that's Mr Wilson, my husband," she says, glancing at the man with fading blonde hair and then points to the other two young man and woman, " She's Zita and that's Denny," I nod, and they bow to me. Shit. Why do they do that?" Okay, nice to meet all of you. We are preparing a steak lunch," I say. Denny immediately enters the fridge while the others rush to get the ingredients. "
Nicholas My heat was suppressed thanks to the portion Luna Savannah had sent to help. I hadn't seen Apphia since I left her at the royal lake, but I could still smell her in the wing. I had wanted to go to her so badly throughout the night, but luckily, Blade was there to stop me. I got ready for work and headed out of the suite. I stepped out of the room just as Apphia did from hers. I froze and stared at her. Her eyes were red, and she didn't look at me, yet she didn't move. Gathering my courage, I approached her. "Good morning, "I greet her. She only nods a good morning, eyes still not meeting mine. I run a hand through my hair. She probably thinks I didn't like the kiss or I don't want her anymore. "I'm sorry about what happened at the lake. I know you must think the worst of me, but I had an emergency I couldn't avoid," She finally lifts her gaze to meet mine, and her eyes soften. "You could have just said so, unlike leaving as you did," she murmurs. I kiss her ch
Nicholas My heat was suppressed thanks to the portion Luna Savannah had sent to help. I hadn't seen Apphia since I left her at the royal lake, but I could still smell her in the wing. I had wanted to go to her so badly throughout the night, but luckily, Blade was there to stop me. I got ready for work and headed out of the suite. I stepped out of the room just as Apphia did from hers. I froze and stared at her. Her eyes were red, and she didn't look at me, yet she didn't move. Gathering my courage, I approached her. "Good morning, "I greet her. She only nods a good morning, eyes still not meeting mine. I run a hand through my hair. She probably thinks I didn't like the kiss or I don't want her anymore. "I'm sorry about what happened at the lake. I know you must think the worst of me, but I had an emergency I couldn't avoid," She finally lifts her gaze to meet mine, and her eyes soften. "You could have just said so, unlike leaving as you did," she murmurs. I kiss her cheek. I
Apphia " What ceremony, Lily?" The princess looks like she's being caught doing something bad. She opens her mouth a few times, but no words leave her. " Um, for your welcome ceremony... To the pack, right, Lily?" Vicky says, her voice a high pitch. I narrow my gaze and slowly nod. " I don't want a welcome party," I murmur." Well, we should leave. The guests have arrived," Lily says, guiding me out of the bedroom. She is already dressed in an elegant white chiffon dress, while Vicky is in a midi-short dress. They look wonderful!We walk to the ballroom. It is impressive, with two enormous chandeliers sparkling over everyone. It is nicely decorated with minimal light. Soft music is playing, and black-suited servers easily move through the crowd of guests with champagne bottles, refilling glasses. "How many people are in attendance?" I ask. Lily mentioned it was an intimate gathering, but this is far from it. "About one hundred. Mom knows how to throw a party," she says, linking
Nicholas I'm interacting with some alphas at the banquet when my body alerts me of her arrival. My lycan resurfaces, excited to see his counterpart. When I lay my eyes on her, I forget how to breathe. I want to go to her immediately, but she has to see my parents. I anxiously wait for them to finish their interaction so that I can go to my mate. Nevertheless, Daisy Khang approaches me before I can, and it's too late to avoid her now. "Good evening," she greets. I nod at her in acknowledgment. "Aren't you complimenting how beautiful I look, Alpha?" she says mischievously. "You look lovely, Daisy," She beams at my parroted compliment. As intelligent as she is, Daisy thrives on compliments like a child. "Thank you, your highness. You look handsome as always," My gaze goes back to my parents and the Jones; they are talking to Apphia; she seems a little intimidated by the alphas and one powerful witch, but she's holding up well, looking into their eyes and smiling politely. 'She
Nicholas I ask my mate to walk in the garden. But she is distant and cold towards me. I don't like that. Did I do something to offend her? "Apphia, are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?" I ask. "Why don't you want to spend time with me inside? Is it because you don't want to be seen with me?" she snaps suddenly, and I'm taken aback. " Do you not want to be seen with me in public?" The thought angers me. I'd never be ashamed of her, ever. "No!" my Lycan comes forth. "Don't think like that. When I saw you inside earlier, I wanted to run to you and introduce you to everyone, but you turned away so fast," She turns her head to look at me, cold eyes," I saw you with that woman. She touched your shoulder and whispered in your ear. Is she your girlfriend?" I can feel the hostility in her words, and I immediately know what is happening. I chuckle and grasp her cheeks in my hands. She's so tiny. She scowls. "Ah, now I know what's going on," "What?" she hisses defensively.
