Sorry for the late update. I had to run my puppy to the emergency vet.
Kaia POVThis cabin is disgusting, but it is better than being on the streets. After Elaine and I were killed by the Lycan King, Hecate was quick to return us to the world of the living. She met us at the crossroads of the living and dead with a scowl on her face. She was displeased that we had been tricked by Anila, but she showed us mercy. Two sisters were dying of a strange illness. We assumed their bodies and disappeared deep into the Lycan Realm. We know the Lycan King is searching for us. I doubt after learning about our betrayal that he would let us live our next life comfortably. He will hunt us over and over, and we will never survive. I can only assume that is why Elaine is so angry with me right now. I made a decision which will make it harder for us to hide. “You have to push, Kaia,” Elaine coaches me. “It is almost over. I promise.” I rest my head on the pillow and close my eyes. “I can’t,” I breathe. “It is too hard.” “Kaia,” she chides me. “You are the
Alora POVI can’t take my eyes off Bruno. He is barely breathing. “Did you kill him?” “He will live,’ Evanora says through gritted teeth. “Walk with me.” I need to put as much space between us as possible. If she touches me, I will not be able to tell her no. I have experienced her mind control before. “I think I will stay here.”Throwing her head back, Evanora cackles loudly. The sound rings in my ears, and I have to resist the urge to cover them. “You think you have a choice. I can control you with a simple touch of my finger, but I would prefer you come willingly.” “I know what you want,” I hiss through my teeth. “And you cannot have it.” She steps forward and I step back. We continue this dance around the library, until I misstep and my back hits a bookshelf. I have backed myself into a corner, and Evanora knows it. Her black finger traces along my neck, pulling out the chain that is hidden beneath my dress. The stone dangles between us and I resist the urge to t
Leonidas POVI am pissed off. Actually, I am livid. I don't care what my mother said to Alora in a dream; she should have told me she had the baetyl. But for now, I will choke down my anger. I can't risk pushing her away more than I already have."It is lunch time," I tell her. "Would you join me?"Alora looks at Bruno. He is still crumpled on the floor. I don't have to ask what happened. I know Evanora's handiwork when I see it."What about Bruno?" She asks timidly.She holds concern for him and it makes me jealous, but only slightly. There is a reason I chose Bruno as her guard. She is not his type, and therefore, he is harmless."He will recover in time," I respond, trying to drag her to the library door."Are you certain?" She whispers."Very," I say stepping over his body.She follows me, but she keeps glancing back at Bruno. Something tells me we won't have a peaceful lunch if he is on her mind. Opening up the mind link I hold with my subjects, I reach out to the doctor.'Your
Alora POVMy skin is tingling before Leonidas even touches me. The runes on my arms are glowing brightly in anticipation. As he tilts my chin up, he presses his lips to mine. His tongue swipes against the seam of my lips and I open them eagerly. His tongue plunges into my mouth, exploring as his hands caress my body. My body feels like it is on fire. I am hot, too hot. I need to remove this gown. Reaching behind me, I pull at my corset strings. My fingers fumble with the bow, causing me to groan into Leonidas’s mouth. His lips smirk against mine before he pulls away. “Are you having difficulty, My Queen?” He chuckles. I don’t know what has come over me, but I need to feel my skin against his. “It is so warm down here,” I whisper. He steps around me and his fingers work quickly to unlace my corset. He pushes my gown over my shoulders, and it falls to my feet. The warmth of the artificial sun heats my body and goosebumps rise over my skin. Wrapping his arms around me, he
Alora POVLunch is simple, but perfect. There isn’t a giant table between us or other people listening to our conversation. No witches are speaking in riddles, no half brothers are making lewd comments; it is peaceful. While I am licking chocolate off my fingers, Leonidas watches my every move. “What?” “I am just admiring your skills?” He smirks. My finger pauses in my mouth. “I have no idea what you are talking about, but I am sure it is indecent.” “Very much,” he laughs. “I will take great joy in corrupting you.” I roll my eyes and get back to my feet. “My corruption will have to wait. There is an office full of books calling my name.” Leonidas stretches out on the blanket and stares at the false sky. “Is that all you ever think about? Books?”“Up until recently, yes,” I quip before heading toward the door.“Wait,” he calls out. “What are you thinking about now?” “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I laugh. His arm wraps around my waist and pulls me away from the door.
