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WARNING: Mild intimate content in this chapter! Nothing major at all, but my younger readers as well as those who are uncomfortable with some intimate content can skip the parts between *~*~* and *~*~*

PLEASE DO NOT COPY MY WORK!

This chapter is unedited so please excuse the grammatical errors. Enjoy!

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Suzzanah's POV

For a couple seconds after Alpha Penson broke the news, the room remained deathly silent. So silent that even I, with my measly human ears, could hear the sound of certain very evident heartbeats.

Or should I say drum-rolls?

The news was new to Cole and the General too, but their initial shock was quickly overtaken by dread about how their King was going to react to the fact.

All eyes were on Zuerien, watching him with tense and apprehensive gazes as though expecting him to spring out of his seat and set off on a wild rampage any minute now. God knew he was capable of doing so.

But very surprisingly, there were no explosions, nothing went up in flames and no one died.

Zuerien remained strikingly composed, his face giving nothing away. And somehow, in ways that I couldn't really explain, this reaction was actually worse.

Once the news had sunk in, his dark eyes moved very calmly- too calmly- from Alpha Penson to me. I bit my lip anxiously as I looked at his stern face, mentally preparing myself to 'octopus-wrap' myself around him using all four limbs if necessary, to keep him from going berserk.

But after spending a few seconds drinking in my appearance, his eyes returned to Alpha Penson. And though his expression was blank, his eyes held so much fiery intensity that I was surprised Alpha Penson hadn't melted into a puddle of molten rock.

And he said but one word.

"Explain"

My body immediately reacted to his deeper, rougher voice, skin prickling and tingling involuntarily. And I knew at that very instant that we were walking on thin ice right now.

Alpha Penson nodded and told him and the others everything he had told me and Rino in the library earlier today - about me having unknowingly given Karina a fragment of my soul in order to ensure her existence, and about how it was now interfering with my ability to mindlink anyone but Zuerien because of Karina's mental block. He also told them about this probably not being the first time something like that had happened with my soul.

Cole looked absolutely horrified and even the General had visibly tensed, but Zuerien still remained terrifyingly calm.

"So right now Karina has a part of Suzzanah's soul which may or may not end up giving her some of Suzzanah's abilities, in addition to her own as the Luna of Hearts?" Cole said shocked.

"It depends on how much of Suzzanah's soul she absorbed", Alpha Penson replied, "If the portion was small then she won't. If it was large, then she probably will. As it is, Karina's will is already acting on Suzzanah's soul too, causing disruptions in her ability to mindlink"

"But shouldn't it be the other way around though?" General Reginald asked, "If its Suzzanah's soul then shouldn't Suzzanah's will precede Karina's?"

"Yes. Technically it should", Alpha Penson replied, "And it probably will too", he said looking at me, "As and when you make a 'soul-centered' decision which clashes with Karina's, I think the fragment of your soul which is inside Karina will heed your will over hers. But this morning when Karina blocked everyone out from mindlinking her, you chose to accept the decision and give her time which is why her mental block remained intact and also affected your ability to mindlink"

"If you knew that Suzzanah could override the mental block on her own ability to mindlink using her will, why didn't you just tell her do so in the first place?" the General asked.

"Because if Suzzanah chose to forcefully take down the mental-block on herself, then Karina may have been forced to do so too", Alpha Penson replied, "At the moment this whole mindlinking thing is new to Karina. It also seems unstable. And even if we don't mindlink her, she may unknowingly begin to mindlink Suzzanah, Rino or maybe even other werewolves just by thinking about them. That could expose her true identity to the Shadow People. And the mental block would prevent that from happening. She is in enemy territory, if we want to protect her, its best that we give her the space she requires"

He was right. We couldn't afford to be reckless when it came to Karina. Right now the Shadow People weren't ill-treating her, but one wrong move and they'd know she's one of us. And then who knew what they would do.

God forbid that happens...

"And because Suzzanah's soul is, as Reginald mentioned- largely human- and Karina now possesses a fragment of her soul, I believe it will help camouflage the Supernatural properties of Karina's soul, allowing her to pass through the Border like the other humans", he said.

"Besides, having a part of Suzzanah's soul inside Karina may turn out to be a good thing", Alpha Penson added thoughtfully, "This way Suzzanah should know if Karina is ever in any real trouble. Maybe she can even help Karina"

My spirits lifted. I really hoped so.

"And I'm guessing that since Karina has a fragment of her soul, they should actually be able to communicate with each other with a lot more ease once Karina takes down her mental block", he said.

"How will I know when she has taken it down?" I asked eagerly.

"I'm guessing you will be able to mindlink with the rest of us normally again when she removes the block", he replied.

I was able to mindlink Marco earlier without any problems. Did that mean she had lifted the mental block?

"How?"

Zuerien's question snapped me out of my thoughts and all eyes zeroed in on him.

