Ava's povThe wind howled softly against the window, it was odd but it was like a lullaby whispered in an ancient tongue. Xander had fallen asleep hours ago, his breathing deep and even beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist, warm and grounding, as if even in slumber he was guarding the world he’d sworn to protect.But I couldn’t sleep.Not tonight.The baby, Rowan, was stirring more than usual. Little flutters and firm nudges beneath my skin, like he was restless too or sensing something beyond the veil of reality. I closed my eyes, fingers spread across the curve of my belly, and whispered a silent promise into the dark.“I’ll always protect you, little one.”The world tilted.It started slowly, like I was falling into still water. The bed, the room, the warmth of Xander’s body all faded away like early morning mist. I wasn’t afraid. Instead, an overwhelming calm settled over me, thick and heavy, the kind of calm that whispers of someone celestial.And then I stood
Ava's pov)The morning of my eighteenth birthday arrived far too quickly than I would have liked. The early morning sun filtered into my room from my window as I stared up at the cracked ceiling above my bed.The selection was today. Right on my birthday. Every year the werewolves go to the few remaining human settlements scattered around the continent to take humans who have just turned 18 to work as their servants until they are 50 or if you are lucky enough to have a good ‘master’ — as they love to refer to themselves, who would let you start a family in a settlement close to the pack but you'd still come to their houses every day to work.Centuries ago, humans and werewolves lived together in peaceful harmony but that was until we became greedy, power-hungry. We wanted to have supreme reign over the werewolves. A war broke out and the werewolves in their great strength and numbers defeated us, the majority of the human population was lost. To stop the werewolves from completely an
Ava's pov Whilst I had been observing my house the warrior had called out my name twice and I didn't hear him. All the villagers were looking at me eyes wide, whispers could be heard as they all feared for her safely Turning I locked eyes with the warrior, his gaze was piercing. His eyes were cold, expression unreadable but promised trouble. “I called your name twice,” he said, bearing his fangs. I stepped forward, steps slow and unhurried. I refuse to be intimidated. I held his gaze, no remorse or apology, if something bad was going to happen it would happen on my own terms. “Ava Sinclair, I said I called your name twice.” He repeated, his voice low as if he was daring me to challenge him. “And now I've heard it.” I retorted, keeping my voice steady even though my heart was pounding. I will never be weak before them. Collective gasp could be heard. The warrior took a step towards me and I heard the villagers behind me take a step back. I will not be intimidated, I will not
Ava's pov)The trip from silver claw pack to Blackthorn was expected to take three days. I have never left the pack's boundary as it wasn't particularly safe for humans to travel.The trip was a bumpy one, we were all cramped in so I occasionally got an elbow to the side or a stomp on my feet. Sleeping was difficult, I'd place my head on one of Sylvia's shoulders to sleep and she'd do the same with me.We weren't let out of the carriage all through the trip. During the three days we spent on the road, a warrior would come to open our door three times a day to give us meals. At least they didn't starve us…I thought.They would also bring us out twice a day to do our business, although we were blindfolded.As I woke up today the ride was silent, I didn't hear the usual chatter of the warriors. The air was warm, meaning that we were far from the north.The warmth, body heat and the heavy layers of winter clothing we all had on made inside the carriage a burning furnace. My clothes are d
Xander's pov I sat in my office going over some documents with my beta,Magnus Kane, and younger brother, Rowan Blackthorn. There are 10 packs in Lycara — the werewolf continent. Blackthorn pack in the center, this is my pack, directly run by me. Silverclaw pack in the north, Stormfang pack in the east, nightshade pack in the west, blood moon in the southwest, iron claw pack in the south east, wildheart pack right next to us her in the central region, Ashville pack in the northwest, thornspike pack in the northeast and lastly rainville pack in the far east. Each pack has their own unique specialty. Silverclaw pack has elite warriors and high endurance to cold weather, stormfang are known for their agility and naval navigation, nightshade are known for their impeccable stealth and mastery of poison, bloodmoon for warfare, iron claw for blacksmith and weapon forgery, wildheart animal taming and archery, ashville explosive making, thorn spike traps and ambush, rainville healing and h
Xander's povStepping out of the office with Rowan and Magnus flanking my sides, I'm greeted by warriors stationed in the hallway, omegas and human servants alike going about their daily task.Looking out one of the windows in the hallway I spot the carriages that have brought the humans. The humans were being led out by warriors from each carriage.I spot a flash of silver hair belonging to one of the humans from the silverclaw pack. A female. Something about her drew me in, I couldn't see her face yet as she seemed to be shielding her eyes from the sun.A throat cleared, it was Magnus signaling that we should keep moving. Pulling myself away from the window we continued on our journey down.Upon getting to the ground floor where the throne room was situated, my ears picked up the sound of something or someone being dragged, there was some sort of struggle.Magnus, Rowan and I all shared a look. Could it be a human? That was impossible, they all feared us and dared not to even breath