Leonidas POVMy growls and roars echo through the hallways of the castle as I race toward the exit. I shout through the mind link for all available warriors to meet me in front of the castle. I don’t know how long Alfred has been on the run, and I want as many men looking for him as possible. I kick down the front door, sending it flying off the hinges. The heavy wooden door lands in front of my warriors who have gathered. None of them flinch. My lycan steps in front of them, and they all stand at attention. ‘Find Alfred,’ I snarl through the mind link. ‘If you kill him, bring me his head.’‘Yes, Alpha,’ they say together, but one is laughing.The laughing warrior is bold enough to step forward. “What has he done?” I can barely hold back my lycan. He wants to rip this man to pieces for questioning our authority. ‘He threatened your Queen,’ I snarl through the link so everyone can hear. The warrior scoffs loudly. “The Lycan Realm has no Queen.” Drool drips from my lycan’
Alora POVIt feels like it has been hours, but that can't be right. What if something has happened to Leonidas? I don’t think I could live with myself. No, I am catastrophizing. I am sure they have found Alfred and he is being questioned or better yet killed. Still, I can't calm this feeling of dread that has washed over me. It doesn't help that the stone around my neck is pulsing.Bruno is by the door. His boyish, round face is wrinkled with worry. "I am sorry I didn't protect you against Evanora."“It’s okay,” I dismiss him with a wave. "I have bigger things to worry about.""She has never been allowed to touch us before," he continues. "I didn't think...""I said it is okay," I snap. "She didn't hurt me.""Right," he whispers, hanging his head in shame."Don't do that," I groan.Bruno glances up. "Do what?""Look sad," I sigh. "It's fine. There is no need to make me feel guilty."He doesn’t wipe the puppy dog look off his face. I decide it is better not to look at him if I wan
Alora POVI expect Leonidas to turn into the closest bedroom and throw me onto the bed, but he doesn’t. His chest shakes as he laughs, but he continues through the castle. I huff loudly, not willing to hide my annoyance at his reluctance to take me into the nearest bedroom and ravage my body. I do my best to turn my body away from him, even though he has me pinned to his chest.“Don’t be mad, My Queen,” he chuckles. “I want this to be a night you will never forget.” “I thought you liked things sordid,” I joke.Leonidas pauses in the hallway. “Alora, let me treat you like my Queen.” His words melt my irritation away and I snuggle into his chest. In my hurry to be claimed by him, I have forgotten that I am giving him something I won’t be able to give anyone else. Before he continues to our rooms, he kisses me gently on the top of the head. He is so different from the man I first met. The walk to his bedroom feels like it takes hours. My heart is racing in my chest with e
Alora POVI am lounging on a couch in one of the many Fae Castle drawing rooms, and Leonidas is rubbing my feet. It has been hours since we have heard from Ivy or Elric. The lower levels of the castle aren’t flooded, so I don’t think she has killed him, but I can’t be so sure. I have only known her for a short time, but she seems terrifying. “What is there to do around here?” Leonidas growls. “I’ve got something you can do,” I snort and wiggle my eyebrows at him. “What has happened to you?” He smiles. “You used to be different.” “Did I?” I smirk.He drops my foot off his lap and puts my other foot behind him. With skill, he spreads my legs and crawls up my body. “I am not complaining. I like horny Alora,” he says, running his hand up my leg. “I think we should move this party upstairs.” I throw my arms behind me dramatically. “But I am too tired to move.” He pins my hips to the couch and bunches my skirt around my knees. “My Queen,” he whispers against my ear. “If I
Kaia POVI rush back to our room with Anila in my arms. “Elaine,” I shout. “We have to go.” Setting Anila in her cot, I begin to toss my clothes into the nearest bag I can find. Anila is watching me intently. Sometimes the way her milky eyes follow me is unnerving. Her eyes are the only thing that alludes to her real age. I forget that despite her human age, she is older than Elaine and I combined. I turn my back on her and focus on the rest of the room. “Elaine,” I shout. “Where are you?” Still, she doesn’t reply. It isn’t like her to roam about the castle. She doesn’t like to mingle. I peek my head into the adjoining bathroom and she isn’t there either. I am beginning to feel a pit in the bottom of my stomach. Someone knocks on the door, and a Fae woman stands just outside. There is a letter in her hands, and my heart drops. I already know it is from Elaine. “You can come in,” I whisper.She steps inside, but she doesn’t look at me. Her eyes are focused on Ani
Alora POVThe only sound in the dining room is the clinking of silverware against the plates. Leonidas is tearing apart his meat with his hands, glaring at Naridah from across the table. Ivy is refusing to sit beside Elric, and he is mumbling curse words under his breath. Vesper is blissfully unaware of what is happening around him. He is just happy to have his mate by his side. Naridah begins humming a song as she chews. Leonidas tenses beside me. I could sift through her memories for hours, but there will never be enough evidence for him to trust her. “Naridah,” I gain her attention. She looks up from her plate and smiles. “Please call me Nari.” “Nari,” I continue. “I think your humming makes my mate uncomfortable.” She cuts her eyes at Leonidas and presses her lips together in a hard line. “Fine.” The room is silent once again. This is possibly the most awkward family dinner since the creation of the Two Realms. Ivy is desperate to fill the silence. “Are mates com
