Matured Content
NORA POVWhat I really needed was some time alone to gather my thoughts, to reflect on my choices and figure out what was truly best for me. The forest air hit me hard on my face yet I was still feeling hot.I had run quite a distance and found myself out of breath, unsure of where I was headed, but desperate for a moment of solitude. Suddenly, I heard the sound of twigs snapping and sensed a familiar presence nearby.Tapping into my wolf instincts, I sniffed the air and snapped a twig, ready to confront the intruder.“Who are you? Show yourself and stop hiding!”“Nora…” a voice called from behind me. It was a voice I recognized all too well—the same one that had caused me pain, yet I still longed to hear it because of the way it made me feel.I felt the wetness of my clit the moment his voice filtered through my ears. I swallowed hard, trying to steer my mind away from the sensuality rapidly buildingNORA POVI kept running all through the night as my wolf couldn't stop howling in my head. I could sense her disappointment and also her hesitancy. She must have known I was hurting, thus she set aside her feelings toward Carlos.It was almost dawn when I went back to the palace. I sneaked into my chamber, shutting the door behind me softly. I leaned against the doors, my chest heaving with exertion. I couldn't believe I had let Carlos get to me like that. I had always prided myself on my control, my ability to keep my emotions in check.But Carlos had somehow managed to break through my defenses. His words, his touch, had awakened something within me. I felt like I was losing myself, like I was drowning in my own desires.I pushed away from the door and began to pace back and forth across the room. I needed to regain my composure, to remind myself of my duties. I couldn't let Carlos get the better of me. As I paced, I felt my heart rate slow, my breathing steady. I was in control a
Nora's POVStunned, I tried to go after her but Karen held me back. He shook his head , indicating that I should let her be. I wondered what could be the issue with Vina. “Come on, I need to find out what is wrong. She is bothered and I can't let her leave just like that.” I rapped, attempting to get away. “Let her be, she is just overreacting.” Karen muttered, tightening his grip on my hand but I yanked it off, glaring at him. “ You are the cause of her anger, right? Why do you keep picking on Vina?" I asked, glaring at him.Karen just shrugged at my words, making me sound as if I was just being paranoid. Last night, Vina had told me that she was having an argument with Karen and that's how Damon was able to approach her. I wouldn't want any of my friends to be in a vulnerable state that Damon could take advantage of.“ How am I the cause of her anger? I didn't even talk to her, Nora-"“ She must still be angry with you over the argument you both had the last time-"“ And did she
Nora's POVIt had been a week since the incident with Carlos yet I have been unable to get a hang on myself. Each time I thought about it, a large frown would appear on my face and then my mood went sour. I can't believe I let him touch me after all the hatred I had towards him.At the moment, I was in the garden, trying to relieve myself of the stress I had been undergoing for a while now when Vina took the spot next to me. “You don't look good.” She said and at once I held her arms peering into her eyes with a worried look on my face. We had grown apart and I couldn't wait to close the riff that has separated us. Smiling at me, she grabbed my shoulder with her head tilted to the side.“I am sorry for acting up. I was going through some stuff and I didn't want to pull you into it but I am good now.” She said with a nod which I reciprocated. “I'm glad to hear that.” Taking a deep breath I wiped my forehead.
Carlos' POV Staring at the duo made me want to scream out my lungs in anger but somehow I managed to hold my peace, clenching and unclenching my fists, all in a bid to subside the anger that was running through my veins. “It was a mistake. I never intended to do that.” I muttered, the memories of that night ringing in my head. All the while I was thinking that after that night, things were going to improve between us. We wouldn't fight ourselves anymore but how wrong was I. Instead of our relationship improving, it escalated to the point that I seemed like I couldn't do anything. Pushing my hand into my hair, I let out a low wince and then turned around to leave only to bump into Damon who was behind me. For how long has he been here? I truly despise these Lycans and their abilities to invade one's privacy. There was something about this Damon that I can't place my hands on, but one thing was certain about him.His confusing aura. “You see, I told you.” He had a triumphant look
Nora's POVI didn't plan on making Carlos jealous. All I wanted was to give my heart a choice between these two men. I wanted to give Karen a chance even when my soul was drawn to Carlos.The only way out was to get together with Karen more often. I needed to see him more than just my friend and so far, Karen had been superb. I can't believe how he managed to slide into my heart every now and then.Was I so fickle when it comes to love? Why would I be drawn to both men?Nevertheless, I needed a perfect opportunity to push Carlos away and to my delight, that was exactly what was happening and Karen doesn't fail to disappoint even a bit. After our late night meeting, Karen had escorted me to my chambers with a promise to visit the garden with me first thing in the morning. I had grown a habit of taking in the morning air filled with the scent of the morning flowers.Karen must have noticed too. We were in the garden, wal
