CORONATIONWalking down the rocky path, my eyes strayed to the white rose, peonies, and Myrtle scattered on the ground. I clasped the flowers mentioned above that had been put in a bouquet while I dragged my feet slowly. Halting, I puffed out two breaths before letting my eyes wander away from the flowers. My palms were sweaty and shaky, and for some reason, I desired to run away. Far away from everyone.It was weird I had cold feet on my supposedly happy day.I wouldn't say I had cold feet entirely; within me, I was happy. I'd be with Slade soon, yet I wasn't pleased.The pack received information earlier about the intruders from yesterday, and Slade hadn't lied when he said they had come searching for me, but then there was more to it.Slade was targeted, too; not only he but the throne was also the utmost target. Although no one knew who was involved, not even the seer, it seemed as though the intruders had contacted an even more powerful seer to block ours from seeing their de
WINTER POVAs the Seer continued, she placed a large book-the same she had put in Slade's hand in mine and ordered me to kneel in the circle just like Slade had done.The powers that enveloped me the moment I did were dreadful. I shuddered and gasped as a cold hand gripped me from behind.Glancing around, I saw no one behind me except for the elders encompassing me.I gazed back at the seer and breathed in deeply, and puffed it out slowly.My heart thumped as the book weighed my hands down.I never knew it was as heavy as this. I gritted my teeth and tried to keep a straight face while ignoring the pain that had begun to unfurl in my wrists.Fuck, how had Slade done all these without freaking out?!Was it because he was already an Alpha and had undergone several challenges?!I couldn't tell, but it might be due to that.I made the mistake of staring at the crowd, and I saw my parents gazing at me.I saw the I told you so look on their faces before a false look of concern appeared on t
WINTER POVI thought I'd be able to resist the urge not to have naughty thoughts about Slade all night, but all I tried to do had proved futile.I had been fortunate enough that the ceremony had ended, and as soon as it did, Slade had yanked me away from the crowd and into the mansion.His mouth had closed on mine instantly, and I hadn't objected to it.I didn't want to stop.Even if I had the strength to push him away, I didn't want to stop him.I flushed as I sat on the bed after pacing the room.Slade had excused himself while things were getting heated. Someone had rung him up, and I didn't know where he had left.He had been away for almost an hour, and the desire he had flared inside me slowly dissipated.I thought we'd later do it tonight; I guess I was the only one thinking of such.My cheeks reddened as I thought of how I had behaved wantonly before him.He would think I was a whore!Grimacing, I covered my face with my hands before standing.My dress was beginning to suffoca
Fúck, I couldn't seem to shut up!It sounded raw, and I believe Slade liked it.He grunted. "I won't!"I let in a sharp breath as he pushed me into the door before wrapping his arms around me.Slade's lips covered mine, and he kissed me with much expertise.Groaning, I pulled on the button of the jacket he was still on and gripped his tie, loosening the knots. "Not fair that you are still in this.""So impatient," Slade mumbled, making me glare at him as he let me slide down his body."I don't want to rush things; we have the night to ourselves, darling and making you feel all you need to is what I live for."Slade walked away from me, and he shrugged off his jacket, he tossed it on the swivel chair.Loosening the top three buttons on the inner shirt he donned, I licked my lip as a mat of dark hair peeked out of his shirt.I clenched my hands by myself as the urge to run towards him and caress him filled me.I looked on, ignoring the blush that stained my cheeks, I was aware Slade saw
SLADE POVThe sound of footfalls and shuffling pulled me out of my slumber.My ears twitched, and my eyes narrowed as I sniffled the air;"Jude," I grimaced before I heard a tap outside my door.Glancing at a sleeping Winter, I couldn't help but think about what had happened between us.The remainder of the successful mating was the glowing double Crescent-shaped moon mark on her neck.It was captivating, and I couldn't help but be proud of what I had done.As an Alpha king, that was the mate mark and not the hideous one I had seen on Britney.Caressing her heart-shaped face, I pushed the hair that covered her face to the back of her ear before leaning in to kiss her lips.I grimaced as the knock persisted; I grasped a robe and tossed it on before walking to the door.Yanking it open, I glanced at a flushed face Jude. "To what do I owe you this visit? It's barely morning!""We are getting attacked!" Jude puffed out two breaths and furrowed his brows."What do you mean by we are getting
JUDE POVThe battlefield was shrouded in a thick fog; the only sound was the clinking of armour and the shuffling of feet.I could barely see anything; I knew it was the sorcerer from the enemy doing."Kill them all!" The leader of the attackers that Alpha King Slade had attacked boomed, and several arrows flew through the air instantly.Screams penetrated the air, followed by the thud of falling bodies.I didn't turn to see who had fallen or gotten hit; I couldn't! I'd endanger my life if I lost focus, and I didn't want that."Guard the Beta!" Jordan cried, and several Deltas and Etas surrounded me instantly."Save yourself!" I yelled, pushing through them. I needed no guarding.I wondered if it could save me from getting killed, but I knew I needed to protect the pack. My loyalty lies with Alpha king Slade, and safeguarding what was his was my priority.I didn't care if I died doing it or not."Fúck, magic is involved!"I swirled as I heard a scream. My eyes narrowed as a figure app
Winter POV"Summer," I said, and she nodded to affirm. I grimaced and breathed out slowly while trying to keep an eye on both women before me.It wasn't a friendly visit; it didn't look like it.Were both involved in the battle? I couldn't tell; still, they knew something about it, and I believed so."What do you want?" I asked after a while of silence.Summer shrugged and walked closer, "Why the sulky face? Didn't you miss me? Because I did.""Cut to the chase, Summer; why are you here?""To take what is rightfully mine and hers..." Summer twisted her lips before turning to where Britney stood."I have nothing of yours!" I snapped."Perhaps, reminding you will be great." She tilted her head before smiling, "I hate to do this because I like keeping it for the last moment, but you leave me no choice."Summer stretched her hand, and I glimpsed a substantial egg-shaped brass ring on her index finger. It was an old-fashioned ring accentuated with a large transparent black oval-cut gem.I
SLADE POVRushing towards Winter as she rolled down the last staircase, I gripped her hand and cupped her face.She jerked and gasped. Her breathing was ragged, and her eyes flashed; it was golden one time, blue another time And white.I grimaced as her temperature spiked higher than usual.I could literally see steam coming out of her body."Winter," I said slowly, hoping she'd respond.Winter winced and furrowed her brows while staring at me with unfocused eyes. "Slade,"I nodded, sniffing back the tears that gathered in my eyes. "Are you Alright?"That should probably be the worst question to ask someone who had just fallen from the uppermost floor to the ground floor of the building. Yet, I did not know what to ask."Are you crying?" She asked, rather than the response I was hoping for."No, no!" I mumbled, blinking away the blurriness that clouded my eyes.I sniffed, attempting to push back the tears further, but it was futile, and I felt a liquid drop.Clutching her hands tightl