LOGINVictoria’s POVThe drive was long, and we were late, pulling up at thick dusk to an abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere. The metal doors hung crooked on their hinges, groaning quietly in the wind. Cracked windows let in slivers of dying light, painting jagged patterns across the dusty floor.Our footsteps echoed hollowly as we stepped inside. The air was cold and damp, carrying the scent of rust, mold, and something sharp I couldn’t place. Somewhere water dripped steadily, the sound joining the scuffle of rodents in the shadows. Shadows clung to the walls, making the dark corners feel alive and watchful.Maybe it was a factory long ago, and that's why the building feels so industrial.Just then, Drystan appeared from the shadows. His eyes were fixed on me.Victoria let out a breath, pulling me into a tight hug. His arms felt familiar, like the safety I used to cling to in the worst times. Drystan and I had survived so much together, our childhood spent hiding, looking out for
Cadmus’s POVI watched her sleep because I’m so in love with her. Getting her back eased my pain, but we are far from completing our formal bond. She has no idea who I am or what I’m capable of. Victoria never saw the dark side of me; I hope she never has to. Nothing else matters to me more than her and the kids. No kingdom or money will measure up to her.I replay, in my head, her washing me last night, all worried. Adorable really. I felt her concerns; she was afraid the fever would spike again. Now I don’t even want to move, watch her beautiful face.Betrayal, she had so many, her mind is in chaos, sorting all this mess. Then last night she fought like a true warrior, until she saw her people falling, then she used her power to put a stop to this nonsensical killing. I’m sure it's all Makarius’s doing. Can’t tell her because she has to sort her memories first.She turned, placing her leg on me and her arm on my chest, her breast touching me, and I tried to control myself. My hand s
Victoria’s POVI held Hathor close, his small body shaking in my arms, and gripped Thalia’s hand so tightly my knuckles hurt. We ran through narrow, torch-lit hallways toward the dungeons. Shouts bounced off the stone walls, with frightened voices, crying children, and women pushing little ones into dark corners. The air was thick with smoke and sweat, and the ground felt sticky under my boots. My heart pounded with fear and the urgent need to protect my family.I saw one of our pack members, a tall, anxious man with soot on his cheek, standing against the wall. "You," I shouted, my voice rough, "take care of my children!" I pushed Hathor into his arms. As I let go, a sharp pain shot through me, and I cried out. My eyes searched for the crowd in panic. Where was Cadmus? Someone called out, "He is injured!"Outside, I pushed through the crowd and into chaos beyond the doorway. The air was filled with confusion: screams, clashing weapons, and running footsteps. I grabbed a warrior rushi
Cadmus’s POVI got two glasses and a bottle of wine while she was in the shower. Thinking of the meeting for tomorrow, I let out a growl. Drystan loves her. I have to stay calm and also learn how to shut the link.She walked into the living room in a t-shirt and lounge pants; no matter what she wore, she was beautiful. I handed her a glass of wine, the fireplace crackling. Victoria sipped quietly. Her link was shut, I couldn’t hear her thoughts, but I felt her anxiety.Care to share? I interrupted her thoughts.She smiled, touching my face. I pulled her to sit between my legs with her back resting against my chest.I’m reminiscing about the past, bringing back memories; it's very emotional, Cadmus. I’m sorting all this. Still trying to keep up with everything. It's like a roller coaster, just when I think it's over, it's either high or low.Then talk to me, let me help you, I said, kissing her neck.Cadmus, she paused, how did you survive a year without me?Define survive? I was devas
Victoria’s POVCadmus, I tell him over the mind link, my father wants to see me. Do you know why?No idea, but I’ll be there soon. Training warriors right now, love. He sends me a sexy image."I will block you, Cadmus," I joke. "Didn’t you have enough..."Never. Your turn. Or I’ll come see for myself.I sent him an image. He growls, fuck me, I need you after the meeting.Cadmus, please, I say, laughing as I enter my father’s office.Dad, you called for me. I see a woman with a baby and a toddler. Who are they?Victoria, this is Kaden, and Angelina, Drystan’s children. He sent them to us for safety. We have a meeting once a week. And it is a brutal separation every time.May I hold him? Then she hands me the baby. Oh, he is so cute. Did he finally find his fated mate?He did, and she is very good to him, and he seems happy, my dad said.I gave the baby back, and I crouched to say hello to Angelina. You know, my daughter is Thalia. Do you play with her?She nods. Great, I stand up and l
Cadmus’s POVVictoria, I whispered, tell me what you remember? My hands are touching her softly. I feel her arousal, and she is fighting it.I remember this place, she said, I was in heat? Her eyes locked on me.Yeah, that’s correct, it was your transformation, after I claimed you. We had really good times here, I said, smiling. Why are you fighting your feelings, Victoria?Because I don’t remember everything...I held her in my arms, our naked bodies touching. We still had blood all over, so I took her hand gently and walked under the waterfall to help her wash the dry blood.Cadmus, why do they attack us?This area is full of rogues; they hide, form groups, and attack. You think they learned by now that they can’t take over my pack. Now, you want me to tell you everything? I asked her to sit down. I pulled her back to my chest, my arms holding her.I was the monster that sent you into his arms, I started, even though I was so attracted to you. Thane brought you to the pack, and I kn
His lips were touching mine. Hmmm, more, I said with my eyes closed.Makarius’s kisses grew deeper, hungry as his hands touching me—a great way to wake up. I wanted him so badly, like a need I never had before. Everything faded.Victoria, he whispered, “We need to take a shower and start the day.N
Nearly a week went by, and Makarius stayed back, only checking in here and there. It felt like I was getting a cold shoulder, and the whole situation just made me more tangled up in my own head. Then he walked into my room.“What do you want?” I snapped, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice.
The scent of flowers hit me first, then something off, chemical, maybe. Funeral vibes, I thought.My eyelids felt like bricks. When I finally pried them open, I was in a cramped room. Makarius was beside me in bed, and Pirate was slumped in a chair, head lolling like a broken doll.I shifted my arm
He kissed me, and I kissed him back, my mouth still half-full.Silence.“Say, something, Pirate. I need…”“Stay away from him,” he blurted out.“Why?”“I mean, he’s hot, not going to lie…”“Focus, Pirate. Yeah, I got that part. And, you know, planning on having some fun,” I added with a wink.“He l







