My mother reaches across the desk, placing her hand on mine. “I know you are, and she does. But this is different. This is about helping her manage something that can be overwhelming. You need to be her anchor, keep her connected to all the reasons she started this journey—not for power, but to prot
We continue walking; the path leading us to a small clearing that overlooks part of our territory. The view here is always something else—a vast expanse of land that stretches out under the wide sky, rolling fields and dense woods, all protected by our pack’s magic and strength. As we stop to take
Verena I’m plunged into darkness, the kind that presses against your eyes and crawls under your skin. It’s cold, impossibly cold, and I’m standing alone. The ground beneath my feet feels unstable, like standing on a thin sheet of ice over a dark lake. “Your powers are destined to be mine. It won’t
He reaches out, pulling me close, his arms warm and solid around me. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” I lean into his embrace, grateful for his presence, for the reassuring beat of his heart against mine. His hand strokes my back, a slow, comforting rhythm that helps soothe the tightness in my chest. “W
Niklaus The evening air is crisp, the setting sun casting long shadows across the ground as it dips below the horizon. It’s the evening of the Claiming Ceremony, a night that’s supposed to be filled with celebration and joy. Instead, I’m pacing outside the pack house, a tightness in my chest that
“As ready as I can be,” I reply, pulling her into my arms. *** Verena “As ready as I can be,” he says before pulling me into his arms. The warmth of Niklaus’s embrace calms the flutter of nerves in my stomach, a comforting reassurance amidst the whirlwind of preparation for the Claiming Ceremony.
Verena This is it. I’m walking down an aisle just like a normal wedding. The only difference is I am wearing a golden ceremonial dress and the tiny fact that there are loads of powerful people here; people who I’m glad are on our side. When I was with Lucan, I heard rumors about Dante Rios, Liam
Verena Niklaus turns to me, his eyes searching mine. He pulls me close, his touch reassuring. “Are you ready, Verena?” His voice is gentle, a contrast to the strength of his arms around me. I nod, feeling the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Yes, I’m ready.” The words are a whisper, borne of a co