Alpha Dominic's POV:I could feel the pain my mate was sufferingand didn't hold Carden back from attacking anyone who came his way. He wantedto tear open the princess's heart, the one who had tried to make us intoxicatedenough to mate with her. Carden angrilyroared inside my chest and attacked the Alpha standing closer to us. Theconfusion and aggression arising because of the situation was tearing me down.But we knew that punishing the culprits was not as important as taking care ofour mate who was crying out in pain.And why did they want to kill my mate?I took her into my arms and carried her toa bed in the guest room. Her body was sore and she wasn't recovering at a goodspeed. I mind linked with my beta and ordered him to fetch the pack doctor.As I placed her on the bed, I noticed hersoft features. She didn't look a day older than eighteen—I hoped she was atleast that old. I moved a few strands of hair that covered her face.The footsteps of my men approached, and an
Astrid's POV:My eyes snapped open after a very horrificnightmare I had. My head was spinning and the memories resurfaced after fewminutes. My mate had saved me from being dead and he even fought off the Alphafor me. My back hurt and I wasn't able to lift my neck from the pillow. "Shift. We will heal quickly. You knowwe have done it many times. " Malessia spoke with a sweet voice. It was just as usual when the king orprincess used to punish me and I wasn't allowed to have a day off. I had beenbeaten worse than that and the only thing which I was proud of was the abilityof my wolf to heal in its primal form. With lots of struggle, I stood up fromthe bed and shifted. It was too painful and I was worried if it could go wrong.The open wounds on my limbs began fillingup and the fur came over my flesh. I heard few of my bones reassembling ontheir bone. It was unbearable and I wanted to howl in pain but let out amuffled voice to ease down the pain. After my wolf could no longe
Astrid's POV:Marilyn is a young maid with a deep set of brown orbs. Her curly hair was tied in a low bun, and the sleeves of her long gown were rolled up to her elbows.She quickly held the corner of my long gown, which was preventing me from moving. Her eyes ran over my few injuries, but she didn't ask me anything about them."How long have you been working here in the Royal chambers? " I asked her as we walked in the quiet and long corridor."It's around a year, Luna. I am not as experienced as others. " She worriedly replied as if I was asking her this question because I wanted to taunt her."You are perfect! For some reason, I never seem to have enough friends. With a grin on my face, she looked at me hopefully."You are so nice. The empire will love you, " Marilyn said in her childish voice.Within ten minutes, we stood before a beautiful chamber door. Marilyn asked me to enter it first while she followed behind me. The chamber was ten times larger than the small dungeon I lived
Astrid's POV:Alpha Dominic’s pheromones made me crazy as his fingers ran across my teary cheeks. I clutched his wrist as he encircled my mouth with his thumb.As we peered into each other's eyes, it was as though we were each searching for the answer to an unspoken question; the look between us said it all. Our connection couldn’t be broken. For our love was a truly special bond, as if we had been mated for a hundred years ago and knew each other well."Open your mouth, " he ordered. I followed his command, and he pushed his thumb between my lips. "Suck," he said, releasing a heavy breath.It was out of the ordinary for me to engage in sexual activity, but my emotions and his proximity rendered me shameless enough to do anything for him.He lowered his head and gave my collarbone a long, wet lick. I froze. My nipples, painfully erect, drawing my attention."I didn't tell you to stop!" He grabbed a fistful of my hair, stared into my soul, and pushed his thumb back into my mouth.Mem
Alpha Dominic's POV: "What’s wrong with you?" Carden shouted in my mind, angry with how I’d behaved toward his Luna.”And now, because of your mistress, she’s having second thoughts.” He demanded that we go for a run in the woods, so he could hunt some animals to relieve his frustration. "You need to calm down," I said flippantly. "Calm down? How can I calm down? What the hell were you going to tell her anyway? About your dead mate and that you don't need a woman in your life?” He wasn’t wrong, so I didn’t respond. What could I say? "Coward! Answer me," he demanded. "Yes. Okay. Are you happy now? Yes, I was going to tell her that she shouldn't expect anything from me other than a pack name and protection. Unlike you, I am not looking for love!" I roared. Carden quieted. Another fight with my wolf. I shook my head. Of course, because that’s what I needed at the moment. It wasn’t like I needed to focus on other, more important things. Ugh. I met with Beta Alexander, who was w
Astrid's POV:"I am sure Carden was hurt by his behavior, too,” Malessia said, her words echoing in my mind as I fled from Alpha Dominic. But her words didn’t sooth me. He’d called me a whore, and the enraged expression he wore when he’d said it was something I would never forget. My mind was in a panic, and I needed my mother. I caught a whiff of her scent and followed it across the hallway. I discovered her leisurely sitting with a couple of maids, one who did her hair while the other applied face cream. Seeing the joy on her face made me smile. Her bruises had healed, and her face glowed. This was the life I wanted my parents to have.Her head turned toward me, and our eyes met. I gave her a cheerful smile, and her face lit up, too."Astrid! My baby." She stood and opened her arms, taking me into a tight embrace. I rested my head over her shoulder and closed my eyes, forgetting everything, at least for a moment."Were you crying, sweetie?” she asked.It seemed pointless to lie to
Astrid's POV:My legs shook with fear while a maid helped the princess stand. Then, as the princess approached me, flashbacks of beatings and torture flooded me, vivid and haunting in their realism. The aching of my body, the burning sensation that coursed through my veins, the fear that gnawed at my soul—every moment had felt like an eternity of agony as my mind struggled to comprehend the horror that had become my life. The memories would stay with me forever.The physical pain had been agonizing, but the psychological pain had been even worse. I’d thought I would never be free of from her torture. I’d escaped it for such a short while. But now she was back and sure to make my life a living hell once again.Without thinking, I touched my uncovered face. She watched my every movement, and fear rumbled inside me. Would she hit me with all these people around?Alpha Dominic’s voice entered my mind though our link. "I am here for your protection,” he said. “Don't be scared. She can't do
Astrid's POV:“Don't worry about her,” Alpha Dominic said while looking out of the window. “I will monitor everything she does. You won't be under any threat.” “Thank you for the assurance,” I said, gulping. “I know I am always safe with you.” My heart beat faster as I walked closer to him, though I kept a reasonable distance between us.His body stiffened, and the color of his eyes changed with every blink. "Astrid." My name on his tongue sounded so teasingly beautiful. I wanted him to keep on calling me until all the misunderstandings between us were solved. “I have made a decision regarding our marking ceremony and mating bond. Have a seat, please.” He pulled a chair in front of him.I hesitantly sat, holding the eye contact with him even though it aroused our wolves.“Just sit on his lap and kiss those lips,” Mel screamed in my head, with the heat overpowering her. “His strong thighs could easily balance our weight while we kiss his tasty mouth.”I ignored her demands and patien