Ryan's POV

I heaved a sigh, frowning as I watched the Amazonian maid race away with the wolfsbane-laced necklace that Carson was supposed to wear. Now, in my defense I thought that Carson would wear the necklace and immediately get sick, thus sending him to bed early so I could catch him and spirit him away from this overly gaudy mansion. I mean, Carson needs simplicity, yet deserves to live it up under my terms.

But since that witch and his mates knew that the necklace (which took my trusted jewelers days to make in advance) was tainted and that harlot decided to burn it to the ground, maybe it was a sign that I was being too rash.

My wolf Thebes knows of it, already blocking me for such a dick move. And I don't blame him one bit.

Anyway, the party seems dead now that Carson is now under close watch with those eight stooges and his friends. And by tomorrow, I'll definitely have to lie low since all the hunters will keeping a close eye on every move that I'll make.

But no matter.

I don't mind the wait. Just as long as Carson knows who I am and what I'm capable of, I'll play the waiting game for as long as I can. The gifts that I'll send will be harmless of course (howbeit thrown away by the maids and guards), but at least he'll know that I'm not a bad guy- for him.

Everyone else can go suck balls.

I smirked as I watched Carson danced the night away with a female Alpha. He looks so elegant in that tuxedo and his body looks so luscious. If only I could stick around just to watch him shift at midnight. I could see his wolf, feline, vampire, hellhound, merman, angel, demon, and dragon- as well as his phoenix in all the glory that matched Carson's beauty.

And the best part? I would know that our future pups would be as powerful as they would be beautiful, royal, powerful, and smart. I'm hoping for two girls.

I sipped on my glass of champagne, smiling as Carson's laughter rang in my ears. "Patience is key to owning you, my love," I murmured. "Tonight was too soon to claim you. I'll bide my time and lie in wait. But know that the game is indeed in play. May the best wolf win and I intend to claim you as my prize."

Downing the last of my champagne, I leave the balcony and head to the first supper while ignoring the "come-hither" stares from unmated wolves. As I said, I only have eyes for one wolf- Carson DuBauer, the Moon Wolf of my dreams."

************

Unknown POV

Ryan Zallenda, the Alpha of the Dark Moon pack of Colorado Springs.

He is as foolish and lovelorn just as his twin brother was foolish and insensitive.

Both brothers have the combined IQ of peanuts, but they can be very deadly and ambitious. And while one brother made the mistake of breaking poor Carson's heart, the other wants him as the future ruler and the Luna of the darkness.

I won't allow it.

As I watched Ryan join others for the first of three dinners, my mind turned to the boy who will soon have another mate who is devoted and noble like the Elite Eight. And my sister- his Mother the Moon Goddess- have given me Her blessing on mating with them. And once Carson begins to shift at midnight, he and I will meet.

You see, he's not only shifting into his nine forms. He'll have a tenth one as well: demigod. And it'll match mine. Because he is destined to mate with me- the Sun God known as Anis, keeper and patron saint of phoenixes and witches. And by the time I and the Elite Eight mate with him, he'll unleash his true potential.

I was greeted by a few passing mates, none of them noticing who I truly was. It's only a little over eight o'clock, but I'm counting down the minutes until midnight. By then, Carson will know his true identity that will leave the world speechless the next day.

His lips as red as a rose.

His hair like the night.

His skin and eyes like copper pennies that glow in the moonlight.

All of that will be more defined as he comes into his new form tonight.

And soon, he and I will meet. I couldn't be happier.
 
It's a short, chapter, I know, but it's setting up for what's ahead! And we know who the ninth and final mate for Carson is! He's Anis the Sun God, who happens to be the Moon Goddess' brother! Child, this story right here...wow!

Anyway, the REAL moment for Carson is coming up next! I'm talking about his initial transformations into his wolf, feline, vampire, merman, angel, demon, hellhound, dragon, and phoenix! And with Anis joining the fray, Carson will also turn into his demigod side! It all goes down in the next chapter, so don't miss it!

Dedication: MermaidAriel13 (Read "You Must Remember This," you guys, because it is so hot right now!)

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