Nora's POVWhat the hell was wrong with me?“ I-I am sorry, Karen. I-"“ It's fine. I understand. It's difficult to control the mate bond in a Lycan. I won't force you anymore to hate him or even ignore him. But-could you give us a fair chance?"“ Karen-"“ Let me fight for my love, Nora. Don't just reject me too soon, please."My heart pricked me so hard that I could hardly hold myself. Was it the morning breeze or the cool words of affection from Karen that made my body shiver?How could I say no to such a handsome proposal? I wish I could rip off the mate bond and stay focused on Karen! Unable to utter a word, I nodded my head with a faint smile on my face. I could feel the relief washing over Karen's face. Even after parting ways with Karen, I couldn't think of anything else apart from the discussion we had about Carlos and his pack. Not even a single positive thought crossed through my mind as I solely believed it was dangerous. “Do you want to go for a walk?” George asked thr
Nora's POVIt's been one week since the day Justin warned me about Uncle Damon. I had continued monitoring his movements and anyone he had contact with. Even with the vigilance of my secret team, I couldn't get my hands on any incriminating evidence against him.His movements had been around the kingdom and meetings with some pack leaders that my father had delegated to him.The sun was a little higher than usual and I lay on the cold grass, absorbing its chills so as to keep cool. I had just finished my noon training with my men. The rogues on our territory were becoming a little rampant but unlike the ones that invaded the Eagle Pack, these ones were just the regular Lycan rogues.I was still relaxing when a message came from my father and I got up quickly. He wanted me to meet with Uncle Damon for some pack issues.I was on my way to meet with Uncle Damon to discuss issues pertaining to the pack with him as instructed by father when Vi
Carlos' POVThis was a dream come true for me. After several nights of thinking of how I would return to the pack with my followers, it was finally coming to life and each time I thought about it, my excitement knew no bounds. At the moment, I was in the training ground, waiting for my followers who were supposed to join me. Slowly, they began to trickle in and after performing a head count of the people present and was satisfied with the number, I decided to commence the meeting. “After several months of being refugees, we are returning to our pack and laying claim to it as it should be.” My voice was filled with excitement and I was expecting the same from them but they were all mute. Thinking I wasn't loud and clear enough, I repeated my words, this time around, throwing my hands in the air to show the extent of my excitement but it was the same reaction as the first. “What is going on?” I couldn't help but ask.
THIRD POV Two hours later, they gathered in the twins' bedroom. Nora had laid out their favorite possessions: Zack's toy sword, Zoe's stuffed wolf, their hair brushes still containing strands of dark hair. Her hands trembled as she arranged the items in the circle Kathryn had drawn on the floor."This should be enough," Kathryn said, kneeling beside the circle. She looked exhausted, dark circles prominent beneath her eyes. "But I need to warn you all. My powers have limits. Especially against someone like the sorceress.""Just try," Nora whispered.Griffin stood back near the doorway, watching the proceedings with a heavy heart. He knew better than anyone what the sorceress was capable of. The years he'd spent in her thrall had shown him the depths of her cruelty, and her power.Kathryn began to chant, her hands moving in intricate patterns above the circle. The air in the room grew heavy with magic, pressing against their skin like
THIRD PovNora fought, earnestly, not knowing which powers controlled her. Was this her hidden heritage or something new? As the fight became even more fierce, she struggled to keep watch over the kids.Not until, she smelled them and the danger around. Nora looked up sharply, her gaze fixed on two Ancients emerging, dragging small, struggling forms between them. Her blood ran cold as she recognized Zack and Zoe, their faces pale with terror as they fought against their captors' grip."Mom! Dad!" Zack shouted, his voice filled with fear."Let them go!" Nora screamed, light flaring around so fiercely that several nearby wolves whimpered and backed away. How dare these people touch her babies!As her anger filled the air, Nora heard the evil laughter of the sorceress. "Now, that's interesting. You've grown stronger than I anticipated. Perhaps those meddling fools didn't suppress your power as thoroughly as they thought."
Griffin Her questions were becoming annoying. I wished I could just ignore it. That perhaps you hope to earn her gratitude. Her affection." Kathryn's voice was gentle but firm. "If so, you should know it's unlikely. She loves Carlos, whatever problems they may have." "I'm not a fool," I snapped, then immediately regretted my tone. "I know she loves him. I'm not doing this to win her over." "Then why?" I stared at the floor, struggling to articulate what drove me. "Because I failed her once before. I won't make that mistake again." Kathryn seemed satisfied with this answer. "Very well. I'll need time to prepare properly." I rose to leave, but paused at the door. "Kathryn... thank you." She shook her head. "Don't thank me yet. This may kill you more quickly than the sorceress's curse. Plus, I'm not assuring you that it is going to work." "At least it will be my choice," I said quietly. "For once." As I left the room, I felt the hunger gnawing at me again, stronger
GRIFFIN POVI felt it the moment it happened—a pulse of energy so distinct it nearly knocked me off my feet. I steadied myself against a tree, drawing in a sharp breath as recognition dawned.Nora had connected with her wolf.After all these years, after everything that had happened. She had found Reika again. Although it was a good thing, the implications were staggering—and terrifying. Those hungry powerful beings probably felt it too and their quest for Nora's blood would intensify. "Damn it," I muttered, pushing away from the tree and striding toward the pack house. Elder Silvarum needed to know immediately. Carlos too, though I doubted he'd take the news well.I'd barely made it halfway across the grounds when the first wave of pain hit. It started as a burning in my chest, then spread outward like wildfire through my veins. I stumbled, falling to my knees as my vision blurred."Griffin."The voice echoed in my mind, sickeningly familiar. The sorceress. My mistress. My curse."