"How do we get the fragment of her soul back to Suzzanah?" he asked, dark eyes as cold as a blizzard, "I don't care if Suzzanah's soul is benefiting Karina in any way. I want all of it back in her own body"

I tensed, a bad feeling washing over me, "H-hey, its okay-"

"Its not okay", he cut me off, deep voice growing dangerously rough, "I don't give a shit about the upsides of this situation. My first priority is you. That's your soul. My mate's soul. And I want it back"

He turned his intense inky eyes back to Alpha Penson and asked again darkly, "How?"

Everyone's tense gazes returned to Alpha Penson who shockingly enough, still looked calm, almost as if he had expected this reaction from his King. He breathed deeply, thinking for a second before replying,

"Like I said, Karina currently possesses an alarming excess of soul", he said, "And although her body seems to be containing it for the moment, it must be unstable and as a result, its only a matter of time before it spills over. And when it does, the soul should essentially return to its rightful owner. All it requires is a trigger"

"What kind of trigger?" Cole asked.

"Well...Suzzanah", Alpha Penson replied matter-of-factly.

"I'm the trigger?" I asked confused and he nodded.

"You are the rightful owner of the soul", he said, "Therefore I believe it will return to you when it senses your proximity"

He stopped for a second before adding, "Unless of course, you will it to stay out"

Zuerien's grip around my waist tightened and I turned to find him staring at me intimidatingly. His dark eyes bore into mine deeply and I knew what they were saying.

Don't you dare will it out, mate

I chewed on my lip nervously, avoiding his chilling gaze, "W-Well, you know...you never know when someone may need a little extra soul-"

"They can find it elsewhere", Zuerien grated, pulling me ever closer, "My Luna's soul is not for sale. Especially not when she barely has any left for herself!"

Even though his voice was stern and borderline chiding, his concern for my well-being shone through it clearly. I couldn't blame him for being this way. If it was his soul that was being depleted, I might have felt the same way he was feeling at the moment.

"That's right", the General said turning to Alpha Penson, "You said Suzzanah may have been lacking a portion of her soul even when she started working at the Royale Industries. If that's the case then even if she does get back the fragment which Karina supposedly possesses at the moment, it won't be whole. What about the rest of it?"

"If we can figure out who has it, then we can find a way to get it back", Alpha Penson replied, "But we don't know who has it though...and it may even be multiple people"

Zuerien's eyes flashed golden and Rino, Cole and I tensed, exchanging quick looks, mentally preparing for World War 3.

I quickly patted Zuerien's chest, "Hey, hey. For now lets concentrate on the fragment we do know the whereabouts of, huh?" I said hurriedly, "And speaking of whereabouts, were you guys able to find out where Karina is right now in Dublin?"

"Not exactly", General Reginald replied, "We don't know where exactly Terrence Magnifis, Karina and their company are staying but its definitely deeper in their side of the city, nowhere near the border. The distance reduces the chances of Karina escaping into our territory"

"But Karina will be by the Border in Jervis Street the day after tomorrow though, as per Prophecy's predication", Cole said thoughtfully, "I wonder why they made the mistake knowingly of bringing her so close to our territory"

"Seems like Terrence Magnifis wants to keep her where he can see her, close to him", I replied dejectedly.

"But he's a Shadower. If he wanted to, he could keep watch on her even from several miles away using his Shadow Sight", Alpha Penson said, "But he does seem to want to keep her by his side as far as possible, and understandably so"

Cole nodded, "True. So far it looks like Karina has been doing a rather fine job of escaping their security all on her own", he said, "Maybe Terrence thinks that the only way to ensure that she doesn't run away is by making her stick close to him at all times, even if it means bringing her to the Border"

"Indeed, it does seem that way", Alpha Penson agreed, "In any case, it is good news for us. It gives the opportunity to utilize a more direct approach to rescue Karina instead of trying to retrieve her from deep with the Shadow Side of Dublin which would, no doubt, be far more complicated and risky"

"Its also fortunate that we have them so close to us in Shared Territory which increases our chances of being able to get to her", he added, "Speaking of which, were you able to find out what brought the Shadow King to Dublin in the first place?"

"Apparently he's here to meet with a few Faery Elders of interest who've gathered in Dublin for the Mid-Summer Festivities", Cole replied and Alpha Penson's brow rose in acknowledgement.

"That's right. I had forgotten that the Mid-Summer Faery Festival was being hosted in Dublin this year", he said before looking at Zuerien meaningfully.

Zuerien didn't say a word, but whatever Alpha Penson saw in his eyes seemed to be a confirmation of what he had supposedly asked him.

Alpha Penson frowned, clasping his hands together as he bent over, "I wonder why he brought Karina to Dublin with him", he said suddenly, "It doesn't seem like a very wise idea to bring your hostage to the territory you share with your sworn enemy"

"The Shadow King has always been strange though", Cole said with a frown, "Always...playing with fire"

His nervous gaze flitted to Zuerien who hadn't uttered a word all this time. This remarkably composed side of him was something I was witnessing for the first time. And as impressive as it was, for some unknown reason, it also rattled me to no extent.

