“Do I really have to do this, Orrin?” Anja whines for the umpteenth time today.I explained last night that Anja would need to learn the ways of Zidiah and its Royalty. She’s our Queen now, and it’s time she learned all there is to know, including our history. Anja had wanted to spend the day with Tracey, but there will be time for that later.We’re walking hand in hand towards the library, where Keley, our historian, is waiting. Keley will teach Anja everything she needs to know about Zidiah and all who came before me.“Yes, Anja, you have to do this,” I answer as we stop outside the library. I look at my mate. “You are the Queen, Anja. You must learn our heritage to be the best Queen you can be,”Anja smiles while cupping my cheek with her free hand. “I

“Neither of you were in pain, feeling your mate be intimate with someone else?”Mother smiles slightly. “In the beginning, yes. Goddess, it was excruciating! But Dermot and I went to see a witch, not May, who sold us a spell that would mask the pain, leaving us free to be with those we loved. We stayed with our lovers for a while, but the mate bond kept pulling Dermot and me together. We were never physical, though it was hard not to give in when the bond was strong.“Then, one day, Dermot grabbed me and kissed me be

The pack finally joined my family. Everyone is in wolf form, all running with their youngest princess for the first time. The pack weren’t permitted to join the ceremony, but it was their right to join the hunt. Wolves of all colours and sizes rush to Kera, Adore’s wolf, with offerings of various woodland animals. It’s tradition for the pack to gift Royal wolves with food upon their first transformation. Kera is a beautiful white and tan wolf, and her coat is stunning. Alarick stands to the side, watching Kera in her element at being the centre of attention. ‘Mate is unhappy,’ Alarick mumbles. He turns his head towards Asha, and I sigh. She’s standing off to the side, alone, looking anywhere but at us. This is all my fault; I’ve neglected Anja for the past few days. It wasn’t intentional, but I had so much on my mind that I drifted for a while. It was wrong of me. As Alpha and King, I know that I need my Queen; it’s the only way to get through the hard times. I swore at our mating

At first, I was angry. I tried to find all sorts of excuses as to why I hated the man, but nothing came to mind. I spoke to the elders about Liam, and I heard nothing but praise. According to Elder Mason, Liam was the clown, always making people laugh. Everyone was drawn to him because he just had that kind of personality.Dermot was the more serious of the two, always following in his father’s footsteps. He never defied his parents, apart from when it came to Annabelle. Grandfather couldn’t stand Liam for whatever reason and made his son’s life hell any chance he got.Elder Cane said that Liam put on a mask for those around him. He didn’t want anyone to see the truth; that’s why he acted like a fool all of the time. Liam’s only true happiness was my mother. When that was taken from him, he had no choice but to go.

  “Orrin, calm down,” Anja’s hand on my face has me looking at her.   My heart skipped a beat when Anja walked into my office, wearing black trousers and a matching long blazer, hair in a French twist. I can’t believe how lucky I am sometimes.   She climbed into my lap and wrapped her arms around me. Just feeling Anja against me calmed my nerves a little.   I shouldn’t be nervous; I’m King. But the truth is that I am terrified of meeting Liam. He may be my biological father, but I don’t know him as such, and I’ve had mere days to get used to this. I can’t hide away from the man because he’s my mother’s mate, and they deserve my blessing.   I could deny their bond and have Liam sent away, as is my right. But I would lose my mother and sisters because they’d all go w