From Alexandre's POV Taking a shower with her was the most amazing experience I ever had. The moment I stepped inside the shower I lost all control. I stood there quietly admiring her entire body. I was jealous of the water running down her flawless olive skin. The way her breast perked at the slightest hint of a cold chill set fire to my lions. I watched her through the glass door for a moment, her eyes closed as she let the water run down. She turned her back to me and caught sight of her perfectly round ass. I wanted to go in there and join her, but instead, I just stood there, mesmerized. I felt my heart racing as I watched her body delicately glistening with the water droplets. I had to take a deep breath to calm myself down. I couldn't resist any longer and I opened the door, allowing the warm steam to engulf us both. I was now standing in the back of her, and I felt so alive as I wrapped my arms around her waist. I felt the sparks of the mate bond rush through me. She turned

From Arina's POV We planned on having the ceremony within two weeks' time. This would give everyone enough time to compose themselves and enough time to get informed of the entire kingdom of the Lycan Princess's death. Penelope decided to hire someone to do the catering and decor as she was not up to doing it herself. Once we settled on the day and time, Leonidas and Penelope returned back to their room. Bryan and maribelle stayed away this morning allowing the former King and Queen space. Thiago had not been seen since we arrived, so he too decided to give everyone space. My father had walked up to his room. He was silent the entire time and I knew he could relate to their loss having died himself. Alexandre and I decided to head out for our run, as we walked outside the three phoenixes waddled behind me the moment we stepped outside they took off into the air. Their wings were magnificent, and I had no idea what other mythical creatures would arise but I was excited to find out. Ki

I stared at all the Phoenix on the front lawn. Different colors, different sizes, but with the same goal in mind: to protect me and to be here for me. I felt a sense of comfort and safety just looking at them. I knew that no matter what I faced, they would be there for me, a loyal companion through life. I was grateful for their presence. But I was also worried about them. Everyone knew that a Phoenix would burn itself and be reborn after some time, but the thought of losing them in battle was still heartbreaking. Alexandre was just as shocked as I was when he saw them. "What are we supposed to do with so many?" Thiago asked. Alexandre shrugged off his shoulders. Unable to form a coherent sentence I turned to him. "Do we need to go to Sicily?" I blurted out. He turned to me with confusion on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked. I explained that Zakara had mentioned that the answers we sought were there. "We have to be there before the next full moon," I said. I braced for his r

From Alexandre's POV During the flight to Sicily, I only thought of my parents. I knew they would hold Aella's funeral in a few hours. Goddess how much I missed her taunting voice. I was overjoyed when she came home because I knew she had been waiting so long to leave that place. Initially, Father sent her to school to study her gifts, but after one semester, she was fed up and decided to venture out independently. Having worked and built her powers alone, she returned home to find that our parents had already left, and I had taken the throne. I was so proud to see how far she had come. Even if I didn't spend much time with her, I knew she would have been a force to be reckoned with. I wanted to honor her legacy and keep her memory alive in some way. After twelve hours of flying, I was ready for some much-needed rest. The hotel was our first stop after getting off the plane. On arrival, we headed to pick up our rental. I notified the Alpha of the main pack that we would be arriving

From Arina's POV I was nervous. I had no idea what to expect. The most terrible thoughts ran through my mind as we drove to the Running River Pack. Alpha Jax sent two cars, as he instructed; my father and I rode together while Alexandre and Thiago rode in the other car. "Relax, Arina; we are sure to be fine. Nothing terrible will happen; if anything, this is a positive thing," Zakara said as she pranced around in my head. For her, this was something extraordinary, but for me, this was uncharted territory, not to mention this was also my mother's pack we were going to, which had me even more on edge. I shifted in my seat, feeling uncomfortable. "Is everything okay with you?" My father's voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I smiled at him. "Dad, when were you here last?" I asked. With a heavy heart, he patted my head and smiled, "The last time I was here was the day I promised your mother I would return for her." I hugged him tightly, and tears started flowing down my face. We