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Apphia The meeting lasted five hours. Two staff members from my team and three reporters who had gone to the scene joined us. We discussed strategy, budget, and funding. " Joe, email the CFO to ask for financial help. Also, send over the budget to them," I tell him and stand up. " Send me the email before submitting it. I'd like to go through it," " Yes, ma'am," he nods determinely. They all bow their heads as I exit the office even though I have told them not to often. I enter my office no sooner than my phone beeps with a message. It is from Vicky. We are supposed to have dinner this evening. She had been texting me for a week, but I blew her off because I was busy. Victoria Altamirano: It's 5. 10. I'm in the lobby, waiting for you. I thought I would come myself, or you would have found an excuse to cancel. I sigh and check the time. I grab my phone to text Nicholas. Apphia: I'm going out for dinner with Vicky. Missing you. I love youHis response takes less than a minuteNi
Apphia The pain I feel is excruciating. My body feels like it's on fire. Thankfully, it only lasts a few minutes before it subsides. For a moment, I thought my bones were breaking at once. I'm sitting at the edge of the mattress, Nicholas on his knees, his hand caressing my cheek. "I feel better," I rasp. My throat is dry and hot, "May I have some water?" Nicholas observes me momentarily and then gets me a glass of water. I gulp it all. "What happened? My body and bones were in pain," "The full moon is tomorrow, and your wolf is preparing for her first shift, so until then, you'll experience subtle pain," he frowns. "I've never heard of that," "I have, but it's rare. Others start shifting hours before the full moon," I cringe at his words. Shifting is painful, and I can't imagine enduring it even before the moon is at its peak. "How do you feel about your first shift?" he asks. "Nervous. I heard it hurts," he sits beside me, and I lay my head on his upper arm. "
Nicholas Everyone is in awe of my mate's wolf. They are showering her with praise and appreciating Ziora. "She's so gorgeous," Emily cries, reaching her hand to touch her. I swat it away childishly. She scowls, glaring at me, but proceeds. I caress her sleek fur, and our eyes meet. " You're perfect__ so beautiful," I tell her, kissing and inhaling her scent, which is still wildflowers but mixed with lavender now. My lycan, Nico, is going wild. He howls in rapture at the sight of his counterpart. Ziora looks to the moon and releases a melodious howl that is so powerful—that everyone follows. My family and friends erupt in cheers. 'I want to run. Ziora wants to run,' she mind-links me. They sound eager. I take off my clothes and change into Nico. I'm instantly pulled to the back of my mind so that Nico is in charge. It's the first time Ziora and Apphia have seen us. She's gaping at us__ at Nico. 'You're magnificent,' she mind links. ' And you're divine... Pretty, very pret
Nicholas My mate is still sleeping. It has now been 24 hours since she slept. Her breathing is slow and steady. Her cat is sleeping next to her. I go to my study to answer some emails and work. I get an email from Blade. The Ivory Moon pack was attacked again. There were no casualties, but the rogues and vampires worked together to attack them this time. Since when have vampires and rogues worked together? The door opens, and my father walks in—just the man I wanted to see. "Dad, I'm glad you're here. I want you to read this," I say, turning the laptop to his side. When he's done reading, he slouches back into his chair. "What could this be, and why that pack?" I ask. The ivory moon was closer to the city's borders, but there were others too. If anything, they shouldn't be targeted because they are larger and stronger than the others. Often, rogues would attack more miniature packs. They must be looking for something in the pack," he thinks. I thought so, too. "Could it be
Apphia "You look beat," Drake says. "Don't even get me started," I sigh, closing my eyes. "You know we are near the alpha's headquarters. I can take you there if you want," he suggests. "Please," We arrive at the Sapphire Corporation building, which is impressively twenty—five stories high. I walk into an enormous, white glass lobby with Drake. We go straight to the elevator without stopping by the reception desk, as Drake has a security pass. The elevator takes us to the twenty-fifth floor in another lobby—as impressive as the first. The woman behind the reception rises to greet us. " Hello," she flashes us a smile. The receptionist recognizes Drake and flushes. We ask to see the alpha, and she tells us he's in a meeting. "Please sit there," she points to the brown leather couch. We take our seats. Behind us is a glass wall, giving us a view of Sapphire's impressive skyline. The view is spectacular. "Would you like a drink?" the receptionist asks. " Water," I say. "
