Calli's povWatching the reaper walk past me I tucked my wings around myself. The scent of my mate was still lingering in the air and my heart was racing in my chest. Knowing Justin was seeing me like this was heart-wrenching.Clearing his throat, Justin stepped closer to my back. When he ran his fingers through my feathers a moan came out from me unwillingly. I felt myself getting damp as his fingers continued to explore the monstrosities coming from my back. Jerking my feathers from his grasp I turned and growled at him. The large male just smiled."They are as soft as they look," he said in amazement. "Thanks, I guess. I just want them gone," I muttered bitterly as I stood and crossed my arms. "Did you read my diaries?" Side-eyeing him I shook my head."No, just your academic books," I said softly. Justin exhaled deeply and reached out for one of my hands. I watched him under my lowered lashes to see him having difficulty with his words."I'm sorry for what I said about the reap
Zaika's povHeading to my office the staff rushed past me with big smiles on their faces. The palace staff were running around excited over the dance that was being held. Since I informed them I was tripling their normal pay and they were all invited as well, they were being super vigilant with the arrangements.Focusing on the day's work I turned on the computer to sort through the several emails I'd already received. A few minutes later Sasha came rushing into the office in a tizzy."I can't find our daughter, she isn't in her normal room and no one has seen hide nor hair of her!""Well since Justin's family is staying in his old room, maybe she chose a different suite to stay the night in," I offered and she chewed on her lip."Are you going to be in here working all day? The day is special and you should be enjoying it with our guests. Leave your work and join me to find our children," she suggested. Turning off the computer I stood and smiled at my mate."Have you asked Billy if
Calli's povFrustrated beyond measure at the stupidity of the male species and that of the Moon Goddess herself I stormed into my mother's suite to prepare for my future on my terms."How dare she think to dictate to me about my love life!" I growled sourly in my thoughts to my wolf. Char remained quiet as my mother approached me in concern."Calli, sweetie, are you here to get ready?" She asked curiously."Yes and also I'd like Monica to do my hair. I'm not ashamed of my back slits any longer. It's what I am and I will embrace it," I asserted. Nodding my mother brought out my backless gown."I have a lovely necklace that will match perfectly with this gown. Come and let's get you dressed!"Seeing that she was already wearing her dress I assumed the ball would be starting soon and my gut hurt. The Moon Goddess informed me earlier that she would tell the reaper that I was his intended. That grinds my gears. I disliked Atlas and wanted nothing to do with him. My soul belonged to Justin
Zaika's povAfter watching my father fix the mated pair I felt a sense of great relief. The love of my life and I could forget about all the wolf nonsense and enjoy a cocktail on the beach or so I had hoped for.Justin grinned as he passed me to go search for the Moon Goddess and Calli came to stand with Faelon and me. She looked happy and I was glad it worked out for her."Don't have any pups until I'm in my forties," I huffed.Both my father and daughter chuckled at me. Putting my arm around Calli's shoulder I suggested that we go back to the ball. When we entered a commotion was happening in the center of the room. Justin was growling as his Lycan, and arguing with another just as impressive beast. It was somewhat comical seeing that they both were still dressed in their dress suits. The Moon Goddess had her head bent, shaking her head in disappointment. Calli exhaled sharply and rolled her shoulders letting her black wings unfurl as she headed toward the fray. "Guess I better joi
Zaika's povWatching my daughter vanish with her mate a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. The royal guests shook my hand and gave me their congratulations on retiring at such a young age. Sasha was giggling at me and standing at my side."You make it hard for me to keep my composure, little lady," I whispered to her, making her laugh more. Our son came up and slapped me hard on my back giving me a big grin so I wouldn't lash out at him."Are you and mom leaving right away?"Creasing my brow I glanced over at Billy giving him a questionable look."Do you want us out of your life so quickly? Why is that?" I inquired as he shook his head and snickered."I am just looking forward to visiting you on your island oasis and bringing along Gerald for some skinny dipping," he admitted. Sasha shook her head and hissed," Not on my beach you're not prancing around nude with your mate, Mister!" I chuckled at the disappointed look on our son's face as my father came back from speaking more with
Prologue I am Zaika Baranov, the adopted son of Ivan Baranov, a royal Dire wolf and Earl of King Vossler. Ivan is a brutish Russian man with a very strict disposition that had presented itself once he realized that I carried a natural-born Alpha. My wolf is named Einar and is unique as it is an Epicyon. An Epicyon is a supposedly extinct wolf species and much larger than the mere Dire wolf Ivan possessed. I also carried hellfire which was blue electrical energy that flowed around my body with only a thought. Presumably inherited from my real parents, I've never known the full meaning of its use. I was found orphaned in the forest of Ivan's lands and don't remember my parents at all. Needless to say, Ivan raised me and his daughter Sasha with a stern paw. We both have welt scars to prove his firm discipline from whippings. Still, at the young age of 20, I remained with my adopted family. Not because I wished to but because I was in love with my adopted sister Sasha. She was the most be
Zaika povFrowning at my thoughts while getting dressed, I excused myself and headed to the barn.Heading toward the structure I was confused to see several of Ivan's servants standing around with two normal wolf guards from the neighboring packs."What is going on?" I asked Boris, my father's head servant. He glanced over at the guard and gestured toward him. Remus stepped forward with a puffed-out chest."His Highness caught two rogue wolves last night and we have them chained inside the barn," He growled."We will use them as bait dogs for entertaining the king during his visit," his sidekick Jasper laughed. Shaking my head in disbelief. I went to slide open the barn door and Remus grabbed my hand, stopping me."Are you stupid boy? There are rogue wolves in there!" He snarled. Rolling my eyes, I glared back as my hellfire sparked along my flesh."So is the feed for my father's cattle. So unless you plan on dealing with Ivan, I suggest you move your ass," I replied. Making a gruntin
Sasha's povLeaving my brother Zaika's bedroom my heart was pounding in my chest. I was fearful he would inquire about my injury again. I'd been lucky that he hadn't caught my lie the first time he asked. Prince Gallum had intercepted me in the hall and he had also tried forcing himself on me. When I fought back he punched me and left me unconscious on the hallway floor. When I woke up, my blouse had been torn exposing my small breasts. Shivering at the memory I went down the servant stairs to avoid the prick. Entering the kitchen I went straight to Hazel, the head of the kitchen staff to ask what I could help with. Our father thought we should help with household duties to gain character and an understanding of all the work that was involved. It had been exciting in my youth but as I grew older it became more tedious to both Zaika and I. "You should go to your room and clean up, dear. Your father told us you would be entertaining his majesty this evening. You better get some makeup