Alora POV“It has never been done before,” Ivy snaps at me. “Your place is here among the Fae.” I shake my head. “My place is with all the creatures. I think that is why Morgan chose me. So I would unite the Two Realms.” Ivy turns to Elric. “Will you talk some sense into them?” Elric flushes bright red and looks down at the massive table between us. I can tell he has never told Ivy “no” a day in her life, and I don’t think he is about to start now. But he doesn’t say anything. All of the lycans have gone back to the Lycan Realm, and we are waiting for Vesper to return. It feels like it is Leonidas and I against the world. Ivy and a few Fae council members are being so stubborn. They won’t listen to reason. When Elric doesn’t speak up, water begins to drip from Ivy’s fingertips. She is about two minutes from losing her temper and drowning us all. “You can’t take up residence in the Lycan Realm. We need a Queen.” “I know you do,” I say gently. “I am planning on stayi
Alora POVLeonidas pauses, looking down on me. There is an eagerness in his gaze, but also concern. My magic reaches for his feelings without my permission. It latches onto his emotions, and it is suffocating. They are intense, and tears sting my eyes. I force my magic away and reach for him. “I am not made of glass,” I assure him. “You won’t break me.” He joins me on the bed, carefully positioning himself between my legs. His fingers swipe my hair out of my eyes, and he sighs. “You look so fragile.”“I am not,” I say. Wrapping my leg around him, I force him to roll onto his back. His hands rest lightly on my hips as I straddle him. Moving my body slowly, I run my core over the length of his harden cock, and he tightens his grip. I moan in satisfaction and continue to tease us both. A growl rumbles in his chest, and he flexes his fingers on my hips. I chuckle, and he glares at me. “What is so funny?”“Do you want to be inside me?” I smile. He nods with a silly grin
Leonidas POVMy warriors scatter, and several Fae do the same. I refuse to leave Alfred alive, but I can't bring myself to leave Alora's side. I didn't realize being away from her would be so painful. I don't understand how my father could betray the mate bond. Alora is all I will ever want.Her shoulders slump over, and a stray tear leaves a track through the blood on her face. In one night, she has lost and gained so much."Let's find a place to get you cleaned up," I whisper."Aren't you going to look for Alfred?" She asks."There is no need." I pull her close. "My men have it covered.""I just want to go home," she cries as she collapses into my chest."This is your home," the Fae woman that killed Estes interrupts us.Alora straightens her shoulders and sucks in a sharp breath. "This realm has never been my home.""You are our Queen," the woman pleads. "You can't leave us without a ruler.""Ivy," Alora groans. "I don't know anything about this realm. Just let me leave.""This is
Alora POVEstes puts up a fight even though his powers are no match for mine. It is wind against wind. Gusts of powerful air move across the room, whipping angrily against my skin. I do my best to retaliate, but these powers are new to me.I am desperate to keep the rest of the party safe from our battle. My concentration is split. One hand controls the vortex surrounding Estes and me, and the other is blasting air at him.My arms are growing tired, and Estes's attacks are cutting into my flesh. I can only hope that mine are doing the same to him. Sweat is beginning to form on his brow, and he looks tired. This might be my chance to end this. But I am not paying attention, and I don't see the silver glint of the knife in his latest attack until it is too late.The blade sticks in my arm, and I scream in frustration. I can't risk pulling it at and losing the vortex. My arm hangs limply at my side, and I fear he has won.He lifts his hand to deal the final blow, but only whisps come fro
Leonidas POVThis is possibly the biggest mistake I have ever made as king. The Fae Queen is dead in my castle, the future Fae King is hiding in one of my guest rooms, the full moon has disappeared from the Fae Realm, and it is likely we won’t be able to shift. Still, I am marching into the Fae castle with my army.Lobo is at my side. There is a feral look in his eyes. It seems as if he has been waiting for this fight."What's the game plan?" He asks."Honestly," I laugh." Find Alora.""No diplomacy?" He cracks his knuckles."Not this time," I snarl. "Not after what I learned from Queen Fauna, but let’s not kill everyone in our path."A smile spreads across his lips. "But those who resist?” “Fair game,” I reply. Somehow, we have managed to make it into the forest surrounding the Fae Castle. Either they are so confident in their abilities that they do not feel the need to protect themselves, or this is a trap. I am leaning toward the latter.I peer through the trees, looking for a
Alora POVElric is chasing me down the hallways of the castle, quietly pleading for me to stop and return to my room. He is trying to tell me how Leonidas will kill him if anything happens to me, but I ignore everything coming out of his mouth. My mother did not bestow her powers to me so I could hide in a dark room of the Fae castle and let men do all the work. She gave me her powers so I could restore the natural order of things. I hate to admit it, but I might need his help. Spinning around, I look him in the eyes. “Where can I find Estes?” He looks away and shuffles his feet. “There is another party in the castle tonight. He is probably there with Ivy.” I look him up and down. There is a sneer on his lips. He cares for my aunt, but why? Then I realize how blind I am. “She is your mate.” His teeth grind together, and his jaw locks. “Yes.” “Interesting,” I mutter. Then I step closer to him, studying his features carefully.Suddenly, it feels like I am transported i