Because unlike the usual, this calm of his seemed to lack depth. It lacked foundation. As though it were a thin wall of fragile glass just waiting to crack. And by the tense looks on everyone's faces, it appeared that they were dreading the thought of it finally happening.

I didn't think I had ever seen the others look this wary of Zuerien before.

They almost look...afraid...

"As much as he enjoys the thrill of doing so, Terrence Magnifis is neither careless nor a fool", Alpha Penson stated sternly, "I can't help but think that there may be more to his bringing Karina here than we know"

On hearing his suspicion, a familiar unease spread through me, concern for my sister's well-being deepening with every passing second. General Reginald and Cole exchanged stiff glances while Rino continued to watch Zuerien cautiously, chewing on his lip.

Zuerien's face gave nothing away, but something about the look in his eyes was deeply pensive. Almost as if what Alpha Penson has just stated had already occurred to him.

"Oh well, there's no use fretting about what we don't know", the General said, "When we get Karina back we can find out from her why he brought her here"

"If she knows", Rino added.

"True", the General agreed, "But anyway John, I heard that Prophecy told you that she teleported not only to California but also to Dublin on the day that we were travelling here from the States"

Alpha Penson smiled mysteriously, "Where on earth did you hear that?" he asked making me and Rino exchange confused glances.

Hadn't Alpha Penson told us that himself?

The General's eyebrow twitched in irritation, "Is it true or is it not?" he asked impatiently.

"It is true", Alpha Penson replied, "A short while after she informed us all that she was teleported to California, she told me that she was also teleported to Dublin again"

"Was it Jervis Street again on the 28th?" Cole asked.

"It was the 28th but not in Jervis Street. It was outside the Dublin BorderGuard headquarters", Alpha Penson replied, "And she said that she very distinctly sensed the presence of not just one but both of the Lunas there. The time was 2:27 pm"

Oh that's right! I had totally forgotten about that. She had sensed not just Karina who was the Luna of Hearts, but also Megan...

"So we'll have not one but 2 opportunities to retrieve Karina on the 28th!" The General exclaimed, eyes sparkling with excitement, "This is fantastic news! And not only that, Megan will be there too!"

"Yes but Marco told Megan that if she wanted to see us, she should come here, to the Hotel", Cole said, "So even if Prophecy sensed her there, she may not have come to see us"

"If she didn't come to see us, we won't force her to", I said firmly, making all the men turn to look at me, "I support Marco. And I'm sure she'll come when she is ready"

Everyone nodded and General Reginald sighed in resignation, "Very well then", he said, "We'll have our hands full with trying to retrieve Karina anyway. We'll leave Megan alone for now"

Satisfied, I nodded back.

"Since we'll see her twice on the 28th I think we now stand a fair chance of retrieving her the day after tomorrow, provided everything goes according to plan", the General said, "And once she is back on our side, I'm sure we'll find a way to return the fragment of your soul which she possesses, back to you", he added for good measure, obviously trying to help calm my mate's nerves.

"I don't think we'll have to find a way to do so at all", Alpha Penson said, "Like I said, her soul will most likely return to her the minute it senses her proximity"

"What about the rest of it?" Zuerien asked, his voice gruff, "We need to find who else possess her soul. I want it all returned to Suzzanah at the earliest"

"Well, we'll need to get in touch with a distinguished 'Soul Scholar'", Alpha Penson replied, "They should be able to help"

"Soul scholar?" I asked wide-eyed.

"I told you and Rino earlier today about people who spend a large amount of time studying souls and their properties, did I not?" Alpha Penson said, "Those experts who specialize in matters of the soul are called 'Soul Scholars'. They are also Magic wielders but their magic is more 'soul-centered' than anything else"

"How can we get in touch with one?" Zuerien asked.

"I don't know any of them personally but Elder Abé has studied souls, which is why he is so good at analyzing them", Alpha Penson replied, "And although he isn't an expert, I'm sure he knows people who are"

Zuerien nodded, "I'll talk to him about it as soon as he gets here"

"He's on his way", Cole said, "I just got word that he's making his way here along with Lady Yolanda and Lord Heinrich. And Marco said he's coming too"

"Alright"

"And I need to go grab the mission specs we penned down last night from my room, so we can discuss our plans of retrieving Karina later", the General said getting up, "You can go ahead and start the meeting with the League of Magic"

Everyone nodded and he excused himself before leaving.

"If you and Cole want to go freshen up, you can too, Alpha", Alpha Penson said, "You must be tired from all the running today. I'll wait here with the League of Magic"

While they were discussing that, I wondered if I could go change too, even though my clothes were dry now. Now that things seemed a little calmer, I let myself relax and the minute I did, I felt exhaustion flood my body. It came like a flash-flood, bursting through my veins and leaving me completely drained to the point that I suddenly felt it hard to even keep my eyes open.