NicholasMistress? Morgana wasn't my mistress. She does fulfill my desires, but they don't go beyond that. Jamila is determined not to attend my parents' dinner with me, and it's frustrating. I can smell her anger in the air. Why the fuck is she so mad at me. Could it be because of how I lost my shit when I saw the mark on her neck? I glare at the damn mark again, it's still there. "The dinner is in your honor," I tell her. " I don't want to be honored," she snaps. Oh, goddess. She's doing this on purpose. She stands, penetrating gaze through me and arms crossed against her chest. " Will you force me?" she challenges. I take a step towards her, towering over her. " You will attend the dinner with me, and that's an order," I command. Jamila scoffs and rolls her eyes, " Um, no thanks," No? I gave her an order, and she defied it. How was this possible? I'm her superior, yet it didn't affect her. Alpha couples can not command each other after completing the marking process. But wit
Nicholas' povJamila is angry. She's usually so smiley that it's annoying yet pleasant to witness, but now she is mad__ mad at me after she saw Morgana in my bedroom. Why would she be angry at that when I made it clear that I didn't want a mate or her around me? She has locked herself in the bedroom and refuses to eat. She actually thought I'd poison her. It had been a fucking damn week, and she still locked herself in. After my run with Shai, I watch her bedroom window for a while. MeowI look down at the feline. For some reason, she has been fascinated by the woman in that room. I couldn't blame her. Jamila Clark is inviting. Even though I spend my time ignoring her, I think about her. I hate it because it feels like I'm betraying Apphia. "Shai, wait here," I say, jumping to her balcony. I see her lying in bed, reading a book through the glass window. I hate that I find her attractive. But most of all, I hate that when I look at her, I see her… Apphia. She notices me and abruptl
JamilaMorgana's words repeat in my head: 'He won't for so many reasons, and one of them is that you look like her,' What did she mean by that? Who do I look like? Nicholas' first mate?I sit up, wipe my tears, and grab my phone. I type in Luna Queen, and many pictures and articles about the former Luna come up. I carefully look through each one. Apphia Aeson_ the beloved mate of the lycan Prince Nicholas. My breath lodges in my chest. She was ethereal! She had stunning features. We are the same height and have the same nose and skin tone. But her eyes, damn, they are beautiful. One is silver, like my eyes. Is that what she meant?" Apphia Aeson," I whisper—my wolf whimpers.'Hey, you okay,' I ask, concerned, but she only continues to whimper, and I'm getting a headache. I spend the whole day in my room, either sleeping or reading a book. With my wolf's sharp ears, I can tell that Morgana and Nicholas are still in the house so I don't leave. I'm not ready to face them after the bre
The mall is large and full of people. Drake is a step behind me as I browse the stores, picking what I want. I get a few casual dresses, shorts, shirts, and shoes. Drake gives the cashier his card despite my disapproval when it's time to pay. "I have my own money," I murmur. "The alpha told me to pay. He gave me his card," he says. I shove the shopping bags in Drake's hands and enter a Victoria's Secret store, leaving him outside. I smirk. See how you pay for this. I take my sweet time in the store, picking what I like and trying them on. I pay for my items, and when I return, Drake is talking to a very pretty woman. She seems to be my age and has very curly red hair. She seems to be annoyed with him. "You don't have the right to be angry, Vicky; you have a fucking fiancé," Drake's angry, it's the loudest I've heard him speak. "Oh, was I supposed to wait until you're ready? When Josh was down on his knee with an engagement ring. Why the fuck am I even speaking to you right now,"
Jamila"Go away, go away!" I scramble out of bed but fall face-first on the ground. Meow"HELP ME!" I scream. I struggle to get up, but I do. The door opens just as I charge towards it. I hit into a warm body. Sparks shoot through me. I look up. It's Nicholas, of course. I jump into his arms, clutching him as tightly as I can and burying my face in his neck."There's a cat in my bed. Please, kick it out," I beg. "Shai,"Meow"She's gone," he says. I pull away from him and face him. His beautiful eyes immediately suck me in. I swallow thickly. For a moment, we stare at each other. "Get off me," he whispers. I oblige instantly, getting to my feet and staring at him.He's not wearing a shirt, and I'm entranced by the sexiest chest I've ever seen. His body is made up of muscles, and his skin is smooth. This man is a masterpiece. While I'm gaping openly, he turns and leaves the room. I rush after him and grab his arm. He spins around so fast, taking his arm away from my hold, that I i
