Aluxious threw a concerned look at his mate, who insisted on walking by his side despite his demand to carry her. He slowed his pace, but she marched forward with an enthusiasm he felt inside. At least they found something to eat first. On the way, they found a herd of wild buffaloes. He made sure to cook it well with the herbs so she could eat. Reyna slipped over a log, but steadied herself before he reached out. "Let me carry you," he insisted again. "I like walking." She did not slow down. Her wandering eyes took in their surroundings and the broad smile on her face told him she loved his kingdom. "Your kingdom is full of life. And it is bright. So bright," she said in a dreamy voice that warmed his heart. "It's our kingdom," he corrected her and watched her expression brighten further. It surprised him that she appeared normal and showed no signs of distress. That morning he woke to a soft tickling sensation to see her covered in feathers.

Reyna rested her head over the edge of the bathtub and closed her eyes. Her thought horses took off at full speed as she soaked her aching limbs in warm water. The fragrance essential oil drifted to her nose. It calmed and relaxed her nerves. It was different from the oils she used before, but she liked this one. That morning Aluxious arranged her a bath before heading out. Hayden guarded the door. She opened her eyes and stared at the wall opposite her. Outside the bathing chamber, the maids worked to clean every inch of the bedroom. Last night she didn't notice much due to the months of exhaustion and the need for sleep. When she woke this morning, she couldn't ignore the distinct smell of the other female inside the room. When she ordered for deep cleaning, the maids threw her varied looks. Reyna couldn't blame them. They expected Freya to become their queen. Instead, they got a vampire, their mortal enemy as their King's mate. Two of them stared a

Reyna lounged in the open balcony of the bedchamber. With her mate's third-in-command watching over her, no one dared approach her. She gazed into the distance admiring the setting sun. The skies of Selene held a golden tinge that in the evening. The floating clouds simmered creating a magical moment. Her mate left her earlier to handle a few things. She cradled her stomach as she leaned on the couch. Danger surrounded her. Unlike her kingdom, she didn't know the demons lurking around. That made her nervous jittery. A familiar sensation tugged at her heart. She knew immediately her mother was trying to reach her. Relief flooded her knowing her mother still breathed. She closed her eyes and regulated her breathing as she reached out to the invisible string pulling at her. Her conscious spiraled the moment she touched the string. The next time she opened her eyes was to see her mother waiting at the riverbank. This time the sun shone brightly at

Aluxious sat in the armchair that overlooked the king-sized bed in his chamber. In the bed, his mortal body lay curled around his mate. He gazed down at his corporeal form. He could wander anywhere and no one will know. Thanks to his beloved mate. Her blood made him stronger and nearly invincible. Despite Reyna's assurance, he didn't trust anyone to keep them safe. So, ever since they came here he guarded their mortal bodies in this form. A sigh slithered past his lips as he reclined further in the chair and stared at the ceiling. His gaze swung back to the balcony when something moved in his peripheral vision. Aluxious relaxed when he noticed it was just the wind. A soft, feminine moan drew a smile from his lips. Even in her sleep, his mate reached for him, snuggling into his body as much as possible. A sigh of contentment left her once she settled. Never in his nine lives did he think he would mate a vampire. But as surreal as the moment felt, he re

They attacked in the darkest hour of the night. A blade sliced through the curtains. The swish sound woke the sleeping beast. Or rather it woke the beast pretending to be asleep. Aluxious caught the blade between his thumb and index finger. The poison burned his skin. He swallowed the pain and sent the blade in the same direction, catching the assassin off guard. Beside him, Reyna stirred. He patted her arm and she relaxed. More assassins poured in as they saw him awake. Swords glinted in the distant moonlight that slipped through the gap between the curtains. The cold wind blew through the now open balcony doors. Aluxious slipped out of the bed. One assassin lunged at him with his sword outstretched. The lycan king dodged the pointy edge and grabbed his arm. He twisted the arm, breaking bones with a crunching sound. The alpha caught the sword before it fell on the floor. He lifted a finger to his lips, silencing the others. He snapped his neck as the