It happened so abruptly that it hit like a dizzy-spell and closed my eyes, involuntarily slumping against Zuerien's chest.

"Suzzanah?!"

I felt him draw me closer and cup one side of my face worriedly as I heard everyone else get up from their seats and rush up to me, crying out my name.

"Heart!"

"Anna!"

"Luna!"

"Suzzanah?"

I attempted a nod, "I'm okay", I breathed out, my eyes still closed as I took slow deep breaths, "I just suddenly felt giddy"

"Her soul is faint", I heard Alpha Penson say and forced my eyes open.

I found Zuerien's dark eyes staring at me concernedly, and I faintly felt his panic flow through me.

"What's happening to her John?" he asked Alpha Penson worriedly.

I patted his chest comfortingly, "Hey, I'm really okay", I told him tiredly, "This has been happening to me on and off ever since I lost a part of my soul yesterday. One minute I'm wide awake, and the next- when the excitement dies- I'm suddenly exhausted. I usually feel better after a nap though"

"Its probably her souls coping mechanism", Alpha Penson replied, "Whenever she gets excited or stressed out about something, she uses up too much energy and that affects her deficient soul. Her soul in turn depresses her brain activity causing her to sleep, which gives her soul time to replenish itself and the lost energy"

"Will she be okay?" Rino asked tensely.

"Yes, she will be", Alpha Penson replied, and somehow the words seemed far more reassuring coming from him than me and everyone seemed to relax a little bit.

"Should I call one of the healers?" Cole asked.

"It won't help Cole", Alpha Penson replied, "Since its not bodily injury they can't do much. Right now she needs to rest"

Adjusting my position on his lap, Zuerien immediately stood up, lifting me into his arms.

"I'm taking Suzzanah back to our room so she can get some rest", he said, "Tell Marco not to discuss the matter about Megan till I get back"

"Yes Alpha", they replied in unison except Rino who said Wolfa.

The minute he mentioned Megan's subject, the dizziness left me and I was back to normal.

"But I want to stay too!" I exclaimed, feeling suddenly energized.

Everyone immediately looked at me alarmed.

"Her soul isn't faint anymore", Cole said bewildered.

"You're right. Its presence suddenly seems stronger", Rino said.

"See, I'm better now", I said smiling, although this was just as confusing to me as the others, "I want to stay"

But just as everyone seemed to relax Alpha Penson shook his head, frowning, "No you're not better, Suzzanah", he said, "Your soul is being forced to temporarily expand so that it can feed your new-found excitement. At this rate, at the end of it you'll only be even more drained. Its not a good idea to exert yourself like this. You really need to rest right now"

Everyone's spirits dropped once more.

"B-But...I want to stay and support Marco", I said desperately.

"Good Lord! Women!"

We all turned to find Marco making his way towards us looking exasperated.

"Marco!" I exclaimed.

"What are we going to do with you?" he said shaking his head, "No offense Queen, but you're way too careless about your health. Its not cool!"

His eyes then went to Zuerien and he gasped, paling instantly, "Whoa! Okay, Sorry. Sorry. I didn't mean it in a rude way or anything, I swear", he coughed out frantically making me look up at my mate.

He wore a blank expression, not looking in the least bit intimidating, and he couldn't have mindlinked Marco because their eyes didn't glaze over, but for some reason he had still freaked Marco out.

That's odd. Why is everyone so scared then?

Could it really be because...

"But what I meant is...please take care of yourself and make your health your first priority", Marco added softly.

"I want to vouch for your decision", I told him and he smiled.

"Thank you. Knowing that is enough", he replied, "I'll be fine, so don't worry about me. Please go and rest up"

My shoulders slumped dejectedly and I saw Zuerien's gaze fall on me.

"I'll vouch for his decision on your behalf"

Everyone, especially Marco, looked at Zuerien surprised.

I smiled widely, "Really?!" I said and he nodded.

"For your trust and mine", he said as he looked at Marco who suddenly looked choked up.

He quickly exhaled a laugh, "Wow...damn you guys, thank you", he said looking away and scratching his neck, "I...I..."

He seemed to be at a loss of words and Rino grinned before attack-embracing him tightly, making him cry out in alarm.

"Rino!"

"I'll support you too Mirmo!"

"That's not my name!"

The others smiled at the scene while Zuerien returned his gaze to me.

So now you can rest easy, he said, his deep voice soothing to my soul.

Thank you... I said, hugging him lovingly.

"Oh? I see I wasn't completely right"

We turned to find Alpha Penson observing me keenly.

"About what?" Zuerien asked.

"Well, I said that any form of excitement can drain her soul, but it seems like positive excitement and emotion helps replenish it", he said looking pleasantly surprised, "Your soul is looking better"

It is?

"But regardless you should get some more sleep", he added and the others nodded.

"Okay", I replied before giving Marco a reassuring smile which he returned.

