Eighty six*Freya*I rolled carefully out of bed so as not to disturb Rafe's slumber, I tiptoed across the chamber to the window. The morning's first light was just starting to paint the sky in streaks of rose and amber. I placed a palm on the cool glass and closed my eyes."Please," I prayed on a thread of a whisper. "Please let me get pregnant soon. Let me bear Rafe's heir and fulfill my destiny at his side. And keep our future child safe from those who might wish them harm."I didn't know if the Moon Goddess could hear my plea. But I had to hope. For myself, for Rafe, for our love. For the kingdom pack and kingdom.Opening my eyes, I squared my shoulders with determination. No matter what enemies lurked in the shadows, seen or unseen, I would face them head on. I would fight to my very last breath to protect those I loved and the future we were destined to build together.With a newfound resolve flowing through my veins, I stood up carefully and made my way to the bathroom, intent
Eighty seven*Rafe*I silently watched Freya, my heart heavy with sorrow and fear. She lay on the bed, her skin as pale as the moonlight that filtered through the window. Her breaths were shallow, her pulse weak. I felt utterly helpless, watching the life drain out of the love of my life with each passing minute.There had to be something more I could do, some way to save her. But my mind was empty, my thoughts jumbled and confused. And then it hit me. Like a bolt of lightning, a name came to me.A name I had hoped never to utter again. A name that tasted like ashes on my tongue. A name even Connor wouldn't approve of.But did I have a choice? With Freya's life hanging in the balance, I knew I had to make a decision. And so I spoke it, the name that would probably change both our lives."Sersia," I whispered. My voice trembling.Connor's head snapped up, his eyes flashing with disbelief and undisguised horror. "You can't be serious," he hissed. "That witch is dangerous! Rafe. She was
Eighty eight*Rafe*I stared at Freya's still form lying next to me, my heart clenching with anguish and fear. Her slender body had been shaking violently just moments before, seized by whatever dark magic was attacking her very life force. But now she was unnaturally still, her chest barely rising and falling with shallow breaths. I couldn't stand the sight of her so still and pale, like a porcelain doll that had been drained of all life. It was my fault, I knew, that she was lying here on this bed, fighting for her life. I had put her in this position with my doubts, allowing her to be targeted by the other ladies. I knew Freya was under the pressure to give me an heir. I wished I had not put her in such a position "fuck it!" I yelled angrily. But I couldn't let myself give into the guilt and self-pity that threatened to consume me. I had to focus on helping her, finding a way to save her before it was too late.Gently, I brushed a strand of dark hair from her ashen face, my finger
Eighty Nine*Rafe*I was still unnerved by the fact that my thoughts were not safe but I tried not to let it show. Sersia wasn't fooled because her smile widened at my confusion, her expression almost pitying. "I have my reasons for being here, reasons that are none of your concern. Now, do you want me to save your precious lady or not?" "Yes." I answered frustratingly."And you do know that...with every favor, comes a price?" That infuriating smile was back on her face. She knew that she had us where she wanted us and she was enjoying it. What could she possibly ask from me?I swallowed hard, pushing down my pride and the countless questions burning on my tongue. There would be time for answers later, after Freya was safe."Yes," I said hoarsely, my voice barely above a whisper. "Please, save her. I'll do anything."The witch's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she turned back to Freya, her gnarled hands hovering over my lady's body. "Anything," she repeated softly, the word hangi
Ninety*Rafe*Sersia began chanting in a language that sounded ancient and powerful. The air around us seemed to shift and crackle with energy as she drew symbols and runes into the air with her hands. Sersia's chanting grew louder and more intense, her hands moving in intricate patterns as the magic flowed through her and into Freya.Beside me, I could see the fear in Connor's eyes, but he stayed still, trusting me to protect Freya.And then it was my turn. Sersia turned to face me, her voice booming as she spoke the words of the ritual. I bared my teeth and prepared to bite into Freya's neck, knowing that this was the only way to save her.I leaned down, my heart pounding in my chest as I brought my mouth to Freya's wrist. Her skin was cool and clammy beneath my lips, and I could feel the faint thrumming of her pulse, slow and weak. I hesitated for a moment, my fangs grazing her flesh, before I closed my eyes and bit down.The moment my teeth pierced her skin, a burst of energy expl
Ninety one *Freya*I stared at Rafe, his muscular frame lying still and unconscious on the bed I had just woken from moments ago. I studied his still form. He looked so peaceful. Like he was in a deep deep slumber. But he was unconscious. And I was the reason for it.Tears streaked my cheeks as the events of the past night came rushing back to me. Someone had tried to kill me, to end my life with poison. And Rafe...brave, selfless Rafe...had saved me. He had burst into my room, finding me collapsed on the floor, the poison already ravaging my body. When they realized I had poison inside of me, Without hesitation, he had sealed his mouth over my poisoned wrist, sucking the venom out, taking it into himself. He had sacrificed his own wellbeing for mine.A sob wracked my body as I reached out a shaking hand to brush a lock of dark hair from his feverish brow. His skin was pale, sheened with sweat, his breaths shallow and labored. I had never seen him look so vulnerable, my strong, fear
Ninety two *Freya*Rafe looked so vulnerable lying there, his handsome face unnaturally pale, dark lashes fanned out against his sculpted cheekbones. Tears prickled my eyes as I stared at him.I'd always found him breathtaking, but now, with the knowledge of what he'd risked for me, what he'd sacrificed, he'd never seemed more beautiful. Or more beyond my reach.Rafe was everything I'd ever wanted. Strong, brave, compassionate. A true leader who inspired loyalty in all those around him. His people adored him, and with good reason. He always put their needs before his own.And this time, he'd put my life before his. The king of the werewolves had bargained with his mortal enemy, spilled his own blood, all to save a lowly, wolfless nobody like me. I didn't deserve his selflessness. Especially not when my very existence apparently posed a threat to him and everyone else I cared about. But I couldn't stop myself from needing him, like I needed air in my lungs and a heart beating in my c
Ninety threeI turned back to Rafe, my hand still clasped tightly in his limp grasp. Bending down, I pressed a tender kiss to his feverish forehead, silently willing him to wake up. To come back to me. I couldn't help but feel like I was losing him. Like he was slipping away from me while I stood helpless by his bedside.I absentmindedly stroked his silky hair. I didn’t know how I knew but I had a feeling he would open his eyes soon. I glanced at the side mirror and registered my disheveled look. I couldn’t let Rafe see me like this whenever he woke up. I needed to take sometime to get myself together. I dropped a soft kiss on his forehead. "I'm going to freshen up," I whispered, my voice catching in my throat. "But I'll be right back, my love. I promise."With a heavy heart, I started to pull away, to force myself to leave his side. But suddenly, shockingly, I felt Rafe's fingers tighten around mine, refusing to let me go.I froze, my breath catching in my chest as I stared down at