MasukWhat do you think? Should Magnus tell her about the bond?
Adira’s POVGilda pulled me into the jewelry store. I kept saying it wasn’t needed, but she insisted a queen should have lots of expensive jewelry. With every step, my stomach tightened. The sparkling displays didn’t feel like they were for me. They felt like armor I never wanted, a costume Gilda wanted me to wear so no one would question if I belonged. Resentment prickled under my skin. Why did I have to prove myself with diamonds and gold? What if everyone could see right through me anyway? I tried to hide my nerves, but each piece felt heavier than the last.The salesman brought out pieces that made my jaw drop. I had never seen so many diamonds and rubies before.She chose six huge pieces for me.Gilda, I started, and she held a hand up.You’ll have to act like the Luna and the queen you are for the pack, she said. If they sense weakness, they’ll eat you alive. Here, showing doubt or hesitation is seen as weakness. If you stumble, question yourself, or let your emotions show, word
Adira’s POVGilda was all smiles. "Come on, Adira," she said. "It's time to go shopping.""Wait, Mom," Magnus said. "I'm sending two guards with her.""What? Why? I already have two guards with us," she replied."Okay, just one—her personal guard," he said, smiling at me. "Brent."I love Brent, I thought. Magnus is so smart. He trusts Brent more than anyone now because Brent helped him rescue me from the rogues."Okay, fine," Gilda finally said. "I will be in the car."Magnus kissed me deeply. "Behave yourself," he joked. "I’m not happy about this at all. I’m not going to lie, Adira, I’m having a panic attack."I laughed. "The big bad wolf? Should I text you every half hour?""Deal," he said, smiling. "Do I sound like a possessive asshole?""No, you just care about my safety," I said. I kissed him softly, and he growled."Okay, go now," he said, giving me a playful slap on the ass."Hmm, I like that," I said as I ran out the door. I heard him laugh behind me. He laughs more now, and hi
Adira’s POVMagnus put me down, I told him, as we approached the pack house. He placed me on my feet and kissed me deeply; he didn’t care that the pack was watching.I turned instant red at the disparaging glares I saw behind him. Shame prickled along my skin. Their cold eyes were knives, reminding me I didn't belong here, not really.A lump formed in my throat, and I focused on my shoes, desperate to keep my chin up. What were they thinking? Did they believe I wasn’t good enough for him? Heat burned my cheeks even hotter as I wondered if I could ever fit into this world, or if I would always be the outsider they saw in me.Magnus stopped and turned to face me. "Look at me," he said gently. "I don’t care what they think." His eyes held a fierce determination, but there was a flicker of worry too. He was trying to be so brave for me, putting on a strong front in front of everyone. Still, I could see the strain behind his smile. I knew he was caught between his loyalty to his family and
Magnus’s POVMy adorable mate is trying so hard to please my terrible parents. Why can they see how innocent and kind she is?Michael stared at me.Give them time, once they know her...Michael, my parents will give her a hard time, so tell me what is so important. I need to be with her.You asked me to dig into her past. There is nothing. I can’t connect her to anyone in that pack. And the royals won’t allow me to dig into their files. While I was doing that, someone else was too. We captured him. I thought you might want to speak to him.After you, I gestured to Michael.The “jail” cell had one man in his thirties as an occupant. Most likely rogue.I understand that you’re digging into the royals, do tell.Morgana is looking for Edwin’s daughter.Why? did she tell you?Yes, because she is the royal princess and inherited everything according to the will. She wants her dead.Do you know what she looks like?No one knows; he hid her at birth.Why do you work for that serpent?Money, a
Adira’s POVAs Magnus introduced me to his parents, I saw hatred in their eyes. They didn’t like me, and I knew why. Without a wolf spirit, I was considered incomplete, broken by some in the pack.I'd always believed I was a Beta's daughter, but the man who raised me insisted I was not his child. Rumors had swirled for years that my real lineage was uncertain, and in our world, bloodlines meant everything.To Magnus's parents, I was unworthy, not just for lacking status, but also for lacking the wolf bond that everyone else took for granted. Magnus’s dad’s face changed noticeably when I told him I was eighteen.Did he think I was too young for Magnus, or did he think Magnus was playing with me? Magnus was angry and fighting with his parents over me. I felt uneasy watching the tension grow between them. This is not okay. Maybe I should do something nice.After I left Magnus’s office, Diane came up and grabbed my hand suddenly.Adira, play with me. She pulled me along.Diane, come with
Magnus’s POVHer lips brushed against mine, and I couldn’t imagine anything feeling better.She pulled back a little to look at me. "Magnus, go talk to your dad," Adira said quietly. "Should I come with you?" Her voice shook, and she looked at me, needing reassurance."Tomorrow," I whispered, kissing her forehead. She trembled a little, still worn out from everything. "Adira, I love you so much."Magnus, she said, touching my face, "I love you, and I love this side of you." Her eyes closed, too tired to stay awake.I got out of bed, pulled on some lounge pants and a t-shirt, and walked into the living room. What is it so important, Dad, at this hour?"Divorce her. Now," he shouted.Lower your voice. My mate is sleeping, and she’s been through a lot. I will never divorce her.I stood there for a moment, my heart pounding, feeling the weight of the kingdom on my chest. All my life, I’d been told duty to the crown came before everything, even happiness and love. But when I thought of Adir