"I'll be back soon enough", Zuerien said and everyone bowed deeply to him.

"Yes Alpha"

Rino waved at me and I waved back. And when I looked at Cole he was staring at me again, lost in deep thought like he had been earlier this evening, by the convenience store.

But I didn't have a chance to ask him if something was wrong when Zuerien turned and walked out the room with me in his arms. I didn't protest, one because I didn't know when my legs would suddenly betray me and two, because it actually felt really nice to be carried in the arms of the man you loved.

As he turned into an empty corridor leaving towards the elevator, I looked up at him. He had been exceptionally quiet, overwhelmingly calm and effortlessly intimidating this evening, and although the qualities were not completely unlike him, they were far more pronounced today than ever before.

And I think I know why...

Watching him tenderly, I brushed the back of my fingers against his chiselled jaw-line making him look down at me and I smiled.

"Good job staying in control today...Kai"

My mate's dominant wolf stared at me silently, human eyes the color of a beautiful dark night sky which seemed to see everything right down to the depths of my soul. I loved everything about those eyes, even when they held well-concealed disapproval like they did now.

"I am upset with you", he said without beating around the bush, his deep, husky voice laced with hints of displeasure.

"I can tell", I said, "But why?"

"That's my question", he said, "Why didn't you tell me about having given fragments of your soul away this afternoon?"

I smiled softly, "What good would it have done? It would just have made you worry unnecessarily"

"It wouldn't have been unnecessary"

"But it still wouldn't have helped though", I said, "You already have so much on your plate, I didn't want you to have an additional worry on top of it all"

He sighed, looking away, "An infuriating other-half and a disaster-prone better-half. Why did I get stuck with such difficult humans?" he breathed out, shaking his head before adding, "Just so you know, I don't regret you whatsoever. My human on the other hand could use improvements"

I chuckled softly and it immediately brought a smile to Kai's face too, but when I looked at him he quickly concealed it and looked away.

"I'm still mad at you", he said making me grin.

Putting my arms around his neck, I kissed his cheek and said, "I'm sorry"

He looked down at me slyly before looking away again and saying, "Still mad"

I giggled and kissed his other cheek, "What about now?"

He blinked, then shook his head, "Nope", he said and I smiled, resting my head against his muscular chest.

"I'll make it up to you, I promise", I told him softly and I saw from the corner of my eye, I saw Kai sneak a peek at me, looking disappointed that I didn't go on. It wasn't that I didn't want to. I just didn't think the corridor was the place to do it.

Regardless Kai didn't push me. He just held me close as he continued walking. He had taken over Zuerien's body the minute Alpha Penson had broken the news about a part of my soul being inside Karina.

I knew Zuerien lost it really easily when it came to matters concerning my health and safety, but even though Kai was his animal-half, he seemed to have higher threshold for anger than Zuerien did. It was probably why Zuerien let him take over at that instant, to prevent him from setting the whole building on fire in a fit of rage.

Kai was, after all, much more cool-headed than Zuerien.

But even though Kai was such a jovial and fun-loving wolf, I couldn't help but notice on several occasions how everyone immediately tensed the minute the Zuerien's eyes turned black.

And it made no sense to think that someone would be afraid of Kai because out of everyone I had met since I first came to the Royale Industries, Kai was the one who doted on me the most. Of course Zuerien did too, so much, but just not as openly as Kai. And I had never seen Kai being mean to anyone ever. So the image of Kai I had in my head didn't warrant the fear he seemed to evoke in other people at all.

Kai was my innocent, funny, at times blatantly inappropriate and thoroughly filter-less baby, and I loved him with all of my being. He didn't scare me at all, but for some reason, everyone else seemed terrified of him, or more so, his anger. Even though Kai never got angry.

And the strangest thing of all was that, even though I knew Kai was the biggest sweetheart ever, a part of me deep inside understood their wariness. It was like an intermittent gut feeling I had that told me that Kai was not one to be trifled with.

I wonder why...

But regardless, I loved him. With every ounce of my strength and every breath in my body, I loved him, just as I loved Zuerien. They were the fire that burned in my heart. They were different, yet they were the same.

And they were mine.

As Kai opened the door to our room, I looked up at him and said wholeheartedly,

"I love you"

His entire body immediately tensed, going completely stiff as though frozen in time. And in a split second his eyes flashed from brown to black to brown to black to brown to black again, as though he was having an internal conflict for control.

But before I even had a chance to ask what was wrong the door behind us slammed shut, my back pressed into its hard wood, and his lips crashed onto mine.

And all my exhaustion flew right out the window.

The minute his lips met mine, electricity tore through my being, and I felt every inch of my deficient soul scream to life. As our bodies molded together, passion and pleasure seared through me, turning the blood in my veins as hot as molten rock.

The kiss was fast, instinctive, hungry- and we couldn't get enough. Even though we had been apart for just a couple of hours, I felt starved for him, for his touch, craving more and more.

