MAYA.“How do you feel?” I ask frantically, as I run my hands over him to check for what? I do not know. But the excitement at seeing him awake still runs through me. “Are you in any pain? Is the poison gone? You know what?” I say as I straighten myself and begin heading to the door. “I will go get Eric.”“Maya,” he calls. His voice is raspy to hear, probably caused by the days he hasn't used it. “I am fine. Spare me the dealers for a while and come sit.”“But-” I begin, pointing toward the door.“Maya. Come sit.”His voice sounds serious, something he usually isn't.He definitely heard my ramblings about Natalie.Damn it.I knew I should have just shut up.With a resigned sigh, I walk back to the bed and plop my behind beside him.“What's up?” I ask.Like I don't already know.“Like you don't already know,” he unknowingly, echoes my thought. “What is this about wanting to get rid of Natalie and having Damien for yourself? Maya?”“It's complicated,” I start to answer.“No. It really i

DAMIEN.“I suggest a total break from all strenuous duties, * Eric says. “At least for two more weeks. Of course, this is coming from my medical point of view. I have no idea what effects such a malevolent poison like that could have wrought on his body.”“He is not going to like that,” I tell him. “He is always on the go. Always moving. A two week sabbatical will be enough to drive him mad, with boredom.”“Maybe you could find something to keep him busy. Paperwork. Um, recruitment, anything really. As long as he does not put too much physical effort on his body.”“Got it. Thanks, Eric,” I tell him as I turn to leave.”“Anytime.”There is a spring in my steps as I head back to the room. Lucas is alive. He is going to be fine. I have lost no one. My mate is safe. Maya is back, acting weird, sure, but safe.The other Alphas are willing to put the past behind them. Everything is going great.“Sure. Except for the fact that the evil witch is being possessed by an even more evil entity,”

NATALIE.I feel like a princess.A Greek princess.One from a fairy tale.With a dashing handsome prince -or should I say king.I didn't mind not having a mating ritual slash ceremony.It didn't really bother me.As long as everyone knew whom I belonged to and who belonged to me.But man, I am glad that Damien talked me into this.I can't believe this is what I was giving up.Damien looks dashing in his green ensemble as he stands under the beautifully crafted wedding arch. Like a real life Prince Charming.My prince charming.He has been so wonderful through it all. Patient and loving and even when he was frustrated, it was never directed at me.He really is perfect.And now, everyone, everywhere will know he is mine. And anyone who seeks to divide us will be seen as the villain.Cough- Maya.I hope she is watching. I hope whatever thoughts about getting Damien for herself that are circling in her head grind to a halt and fly out of her head.As I arrive at the arch and stand facing

MAYA.“...Maya, I never saw you in a romantic light…”“...Natalie is my mate and that is how it is always going to be, in death or life…”“...I abandoned you. I am sorry...”“...you will have to leave the pack…”His words continue to echo in my ears as I race through the mansion, tears blurring my vision as I head toward my room.Did he have to be so callous with me?I burst into my room and fling myself into the bed, startling Tanya in the process, if her yelp is anything to go by.“Woah!” she exclaimed as leaps from the bed. “Damn it, Maya. Don't scare people like tha- Maya? Maya, what's wrong? What happened?”I don't answer her.I can't.The sobs stop me from doing so.In the deepest recesses of my heart, I knew I had these coming.Everyone had warned me.My wolf had warned me.I had seen his behavior around her and yet I kept at it.Why did I continue?Why couldn't I stop?Now, Damien had told me his mind. It wouldn't be a choice.I am just an interloper.“Aaargh,” I scream into

DAMIEN“I don't even know what to pack,” Natalie snaps as she looks through her wardrobe. “Do I pack for warm weather or freezing weather? What about food? Should I pack a camp bag or will that be provided for me? Why can't they just be specific for once?!” she snaps.I turn in silence from my position of resting on the wall -at a far corner of the room- to look at Fredja, who is sitting on one of the couches.“Well, answer her,” I say.She sends a small glare my way before turning back to Nat.“I am sure your meals and accommodation will be provided,” she says. “As-”“How sure of that are you?” Nat asks, cutting her off. “Did she tell you that? And why isn't she talking to me? Why you? No offense, but I am the one going for this training, you would think that the communications would be with me, for at the very least to comfort me!” “I don't know why she is reaching out to me instead. Bear in mind, this is also new for me. Let's try and be understanding.”“Understanding? Me? You kno