Ava's povThere was something about the way he was looking at me, it sent a tingling sensation through my body. My soul felt ignited, my heart was racing.What is going on?... I thought to myself.His eyes strayed away from my face and began scanning him. My face was flaming hot, his eyes were undressing me, smearing heat across my skin. This isn't me. Is this some new skill they have acquired? Bewitching humans to make them comply?...I thought to myself.Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was actually a couple of minutes, his gaze left my body and went back to the captain.“State your name, pack and rank.” The king ordered.The captain straightened his spine and went into full warrior mode.“Captain Rhysand Ryker of stormfang pack.” The captain stated.“Rhysand Ryker, noted.” I muttered under my breath.“Well, captain. Do you care to explain the ruckus you just caused at my castle.” The king asked, face dead serious and tone sharp.I heard captain Ryker suck in a deep bre
Ava's povI could feel eyes on me, more murmurs erupted, everyone was just as confused as I was.Why her? Why the sudden change of heart? What about his mate? Did the human do something to him…a mixture of voices could be heard, I was overwhelmed.“Enough!” The king ordered, his voice ringing in the throne room. Immediately the room became silent as though there weren't any people in it.“You, Ava Sinclair, I have chosen to be my personal entertainer.” He said, gaze locked with mine.I couldn't believe my ears. It's common knowledge that the king has never had a personal entertainer as he has been saving himself for his mate whom he has been searching for, for what felt like an eternity.At this point I wish the ground would just open up and swallow me whole. I said silent prayers in mind to whatever supreme being that was listening to let this either be a joke or a dream. Let the king either laugh at me and call it a jest or let me wake up because this can't be happening.I wasn't ju
Ava's povThe wind howled softly against the window, it was odd but it was like a lullaby whispered in an ancient tongue. Xander had fallen asleep hours ago, his breathing deep and even beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist, warm and grounding, as if even in slumber he was guarding the world he’d sworn to protect.But I couldn’t sleep.Not tonight.The baby, Rowan, was stirring more than usual. Little flutters and firm nudges beneath my skin, like he was restless too or sensing something beyond the veil of reality. I closed my eyes, fingers spread across the curve of my belly, and whispered a silent promise into the dark.“I’ll always protect you, little one.”The world tilted.It started slowly, like I was falling into still water. The bed, the room, the warmth of Xander’s body all faded away like early morning mist. I wasn’t afraid. Instead, an overwhelming calm settled over me, thick and heavy, the kind of calm that whispers of someone celestial.And then I stood
Ava's povThe celebration had ended hours ago, but the warmth still lingered in my body.The lanterns had gone out. The laughter and footsteps had faded. Kaida and Lyra had walked us back to the castle gates, cheeks glowing from too much dancing and cider. The moon was high now, very bright silver light watching from its throne in the sky as if it too had awaited this final part of the night.Our chambers were quiet, save for the occasional crackle from the fireplace. I was dressed in one of Xander’s tunics, hair damp from a quick rinse, and settled against the high pile of furs and pillows in our bed. My fingers rested gently on my belly.Xander came out from the mini kitchen attached to his chamber, barefoot, shirtless, hair tousled, with two steaming mugs in hand. He handed one to me and dropped onto the bed with a soft grunt.“Ginger and honey,” he said. “Kaida’s secret cure for growing royal pups.”I smiled at him. “If it works, I’ll personally carve her name into a throne.”We s
Ava's povThe air buzzed with excitement.Golden rays of the sun spilled through the leaves above as the clearing beside the Moonstone Falls which glowed with enchantment.I had never seen the sun so bright, it was as if all the gods were watching closely to see what would be revealed today.Long, linen banners fluttered from tree branches, dyed in the traditional white and silver hues of blessing rituals. It was a sacred spot—where our ancestors once received visions from the Moon Goddess herself—and it felt like the perfect place for today.My gender reveal.Or as the werewolves called it: The Spirit Beckoning.Kaida had explained it days ago while wrapping my waist in white silk, her eyes shining with pride as she narrated the ancient tradition.I wasn't surprised that she knew so much because the nightshade warriors were known for holding on to our history very tightly, they even knew far more than even blackthorn but only shared why they deemed necessary.“When a pup grows strong