*~*~*

Our lips moved in sync- sucking and tasting eagerly. I had subconsciously been yearning for this moment the whole day, and yet I couldn't have prepared myself for the sheer magnitude of its intensity.

My arms wrapped around his neck pulling him closer, fingers combing through his hair as we kissed feverishly. The mark on my neck tingled sensuously, awakened by his fiery touch.

Somewhere in the back of my mind it occurred to me that having a fragment of my soul might make Karina end up feeling things that I felt. I didn't know if it was possible, but the thought made me cringe in extreme embarrassment, so I quickly put up a mental block while desperately hoping that my feelings wouldn't transfer to her.

Soul! Don't betray me, you hear?!

His hard body pressed into my soft curves, so close that I could feel his heart thudding against my own at a thunderous pace. When his tongue traced my lower lip, I readily opened up for him. And just as we deepened the kiss, he pressed his hips against mine.

I moaned into his mouth, as the friction sent ripples of red hot desire sizzling through me. It was only then that I fully realized that he had somehow managed to hook both my legs around his waist and now held me captive against the door.

Our tongues intertwined in a titillating frenzy, fighting for a dominance which he won effortlessly. But when his large hands caressed the underside of my thighs, the pleasure gave way to alarm.

I jerked slightly in his arms as overwhelming and traitorous tickles took over me when his fingers teased the sensitive skin of my thighs from over the thin material of my leggings.

My eyes shot open and I squeezed his shoulders, begging him to stop. When he didn't, I tried to break the kiss but he wouldn't let me. I shook my head as best as I could, desperately holding back my laughter as the tickling sensation made me writhe in his arms uncontrollably, like a dog with a terrible itch it couldn't reach.

And to my horror, that only encouraged his appalling actions, making me squirm harder, trying to get away from his teasing finger-tips.

Kai! Stop it!

I moaned in protest against his lips and I felt him smile into the kiss.

Nah

KAI!

I breathed out an involuntary laugh and pushed, in vain, against his muscular shoulders. He was thoroughly enjoying my discomfort, especially because all my wriggling was increasing the friction between our bodies, heightening our sky-rocketing desires.

He groaned sexily, his deep, husky voice making goosebumps form on my skin and then finally relented only to squeeze by butt, drawing me closer to his substantial masculine charm.

My face shot crimson when I felt a familiar tingling between my legs just as he broke the kiss, to finally allow me some air. And the next thing I knew, both my shirt and leggings were in tatters and lying on the floor somewhere, next to our bed.

I didn't even have time to cry out in alarm as my body sunk into the soft mattress underneath me before it was promptly covered by my mate's large form and enveloped in the heat his massive frame was radiating.

"KAI-"

His lips latched onto my mark, sucking and nipping greedily and I gasped out loud in shock as indescribable pleasure tore through me. I let out a quivering pant, my hands tracing his now bare shoulders, fingers digging into his warm skin.

Mine

His rugged and dominant voice filled my head as he staked claim on me once again, just as he always did whenever we got intimate. And it triggered yet another fresh outburst of desire and devotion within me.

His hands roamed my body uninhibited- caressing, kneading and fondling to his heart's content. His voice, his lips and his touch set my soul on fire. I was so high on him that I almost couldn't breathe.

And although the amount of pleasure I was feeling was the same as when Zuerien was in control, I noticed minute differences in my experience with his animal half taking the lead.

The more I got to know him, the more I could pick out the striking similarities as well as the subtle differences between his human and wolf halves, especially when it came to how they were during our moments of passion.

With Zuerien in control, I had noticed that even though he could be just as wild and overpowering, after the initial heat-rush, he eventually tried to slow down and match my pace most of the times. After that, his touch was smoother, his kisses softer and his approach gentler.

But with Kai, everything was unrestrained, all the time.

He was more...

More rough, more wild.

More intense.

He was pure virility. He was raw passion. He was untainted power. Everything about him screamed dominance.

As far as possible, Zuerien tried not to overwhelm me too much, whereas Kai didn't know what the word overwhelm meant.

I realized that Zuerien and Kai...they were varying levels of the same concept, the lines between which were often blurred.

If Zuerien was the quiet, Kai was the silence.

If Zuerien was the romance, Kai was the desire.

If Zuerien was the sarcasm, Kai was the sass.

And if Zuerien was the heat, Kai was the fire.

They were the beginning, the end and everything in between, and I couldn't have asked for more.

Kai nipped at my mark lightly and I involuntarily bared my neck to him, allowing him more access. And when his tongue tasted my skin, my back arched off the mattress.

Ohh Kai!

He then proceeded to kiss and taste every inch of exposed skin he could find leaving me completely and utterly out of breath. I was nearly seeing stars.

You're so beautiful! he growled out as he made his way back up my flushed body.

My lips parted but no words came out. I wanted to tell him that I was so grateful for him, for Zuerien, for having them for a mate. I wanted to love him back, make him feel as good as he had made me feel.

