Kai didn’t know whether hours, days, or weeks had passed. Time flowed differently in the gods’ realm, and days blurred together as he had nothing to do but stare out of the window and think. The hardest part for him wasn’t being locked away—or worrying about the kingdom; he was sure his family and second-in-command could manage, but being separated from his mate was killing him. He needed her like air: to touch her, inhale her scent, have her in his arms.
Julie materialized in his cell. He bared his teeth in fury. She was the source of all his troubles—and he was powerless, unable to do anything. He clenched his fist and hissed, “What do you want?” Her lips curved into a smile. “Isn’t it obvious? To gloat, of course.” He turned away from her. “What’s the matter, my dear prince? Are you not feeling quite so mighty now? How does it feel to be powerless, locked away, while your mate risks her life falling into mThe next morning, Darina and Kai joined the breakfast arranged by their close circle in the private dining room for them to catch up. Darina still felt drained after yesterday night conflict with her mate. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked tired. Amber interpreted her look in another way, "Oh, someme had sleepless night," she winked teasing, "of course you too miss each other and had many actions to—" Reed pushed her under the table, "—discuss," she finished with mischief grin.Darina got pale as Amber's hints triggered the image of last night again to flash in her mind, and her breath hitched, remembering how obusive her mate was with her. "Luna, never mind beta female, you know she is very naughty," said Kelly, giving Amber a warning look. "Look who is talking, Kelly," Amber shot back, raising her brow at her belly. Kelly got red as tomato as clearly Amber was hinting at her being pregnant
Chilled air made Kai shiver. He walked in the garden to clear his head, still shaking in fury. Slowly, he started to calm down and felt ashamed of what he had done. He closed his face with his palm, scared that Darina would not be able to forgive him. Blake wagged his tail aggressively, "You are an asshole. Our mate risked her life to rescue you, and you treated her like filth. I am ashamed of you." "I am ashamed of myself," replied Kai. "I do not know what took over me."He entered the canopy and memories of him making love to Darina there, tasting her release, savouring her moans of pleasure, flooded his mind. They were connected not only physically but emotionally—they were one. But today, he had shattered everything, broken her trust, and violated her. He shivered as the fear of losing his mate made the hair on his arms stand up. Then, a voice, one that did not belong to his wolf, hissed into his skul
The palace was about to explode with cheers and applause from the pack members when they saw their prince and princess return. After such dark times of continuous battles, their return felt like a token of hope.Amber, Kelly, Cassandra, and Camilla all jumped, fighting each other to hug Darina first. Jackie also gave her a warm welcome.King Lucas, Reed, and Will enveloped Kai in a group hug, happy to see him alive and well."How did you manage to free him? What does the god's realm look like? Tell us everything!" exclaimed Cassandra."Do you know we were attacked by harpies?" chimed in Kelly."And fiends," Cassandra bounced on her spot."And succubi," said Amber, sending a displeased look to Reed, who only rolled his eyes playfully.Darina mumbled, "Looks like you had quite an eventful few days. Did you get many casualties?""The palace and all of us were drenched in blood. So many dead, injured. Terrible. Did
Time was passing, but Darina was silent. Her throat went dry, and her head was spinning. She definitely wanted her mate to be alive and well. But she could not imagine their separation, neither. Ares voice shattered the silence, "Eternal life and being loved by god seems not enough for you?" Darina tried to restrain herself, but stress of past days suddenly let her control shattered, and she snapped, "Love? What could you possibly know about love? Sitting in gods realm, so mighty and arrogant, just toying with mortal lives because of boredom. You are incapable of love. Love is not to desire someone, to cage them like your personal toy, not to restrain someone, and corner them to submission. Love is about sacrifice, about giving wings, and treating their needs above yours." Her eyes were burning with fire, "You acted like I have a choice, but you know I have any. I value the life and happiness of my mate more than my own. Of course, I want
They were only a few hours away from Ares' palace. Darina’s feet moved faster, as fast as her heart pounded in exhilaration at the thought of seeing her mate. The fear of a failed negotiation gnawed at her, but she pushed the dark thoughts away. Somehow, she clung to a stubborn belief in a good outcome. The outline of the massive palace of white marble loomed on the horizon. “Almost there,” Darina whispered, quickening her pace. She was nearly running, driven by hope and joy, too happy to notice that Atlas was growing gloomier with every step. Darina could already see the grand columns and the towering entrance doors, no less than three meters high and wide. The doors seemed to beckon her, and her heart leapt from her chest. An hour later, Darina stepped through the doors with Atlas at her heels, and a vast throne room spread before her. Spacious and filled with light from the large windows, it held only a few scu
Fiends of every size and shape swarmed the palace, inside and out. Screams and sobs of werewolves tangled with the shrill cackles of demons, echoing off the stone walls. Warriors fought with everything they had to protect their pack and homeland, but it was not enough.Maya appeared with five witches at her side, more arriving behind them, yet their magic was only a drop in the ocean against the endless demon army.“We have to hold until sunrise!” Maya shouted. “The sunlight will burn them!”King Lucas and Reed exchanged a grim look. Sunset had only just fallen. At this rate, no one would live to see dawn.Deep in the bunker, Amber thrashed against Cassy, Camilla, and Kelly as they tried to restrain her.“I need to fight! I can’t just hide here!” she screamed.“Amber, think of your pup,” Cassandra urged. “He needs you safe.”Amber’s voice cracked. “He needs his father! If Reed falls, what, then? I have to