Brooklyn. My fake plan to kill myself didn't work. I thought that when the alpha heard about my attempted suicide, he would feel guilty and allow me in his life, but it didn't happen like that. After sweet-talking Prince Leon, he told me that Atti, Apphia, or whatever her stupid name is, is from the Ivory Moon pack. I have a friend in that pack, Calla. I decide to give her a call to ask. After the second ring, she answers. " Hi, Brook, long time. How are you?" " Not good, girl," " Hmm, what is it?" " Some unworthy bitch from your pack stole my boyfriend, and I've been pissed," I tell her. She gasps; I can picture the satisfied smirk on her face. Fake ass bitch. " Who?" she asks. " A riff-raff called Atti or Apphia. White-haired girl, Do you know her?" I ask. Calla goes silent for a long time but doesn't hang up. " peculiar silver scar and horrendous, cursed eyes," " That's her," I growl." What?! That freak is in your pack and stole your boyfriend; you've got to be kidding m
Apphia I wake up feeling energized even after rounds and rounds of sex with Nicholas the previous night. I kiss his jaw and get out of bed, leaving him sleeping. I go to the closet to pack a bag as we will be going to the eastern district to visit the fire victims. After packing, I shower and get ready in blue jeans, a white V-top, a plaid blazer, and loafers. I go to the bedroom just as Nicholas is waking up. I smile at him, " Good morning, handsome mate," " Good morning, my lovely mate," he yawns and clambers out the bed. He's naked. All muscle and his cock just hanging out. I feel heat in my cheek and quickly point to the ensuite bathroom. " Go get ready. I want to be there before 10," I tell him. He chuckles and wraps his arms around me. " Seeing you blush is always so satisfying," " B—because you have your thing hanging out," I murmur, feeling shy. I'm used to seeing him like that but can't help my blush and embarrassment. He knows this and teases me about it. " 'Thing
ApphiaWhat is Morgana doing here? I wonder. Should I go up to them? While I contemplate, one of the men I'm speaking to about the aid speaks, "We are grateful to you, Luna, for all the help you have given us and for coming all the way here," "It's our pleasure," I hold the man's hand. They are all smiling at me, gazing at me with love, relief and appreciation as though I was important. ‘ You are_ you’re their Luna,’ my wolf’s voice is soft as she speaks. I exhale silently. Yes, I’m Luna. The alpha prince’s mate. My gaze goes back to my mate, and our eyes meet. Nicholas gently smiles at me and gestures for me to join them. I excuse myself from the group, walking to my mate without showing my eagerness. Once I reach them, Nicholas puts an arm around me. "Apphia, this is Lieutenant Salka. He's in charge of this district," I smile and shake his hand. A pack as large as the Sapphire royal pack has Lieutenants placed in districts to help oversee and report to the Alpha. "And th
Jamila Maximus takes his hand back, and his gaze travels to the corner of the room, where my mate is standing alone, glaring at us. " He doesn't like me very much," Maximus whispers, and I chuckle, " Me either," I whisper, grinning as I look at my mate again. He is walking towards us, and I'm tempted to flee but remain standing. Before Nicholas can reach us, Lady Anaiah announces we should go to the dining room. The dining room is large enough to accommodate everyone. I sit next to Nicholas, who is at the head of the large table, and his father, who is taking the other. I'm a little nervous again because I can feel people's gazes on me. ' Drake, where is he?' my wolf asks. She's fond of the gamma even though he doesn't like us very much. I smile at Drake when our gaze meets across the table, but he doesn't smile back at me. I press my lips in a thin line, focusing on the variety of food before me. The red, curly-haired girl glares at me, but I ignore her. My hands are getting cla
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? - Eric I'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 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