But even though, in that moment, I felt more full in my soul than I ever had before, physically, I was exhausted.

*~*~*

My body was still thrumming pleasantly from his pleasurable assault, but I was too breathless to be able to take any more.

So when I felt his breath over the skin above my breasts, I immediately tensed. And when one of his hands slid underneath me and I felt his fingers against the clasp of my bra, my eyes shot open in panic.

"No wait-"

I gasped as the clasp came undone, the straps of my bra slipping off my shoulders and I immediately hugged my chest in a desperate attempt to keep Kai from ridding me of that one flimsy covering. A low growl of disapproval rumbled through his chest and he began to tug at my crossed arms.

"No Kai, please", I gasped out, as he continued to pepper soft kisses over my shoulders and neck.

Mine!

He tugged harder and a constrained cry escaped my lips.

"Yes I know. But please, I-I'm not-I-"

He kissed my collar bone making me bite back a moan.

We've seen a lot more already, my heart

His words made memories of my marking in the woods and last night in this hotel flooded my mind. My cheeks burned and I turned my face away from him in embarrassment. He was right. We had done enough for me to not be this bashful anymore and yet, I couldn't help it. His intense gaze left me all too self-conscious.

I felt his fingers brush my cheek and I peeked up at him to find him looking down at me with eyes so full of affection that it was nearly spilling out.

"Why are you embarrassed, Suzzanah?" he asked gently, "Every inch of you is perfection to us. You have no reason to hide from us"

My heart ached at his words, love bubbling up inside of me like a fresh spring of water.

"I know", I replied softly, "I know but I...I'm-"

"A prude?"

"KAI!"

He chuckled heartily and the warm, laid-back sound was like music to my ears. When he looked back at me, his eyes were two different colors again, making my own widen.

I had been wondering how Kai had suddenly slowed down and seeing the brown in one of his eyes had answered my question. Zuerien had taken back half the control.

"I think you've hogged our mate for long enough, Kai", Zuerien said as he bent down to peck my lips.

"Hey", I said smiling as he caressed my face.

"Hey", he replied softly.

Don't interrupt human, go away, Kai said irritably via mindlink.

"Kai, can you not speak using Zuerien's body anymore?" I asked Kai, "I thought this state of your eyes meant that both of your are in equal control"

It does, but I just prefer mindlinking to talking. Its just so much more...intimate, he replied.

"If that were true then it would mean we were getting intimate with every wolf we ever mindlinked fool", Zuerien said with a scowl.

You have such a disgusting way of thinking about things, you perverted human! Kai said distastefully making Zuerien's eyes widen in shock.

"Of all the people, I don't want to hear that from you, you horny wolf!" he retorted.

Only for Suzzanah

"Okay, okay, lets calm down now", I said quickly, placing one hand on his shoulder while adjusting my displaced bra-strap with the other, trying not to blush at his words.

Suzzanah was enjoying our love-making so much before you ruined everything, you curmudgeon! Kai said making me nearly choke on air.

L-Love-making?!

"You were overpowering her way too much! You need to learn to tone it down a little", Zuerien replied, "And that wasn't love-making!"

It would have been if you hadn't gotten in the way! You traitor, do you want to mate with her or not?

"Of course I do! I freaking think about it all the time!"

"H-Hey!" I coughed out, now red-faced.

"But not like this! When she's better", he said.

What do you think I was trying to do? Kai demanded, John said positive excitement is good for her soul. What better positive excitement than mating?!

My eyes widened, not so much because of his mating comment, but because of the reason behind it.

"All this time you were trying to replenish my soul for me?" I asked.

"Well you said it yourself too yesterday, that being intimate with us makes your soul feel stronger", Zuerien replied, "And we couldn't be happier about it. When John first said that any and all kinds of excitement could drain your soul, we were worried we had worsened your condition yesterday, but since positive thrill is good for you, we're more than happy to oblige"

There's really nothing else we'd rather do actually

"True. We'd have done all this and more had it not been for your fragile health"

I smiled warmly, despite my bashfulness, "Thank you...", I breathed out gratefully before adding in a rush, "F-For caring about me, n-not you know..."

"Making out with you?"

"Zuerien!"

Mating with you!

"KAI!"

Zuerien chuckled, "You don't have to thank us, mate. We thoroughly enjoyed everything that just happened. And by the way, this is a beautiful bra"

I gasped before covering my chest again, even though he had already seen most of what I was covering.

I agree, although I would still prefer you without it, Kai added.

"Oh my god!"

Now that I was finally coming down from my earlier high, I realized that I was literally sprawled underneath my massive shirtless mate in nothing but a thin lace underwear and an unhooked, displaced bra.

Again, it wasn't the first time he had seen me in such a 'questionable' state, but that didn't keep me from feeling embarrassed enough to want to burrito-wrap myself in a bed-sheet again and never come out.