NORA POVThe next one week flew by very peacefully. More peaceful than I ever expected. "Focus, Nora," Kathryn instructed, circling me as I struggled to maintain the small flame hovering above my palm. "You're letting your wolf nature interfere again."I gritted my teeth. "I don't have a wolf nature. That's the problem."Kathryn exchanged a glance with Elara, that same look they always shared when they thought I wasn't paying attention. It was infuriating."Your lycan blood is still part of you," she said carefully. "Even if you do not have a wolf. She looked down, busying herself with arranging crystals on the floor around me. I'd touched a nerve, I was sure of it."Whatever the case," Kathryn continued smoothly, "you need to separate your magical energy from your lycan energy. They conflict with each other."I'd been trying for days without success. The moment I called forth fire or water, I felt a resistance within me, as if something was fighting against the magic. My head would
NORA POVI woke with a gasp, my body jerking upright so violently that my kids nearly fell off the edge of the bed where they had been sitting.Silence stretched in the room for a long while. My kids hugged me, excited to finally have me back. After a while, Carlos came to sit beside me. "Nora!" His hands were on me instantly, checking for wounds that were no longer there. "Thank the Moon Goddess. You're awake."My head spun as memories flooded back —the attack in the forest, the children screaming, claws tearing into my flesh. I should be dead. By all rights, I should be dead.Carlos handed me a glass of cold water. "You need this." As I gulped the cool liquid, my eyes caught sight of something across the room a small form lying motionless on the floor, surrounded by my aunt. Blood pooled beneath her.The mute girl. "What happened?" I demanded, pushing the glass away. "Why is she bleeding?"Carlos followed my gaze, his expression grim. "She saved you. Took your wounds somehow."I
CARLOS POVMy heart stopped as I burst into the clearing. The scene before me was worse than anything I'd imagined.Nora lay in a growing pool of blood, surrounded by seven hooded figures. Their forms seemed to waver between solid and smoke, power radiating off them in waves that made my wolf recoil. Ancient beings. Powerful. Deadly."Get away from her!" I roared, my voice breaking with desperation.One of them turned slowly, revealing a face that wasn't quite human— eagyes too large, skin too pale. When it smiled, its teeth were needle-sharp."The mate arrives," it said, voice like breaking glass. "Just in time to watch her die."Rage exploded through me. I didn't care if they could kill me with a thought. I wouldn't let Nora die while I stood by. I charged forward, shifting mid-stride, claws extending as I leapt toward the nearest figure.I was still trying to think about my next move. I was confused about everything, and what step to take forward. But I was certain about one thing.
Carlos POVI moved towards my office window, and saw Griffin walking away from the pack house. I watched Griffin's retreating back, fighting the urge to slam him against the nearest wall. His arrogance was infuriating, but I needed to keep a level head. This wasn't about my personal dislike for the man—it was about protecting Nora and our pack.As soon as he disappeared around the corner, I pulled out my phone and called Elder Silvarum. I needed to speak with him personally. The message I sent to him was not even enough. The phone barely rang once before he answered."Carlos," his gravelly voice came through the line. "I've been expecting your call.""You always are," I said, a warm smile playing on my face despite the circumstances. "I need your counsel. It's about Griffin.""I know that already." I could hear the rustling of papers on his end. "You mentioned him in your letter."I moved to my table, keeping my voice low. "He's in love with Nora. I can use that, turn him against th
THIRD POVThe attack came at dawn, when the mist still clung to the ground and visibility was poor. Not with armies or weapons, but with whispers.The guards patrolling the pack borders heard them first—soft, melodic voices calling their names, luring them into the tree line. Two guards disappeared before the others raised the alarm.By mid-morning, the pack house was in lockdown. Carlos had doubled the guard, positioning his strongest fighters at every entrance. No one entered or left without his direct approval."We do not understand what happened. We just heard whispers, and some of the guards were already gone without trace," one of the guards reported to Carlos. Carlos's jaw tightened. "They're testing our defenses, looking for weaknesses.""But who are 'they'? We've seen nothing, no tracks, no scents."The pack was beginning to panic. They spent time trying to figure out what was going on and how to stop whatever danger was lurking. Carlos was more worried than everyone else.