Reminder: In chapter one of this book, I warned that this story won't be everyone's cup of tea and it would feel slow for some of you, so it's okay to skip it and pick up another book. I love Apphia and Nicholas' story, so I want to write it as envisioned. It has so much detail, which makes it beautiful. Some will get it, and others won't; that's fine, too. So, if you want to pause until it's complete—which won't be long now—please do that. Thank you.
Goddess, we have been apart for what feels like an eternity. I yearn for this connection with him, the way our bodies, hearts, and souls intertwine. The electric pulse in my core intensifies, awakening every sensation within me. In mere moments, he slips my shirt off, leaving my panties, but I summon the strength to halt his advance. I place a trembling hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath my palm. Lost in our desire, I momentarily forget that this body doesn't belong to me."Nick, the body..." I manage to whisper, his gaze shifting abruptly as he stiffens. He takes a deep, shuddering breath, burying his face in my neck and inhaling my scent. A soft chuckle escapes me as I run my fingers through his tousled hair."I'm sorry, love," I murmur, my heart racing. At last, he shifts, sitting up with his back against the headboard. He pulls me into his embrace, and I instinctively wrap my arms around his waist, savoring his warmth. I can feel his stiff man
Everything around me fades into a gentle blur as a bright, shimmering light appears. "Hello, my girl," a familiar voice calls, and I turn abruptly, recognition hitting me like a wave. "Mom!" I cry out, tears streaming down my cheeks. She stands before me, radiant, just as I remember—tall, slim, and breathtakingly beautiful, her skin glowing with an ethereal golden light. I dash into her arms, the warmth of her embrace wrapping around me like a soothing blanket. I sob into her shoulder, "I missed you so much, Mom," I feel her gentle hands patting my back. Pulling back slightly, she cups my face with both hands, and I see her luminous smile that once lit up my world. "Apphia, my baby," she whispers, kissing my temple. Another sob escapes my lips, but it feels lighter, buoyed by her presence. After calming down, she takes my hand, leading me toward a majestic tree. We sit beneath its sprawling branches, the leaves filtering sunlight that dances on the grass below. I lay my head on her
Nicholas I growl and tear my mate from Maximus. What the actual fuck? She just ran into his arms, and he hugged her. " You_" I start, and he raises his hands in surrender. " She lunged at me," he says quickly. I glance at Jamila. She's staring at Maximus, smiling. " Jamila," she doesn't look at me for a while. I grab her hand, and she turns her head to me and gapes as if realizing what she had done. I was right. One of the souls in her body is attracted to Maximus. I sit, and Maximus follows my lead. Jamila is sitting close to me. " I didn't do it on purpose. I told you, it's like something takes over when he's close," she whispers to me, eyeing Maximus, who looks at us curiously, almost amused. He leans over the table and whispers, " I have lycan hearing, so I can hear you whispering," " Shut up," I murmur, pissed that he hugged my mate. He frowns and regards Jamila with a new smile. They exchange pleasantries and chat for a while about his daughter, Mia. Maximus and Daisy
Nicholas Tears are streaming down her cheeks, her body shaking now. " It's mine. I recognize this," I'm confused, " That's not yours," She's holding the purple cameo necklace that belonged to Apphia. It got lost the night I found her being attacked, and Apphia cried for weeks. I found it a few months after her death at the border as I was aimlessly roaming. " Mom gave it to me, Nick..." she pauses and stares at me, disoriented. She puts the necklace down and runs a hand through her hair. I stare at the necklace, too, wondering why she'd think it's hers. I wipe her tears away, " That necklace belonged to my... to Apphia. It was given to her by her mother when she was a child," I explain. " But I remember it vividly around my own neck. It was always there," she sniffles. " Is it a memory? Maybe it's another necklace," " No, it's this one. My mom gave it to me. I don't remember when, but it was dear to me," " We'll call your mother tomorrow morning to ask if she gave you a necklac
Jamila" I don't understand why you want me to see him suddenly," I say as I put my phone on the chair. " I'll explain everything once I confirm," he says, staring at me, both intrigued and alarmed. " Nicholas, what is it?" I feel a knot of uneasiness in my stomach. " Jamila, do you remember anything from before your accident?" he asks. " I do, but it's usually blurry, and I don't recognize the memories," I tell him. " We are mates. I can feel it. My wolf can, too," I feel the need to confirm. I don't know why I am getting emotional all of a sudden. Nicholas holds my hands in his and kisses it, " I know, sweetheart. I can feel the mate bond, too." I'm too confused and stressed to celebrate his endearment. Nicholas decides we should walk around the property, but I don't know if it's more for me or him. He's holding my hand as we stroll. We have a light conversation, asking about each other's passions. Nicholas' pov A few weeks ago, I contacted the wizard king, Kian, and explai
Nicholas continues, " I only had her around to get my family and you off my back," " So, you've never been with anyone since..." " I haven't," he mutters. " Well, I'm your mate, and if we mate and mark each other today, you are not supposed to feel guilt, Nicholas," He looks frustrated, not ready for the mate and mark conversation, " Let's go inside," I stay put, not following him. " I'm sorry if I was avoiding you. It just felt wrong doing what we did even though I know it wasn't," I nod and follow him, taking my hand in his. He doesn't repel me.We sleep in each other's arms. That night, I dreamed I was at a lake in a mountainous area. It was lovely and cool yet cold. I was admiring its beauty when I saw her—Apphia. She was sitting atop a large boulder, looking regal. It felt like spying on a goddess. Her white hair fell on her back, and her skin was luminous. Apphia had a beauty that didn't belong to this world. She glanced at me as if sensing that I was watching her, and her