Serana POV.Since remembering the way my mother was killed, I have tried to shut it out, but I can’t. I’m sitting in the grand living room with a box of pictures and photos of my parents. I smile at each one and even laugh.“This is how you should remember them.” Vilkas says from my side as I lean into him as he rubs soothing circles on my arm.“Yeah, that is what I’m trying to do. It’s just hard. Every time I close my eyes, I see her lifeless eyes looking back at me.” I focus on the photo in my hand when I feel him tighten his hold on me.“It’s ok to remember the good times. Don’t let what happened to them burrow inside. Let it go. Look at it this way. She protected you. She ran with you, knowing they were coming for you. She fought for you, so did your father. You stayed alive because deep down you knew there was more to this. Baby, you need to let the pain go or it will consume you.” I take a deep breath at his statement and I know he is right, but the pain I feel is fuelling the f

Vilkas POV.Turning with Serana and seeing Starci in the state she is in, I have no words, no emotion, nothing. She deserves everything she is going to get by my mate’s hands. The Lycans did a number on her, yet she can still look defiant even in her current situation.Serana goes to step forward, but I grab her back. She turns to look at me, and I can see Bedelia shining in her eyes.“I know you want to kill her. Let’s see what happens first.” She pulls her arm out of my grasp and turns to fully look at me. My eyes widen at what I have just done and said to her.“You fucking idiot. Let her kill the bitch.” Jaka roars in my head, but I need her to think clearly and right now, she isn’t.“Why? Do you still have feelings for her?” Fuck! I shake my head at my stupidity.“No, I don’t. I love you, Serana. Just wait to see what the Lycans want to do with her first before you kill her.” She looks taken aback by what I have just said when she squares up to me. Her eyes blazing.“Not so long a

Serana POV.I staggered at the words of my mother and looked at her with confusion.“Why me? Why should I decide?” I ask her as I shake my head in disbelief at her words. She looks at me sadly as she approaches me, but I back away from her.“The Gods have seen all you have been through. It is your decision to make, Serana. I know it was me who placed the curse. I can’t make this decision. It has to be you. I have seen everything you have been through and it hurts my heart that I wasn’t there physically to save you. I’m sorry, my love.” She reaches from my cheek and I turn my head away and look out over the ocean.“I need to be alone,” I say sadly as I look down as I walk away. The island is huge. I walk along the shoreline feeling the water lap at my feet.“This is bullshit! We shouldn’t have to choose. What the fuck are they playing at?” Bedelia is fuming, and who can blame her? The betrayal of everything is still raw. Then to add to this to the mix is just fucking cruel. I have to m

Serana POV.As he promised, he left me alone to my pity party, as he called it, and guess what? I did just that. It has been a week since I was shown the truth. Now I’m drinking for a totally different reason. I feel ashamed. Ashamed that I never believed him. Ashamed that I didn’t see it was her manipulation. I’m a fucking joke for believing her.I slump over the cool wood of the desk and look at the empty bottle at my side.“Ok, I’ve had enough of this. Get up and face him. Tell him you’re sorry and you will behave yourself.” I ignore her again. This is what she has been saying to me for the past few days.“No, and you can’t make me.” I say, feeling triumphant when she pulls me up against my will.“Watch, because I can and I will. Enough Serana. You are a queen and your people and this kingdom need you sober and in control. Not mopping around and pissed out of your fucking skull. Now you are going to leave this office, you are going to shower, get changed and sort your damn head out

Serana POV.After the revelation of my impending heat, I have become nervous, especially around the unmated males within the palace. Do you ever get that the feeling you are being constantly watched? Yeah, well, that is what I am feeling everywhere I go. The wolves are not so subtle as they take sniffs of the air, and I know we need to find this sacred, secluded space fast. Otherwise it will be a bloodbath.“Hey, girly. How are you?” Pascha says as she sniffs the air. I freeze when I see her eyes glaze over. I take a step back when she shakes her head and smiles at me.“Sorry, you just smell delicious. I just want to lick you.” I gasp at her words and watch her cautiously. Please God, no! Don’t tell me it affected those that are mated female and male alike.“Nope, not happening. Back up Pasch. I don’t want to hurt you.” I say to her and she chuckles as she goes back to her coffee. Her and Lara are no longer working here, they still live here, they are family and here they don’t need t