JamilaI pick a room on this floor. The room is massive, with a black bed. This one is well-furnished, with an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet. It has dust. I take a shower with the products available, which are not so many. Leaving the bathroom, I apply moisturizer, wear a large white T-shirt, and crawl into bed. Sleep eludes me tonight. I grab my phone and text my family in the group chat, I'M WITH MY MATE. I'M SAFE. I'll call when I can. I put the phone on the side table, but it beeps, I grab it. I'm distraught with you, Jami. How could you just leave without a word to us? - Mom. Why are you not answering our calls? - EricI'm happy for you, sis. Our little Jami is the Luna Queen - Zizi. I turn my phone off after reading the messages and close my eyes, but Nicholas' face keeps returning to my mind. Gosh, he's so fine. How do I feel so strongly for him already? And why doesn't he feel it?'He does, he's just ignoring it,' my wolf says, the first full sentence I've heard h
NicholasI feel anxious today, and that woman's face still plagues me. The way she fell from that damn tree into my arms, how she hung onto me, and her smell, she smells nice_ like lavender and peppermint. She fucking hit me with a shoe, I suddenly recall. Does she know who I am? I'd punish her for that, but I didn't want to waste my breath on her. Mate. I snort thinking about that. That brat can't be my mate. But she is, my subconscious barks. No, I don't want her. I wasn't even attracted to her.Blade had asked me if she was telling the truth, but I said she was just crazy. What did Clark call her again? The name is there at the tip of my tongue, but I can't remember it, 'Jamila,' Nico whispers. He's been too quiet since we left the Clark manor last week.Yeah, Jamila.Julius Clark has been trying to meet with me, but I've denied all his requests. He wants to discuss what will happen with his last-born daughter, my second-chance mate. Frustration starts to boil, and I feel my
I'm walking a step behind the Gamma, my heart pounding loudly. I'm going to see my mate. Will he kick me out? Ignore me like the last time? The grand doors open, and we enter the house. It's lovely. We walk through wide corridors; I follow him. We are both silent. The Gamma takes me to a large office and gestures for me to sit on a couch. I do that. He leaves the room. I take out my phone from my bag. Ten missed calls from my Dad, fifteen from my mom, and three from my brothers. I text them in the family group chat, I'M ALRIGHT. GOING TO MY MATE. I'LL CALL YOU WHEN I SETTLE. I switch off my phone and, put it in my bag, and wait. I wait and wait. Has the Gamma forgotten I'm here? I fidget in my seat, debating whether to leave or be patient. While in my dilemma, the door opens, and the Gamma is back, he's not alone. I get to my feet and bow my head to all of them. The gorgeous woman with curly hair and blue eyes gives me a small smile, while the good-looking man is stoic; he looks
JamilaOnce adequately clean, I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a white, fluffy towel. I take a long look at myself in the mirror. My mom always says how much I look like her, but I don't see it. I'm slender, yet I have some curves. My mom has an hourglass figure to die for. I have long curly hair almost reaching my waist, while hers is coily. My eyes are brilliant silver that glints another color if you look closely, while hers are chocolate brown. I have plump, pouty lips, and she has full lips. Lastly, my nose is small and straight, while Mom's a button and cute. "I just don't see it, never have," I exhale. I wear black jeans, a black tank top, boots, and a coat. I also wear a black beanie and grab my mobile phone and large handbag. My wolf is purring in excitement. I'm going to my mate. I have his name and position. It wouldn't be too hard to find him. My parents and siblings refused to give me any information about him for a week. Determined, I leave my bedroom