Ava's povThe day had started like any other.There were meetings with the inner council, light bickering over the upcoming full moon festival, and more parenting advice— that I didn't ask for— than I could keep up with. My mind felt full, my ankles were sore, and despite how much I adored everyone’s excitement, all I wanted was silence, a soft place to lie down, and maybe a jar of pickled mangoes.Xander had been called away to handle a little rogue situation near the southern border, and although I tried not to worry, being apart from him—even just for a few hours—tugged at something inside me.Even after the war,.rogues would still be spotted from time to time. They weren't threatening and tended to run away at the sight of us. They just wandered aimlessly but we had underestimated them once and didn't want to make the same mistake twice.He’d been protective ever since we found out about the baby, even more so since I’d started showing a few weeks ago. My bump was still small, but
Ava's povI always thought pregnancy would feel magical. Glowing skin, cute bump, a sense of purpose, maybe even that mythical "pregnancy glow" everyone swore existed.Instead, it felt like I was being hunted… by my own body.“Move,” I growled at Xander, who stood directly between me and the basket of moonberry tarts I’d been craving since sunrise and asked the cooks to make.He turned slowly, blinking. “You’ve already had three.”I narrowed my eyes. “And?”“And… I love you,” he said quickly, stepping aside and lifting both hands like I was some scary creature.Which I kind of was.Pregnancy had changed me. It was like I had become Ava 2.0—crying over songs with puppies, getting irrationally upset when Xander didn’t refill the honey jar, then five minutes later curling against him like nothing ever happened. The mood swings weren’t just real. They were ruthless.The moonberry tart was cold by the time I got to it, but I didn’t care. I devoured it with all the speed of a starved animal
Xander’s POVThe moonlight spilled through the open balcony, casting soft silver over the sheets tangled at the foot of the bed. The fire in the hearth had died a while back, quiet and tired like the rest of the castle.The day has taken an unexpected turn which I loved so much. A twist that made my heart race and a smile light up my face.She was asleep.Ava.My mate. My Luna. My light.Her hair was fanned across the pillow, her face relaxed and peaceful—something I never took for granted anymore. I didn’t move, just sat at the edge of the bed, eyes watching the delicate rise and fall of her chest.Her unexpected words echoed in my head like a metal being hit by something.She’s pregnant.It should have been a simple announcement. But for me, it cracked something wide open.For weeks, I’d noticed something different in her scent. Not wrong—just new. I hadn’t placed it, not until she stood before me and told me herself. There had been no grand preparation. No expectations. Just her an
Ava's povSunlight spilled through the high windows of the grand hall, gleaming on the silver fixtures and dishware. For the first time in months, the hall wasn't empty. Laughter echoed all around me, mingling with the clinking of cutlery and the smell of warm bread and honeyed meats.I sat between Xander and Vanessa, my fingers curled around a steaming cup of tea. My stomach fluttered—not from nerves, but from something far newer. Something growing.The thought never failed to pull a smile to my face.I glanced around at the faces gathered at the table. Rowan was teasing Kael over a burnt piece of toast, Kaida sat beside him, her hand resting lightly on his wrist. Lyra was at the far end, wrapped in a thick shawl, her expression quiet but calm, a faint smile playing on her lips as she watched them. There was no tension in her shoulders.They were all here.All of them.And that meant more to me than any feast ever could.“Gods,” Vanessa said, stretching back in her seat. “It’s been f
Ava's povThe morning sunlight filtered in through the tall windows, casting soft golden glow across the stone walls of our chambers. The fire from last night had burned down to glowing embers, but I still felt warm—safe in the memory of the stars and the enormity of the secret I’d carried all night.I smiled, rubbing my tummy even though it didn't have a bump. It all still felt like a dream to me. I couldn't believe that I was carrying my child— out child— and would soon be able to hold him or her in my arms.This was like a reward from the gods for taking down zerathos. It was the most perfect gift.Xander’s scent hit me before I heard his footsteps. Woodsy. Earthy and a hint of citrus.He pushed the door open with ease, stridijg in, he was already halfway out of his ceremonial coat, his black shirt clinging to his chest beneath it. His eyes found me immediately—still seated at the edge of the bed, half-dressed, barefoot, lost in my thoughts.“There you are,” he said, his voice soft
Ava's povPregnant.The word sat on my tongue like a secret not yet ready for the world to know. Heavy and new. Sacred. My hands trembled as I exited the healer’s wing, the soft glow of lanterns lining the path doing little to light the darkness within me.It wasn't a bad darkness, it was just confusion.The corridor behind me felt like it belonged to another world—a place of certainty and whispered truths. Healers always knew things, some that we wanted to hear and the ones that we didn't want to hear. Out here, beneath the dark sky things felt more real.Too real.I walked slowly, aimlessly, not ready to return to the castle after what I had just learned. Not ready to face anyone. Especially not Xander.Not yet.The gardens were quiet this time of night. Peaceful. A hush had settled over the grounds, as though the very earth was holding its breath. The petals of Kaida’s cherry blossom tree glowed pale pink in the moonlight, and I found myself drawn toward it. Toward the spot we alwa