Jade shut the door and immediately took Kalista into his arms again."That was just Mary," he said to her. "Her mother wants to host a celebration at night."Kalista knew because she had overheard everything, but all the pleasure she felt a moment ago had disappeared with Mary's unexpected presence. She hooked her arms around Jade's neck and stared into his eyes."What's wrong?" Jade asked when she just stared at him in silence.Kalista let out a deep sigh before she spoke what was bothering her."I know Mary didn't mean to push me, but I don't think her apology was heartfelt," she said softly. "Why do you say that?" Jade inquired, tracing light circles with his hands around her waist."I don't know, but for some reason, Mary doesn't like me," Kalista said and lowered her eyes. "Since the moment she discovered I'm your mate, she's been hostile towards me.""Don't pay attention to her my love," Jade assured her. "She's just jealous you're prettier than her."A pleased smile lit up Kal

The moon was high up in the sky and glowing brightly when Salem stepped into the middle of the gathering and the crowd hushed instantly. Dressed in a flowing black dress with moons amd stars adorning the hem, she looked like a goddess, with her vibrant hair trailing down her back. There was a goblet of wine in her hands and she turned to the crowd before her. The flames from the bonfire lit up her emerald eyes and they glowed like jewels."People of the Mist," she began in a clear voice. "Tonight's celebration is to honor the moon goddess who has never relented in protecting us, the supernaturals, from the dangers of the human world. Also, this celebration is to welcome Alpha Jade, and Orion back into the village, after so many years."There were murmurs of surprise and a few heads turned towards Orion and Jade who was sitting close to Kalista."Thus, let us raise a toast to them, to welcome them back to the village," Salem finished and raised the goblet she held. "To the Alphas of th

Kalista sat listening attentively to Orion as he talked about Athena, his lost mate and the only woman he had ever loved. It was like a romance story, one filled with love and pain. When he got to the part where he got captured by Apollo's men, there was a glimmer of tears in his eyes, and Kalista knew at that moment that there were some wounds that could never be healed. Losing Athena was something Orion would never get over and it broke her heart to see him look so sad and broken."You remind me of her so much," Orion finished and finally turned to stare at Kalista. "Which was why I was plagued with painful memories when I first saw you. You look so much like Athena that one could mistake you for her."Kalista slowly looked away. She knew Orion was in pain, but he had to face reality. There was no way she was his daughter. It just didn't add up."I never knew my real mother," she said softly. "The woman who raised me found me in the forest and took me in. So... there's no way... I'

"I want you to make love to me."Jade felt his breath catch at Kalista's whispered response. It didn't help me when she moved closer and whispered in his ear."And place your mark on me.""Kalista..." he held her waist and backed her up against a tree. His eyes glowed eeriely in the dark, desire swirling in their golden depths. "You don't know what you're talking about.""Why?" Kalista challenged him softly. "Because you've never told me about the mating process? Did you think I wouldn't find out about it?""How in Selene's name do you know about that?" Jade rasped. "I never told you for good reasons."There was no way Kalista would tell him she heard it from Mary. "What reasons, Jade?" she asked instead. "Don't you find me attractive enough?"Jade muttered a curse and grabbed both of Kalista's hands in his large palms. Swiftly, he pinned her hands above her head and leaned into her, letting her feel the heat from his body and the bulge of his arousal.At that moment, he forgot the is

Orion rushed towards where Jade lay with Kalista close behind him. "Jade!" he called out and dropped to his knees instantly. Placing one hand on Jade's neck, he went still, checking to see if he would feel a pulse. There was, but very faint. Jade's temperature was boiling hot and perspiration dotted his head, plastering his hair against his skin. His brows were knitted with discomfort and his breathing came out laboured.Kalista was sobbing quietly beside him, Jade's hand clasped lightly in hers. She began to regret asking him to mark her. "This is all my fault," she whimpered. "I... I never should have asked him to place his mark on me...""Don't blame yourself Kalista,"Orion consoled her. "Jade wouldn't want you to do that. The most important thing now is finding a way to bring out the power of the gem from him."Kalista nodded and moved back as Orion lifted Jade onto his shoulders. She followed closely behind as Orion made his way out of the forest, all the while praying to the