Liora had just finished the last of her omelet casserole when Thaddeus burst into the kitchen, his eyes darting until his troubled gaze landed on her. She didn’t seem to be affected by Ronin’s episode.“What happened?” She dropped her napkin, murmuring a quiet thanks to the maid who took her plate away. “Is it Ronin? Is he okay?”“Not here.” He angled his head for her to follow him.They went through the back garden and down the cobblestone steps towards the greenhouse. There was a stone bench beside a mini waterfall that flowed into a pool teeming with fish. He gestured for her to take a seat.“Gamma Wilderwood what’s going on? You’re making me nervous.” Liora rubbed her shoulders, her mind spiraling. If Ronin was dead, she would’ve felt it. Thaddeus scratched the back of his head. How much detail should he give her? “I–um, Ronin’s condition has worsened--and the council– we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands.”He made a shrill bird call, and waited until Maia and Lucien

Ronin walked into the conference room, his dark countenance sucking all banter out of the space. He clenched his jaw as he made his way to his designated chair at the end of the table, ignoring the ‘traitors’ as he passed by.He settled into his seat silently, enjoying the way they squirmed beneath his piercing red gaze. That’s right. They should feel guilty and afraid. The last thing he wanted to do was mate, but they forced his hand. Not that he didn’t consent or enjoy it–he did immensely–but he would have rathered to wait until this business with his broken wolf was settled.Lucien was the first to break the awkward silence. “So,” He said slowly, “I heard a mindless beast is running around, wreaking havoc–in human form?” He leaned forward, lacing his fingers underneath his stubbled chin. “What’s up with that?”“You should focus on the havoc that you have wreaked within the Helm.” Ronin scanned his cousin with a look of malice. “You. Gave. Her. Silphion.”“Did I?--” He ducked the i

Ronin let out a guttural moan, scraping his fangs back and forth over Liora’s neck before sinking them into the two tiny marks of their bond. She whimpered, sliding her hand into his hair and pushing her hips back to meet his slow thrusts. “Why can’t we stop?” She asked, shuddering as they shared another explosive orgasm.Ronin tugged his mouth away to answer her. “It’s the mating thrall. It only happens when two wolves first become mates, then every time the female goes into heat.”“I really should’ve paid more attention to my sex-ed lessons.”Ronin laughed, the musical sound morphing into another growl as he filled her up with his cum. Even though he was the strongest Alpha, he couldn’t resist the mating thrall. He knew it was dangerous, getting tangled with Liora when he could corrupt her, but every time she clamped her walls down around him he felt like he could forget the world outside and stay forever nestled in her tight heat.Not to mention a surprising bonus–they could feel

“Paionía, by the time you read this, I’ll already be halfway across the world, in GREECE?!” Liora held the letter closer to her face, her eyes narrowing with every word she read aloud, “In the meantime, Maia will prepare you for your coronation. Don’t be mad- I’ll explain everything when I get back. Ronin.”Liora swung her feet over the side of the bed, ripping up the letter as she stalked to the bathroom. “Unbelievable,” She huffed, tossing the pieces into the waste bin. As soon as he returned, she would ensure they had a thorough conversation about improving his communication skills.“Ow.” She yelped, feeling a twinge of pain in her left shoulder. Her awareness drew to other areas of her body that were deliciously sore. The mating thrall had left her deeply satisfied, but she still felt a twinge of anxiety in the pit of her stomach.Ronin was all the way in Greece, doing Goddess knows what, while she was here–craving his presence. Walking back to the bedroom, she surveyed their two-

Liora narrowed her eyes. “I’m in control. I’m completely fine.” She’d never felt better in all her life. The strength that coursed through her veins was exhilarating.“A Luna is the equivalent of an Alpha,” Maia explained, using a calm tone. “That means you’ll also have aggression, power trips, and a strong urge to display dominance and control over others.”“You were born an omega. Your designation subdued these emotions,” Nikolai added. “Your rise in station means all these are heightened. You must learn self-control. Especially since there’s the risk of being corrupted through your bond.”Liora thought about what they said for a moment. If she wanted to be a good Luna and prove to Ronin that she could lead, she’d have to listen to them. Technically, they were also her council now.“Alright,” She sighed. “What do I have to do?”Maia smiled, “The best way to learn control is to start by mastering your new abilities.”“Abilities?”“Indeed. As the Helm and descendant of a legacy bloodl