I guess I really am a prude!

Zuerien smiled devilishly at me, his intense eyes making my body heat up once again.

"When you hide yourself like that, it only makes us want to expose you more", he growled out darkly, leaning closer to me.

"C-Can I have my shirt back p-please? Its c-cold", I stammered shyly, not meeting his gaze.

At least it wasn't a lie. I really was starting to feel cold now that we had stopped our fiery exercises of togetherness.

"You shirt isn't in a wearable condition anymore. So why don't we warm you up?" Zuerien said, his warm hands sliding up and down the sides of my body making me shiver and bite my lip to keep myself from moaning.

Leaning down Zuerien began peppering kisses on my collar bones once more, making fresh waves of desire and heat wash over me, only for me to suddenly be overcome by exhaustion in but a few seconds. My body slumped into the mattress, hands falling to my sides in exhaustion. Zuerien immediately stopped and looked at me worriedly.

"You're tired", he said, quickly reeling in his desire, "You really should rest now"

Getting off of me, he quickly pulled the covers over my exposed body. I immediately missed his warmth next to me and the cold assaulted my body with a new-found vigor making me shiver and curl up to conserve heat. I wanted Zuerien to stay but I knew he had to go see to his meeting, and I didn't want to keep him here on my accord. So I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep.

Suddenly my body was lifted up making my eyes shoot open again just as Zuerien put a shirt around my shoulders. It was huge. It was warm. And it was his.

Thankful for the covering, I slid my arms through the lengthy sleeves one by one, making sure my bra didn't suddenly fall off and I didn't end up flashing my mate, who probably would have loved nothing more.

Once I was dressed, I lay down again. The shirt was long enough to reach my thighs and its soft fabric felt wonderful against my skin.

"Better?" Zuerien asked and I nodded smiling.

"Much, thank you", I said and he nodded back before sliding into bed beside me.

"D-Don't you have to get going?" I asked surprised, "I'll be okay"

"We have time", he replied putting an arm around my waist. Thanks to the equal control, I could hear both him and Kai as he spoke, "We told you, our first priority is always our mate"

"Thank you so much", I said gratefully, "And I'm so sorry for worrying you like this"

He shook his head, "It seems we worry you just as much", he replied, "We know you were really concerned about how we would react when we found out, but we wish you hadn't hidden it from us for so long. We don't like you keeping secrets from us sweetheart, especially not about such important matters"

"I didn't really", I replied, "I found out about it myself just this afternoon, and I was planning on telling you today regardless of whether or not Alpha Penson brought up the topic earlier. I was just waiting for the right time and place to do so"

I cupped his face with both hands, "I know better than hiding anything from you, my love", I said lovingly, "Especially when you already told me I didn't need to, no matter what"

"But then...its not really possible to tell someone each and every thing that has happened in their lives though is it?" I added softly, "Its not that they want to keep secrets. Its more like they don't know how to talk about them, or if its the right time to do so"

I smiled tenderly at him, "I'm sure you have secrets like that which you haven't told me yet either, right?"

My words seemed to hit him hard as his mismatched eyes instantly widened with surprise, intermixed with deep-seated guilt and profound pain.

"Heart...we're-"

"Hey, its okay!" I told him quickly, not wanting him to have to feel guilty or apologize for it, "I'm not calling you out on this, I completely understand. I will gladly wait as long as you need me to, Zuerien, Kai"

"I don't ever want you to feel like you have to tell me something out of obligation, because I'm your mate", I told him honestly, putting my heart and soul into the words, "Tell me when you're ready. But just know that...I love you and I want to know you more. And I want to be a part of your past, present and future, because my feelings for you will never change. Ever. For as long as I live, I will always love you"

Containing an ocean of emotions within them, his brown-black eyes gazed deeply into mine, almost turning glassy as he watched me with both deep desperation and childlike adoration. It was like he was fighting a battle with himself. It pained me to see him torn like this, but I knew he had the power to overcome it.

I pushed myself up a little so that I could lean against the slanted pillows placed behind me by the headboard. My mate's eyes never left mine, still swirling with a flood of turbulent emotions.

"There is only one thing I want to know right now, so please be honest", I said to him, and he listened quietly. My heart clenched in anticipation as I asked, "You do trust me...don't you?"

Despite the strength in my earlier words, I was still anxious to hear his reply. But I knew that no-matter what his answer was, my feelings would remain unchanged. I loved him, and I was willing to do whatever it took to show him that he could confide in me. I would not betray him.

Upon hearing my question, Zuerien's eyes softened and he lowered his gaze, not meeting mine. Pain pricked my chest but I held it in telling myself that no-matter what his answer was, as long as he was honest about it, I would be okay.

For a few seconds he didn't move or make any attempt to reply. But then his gaze moved to my right hand. Reaching out, he took it in his, his thumb grazing my knuckles gently and then he raised it towards his face.

I watched as he closed his eyes and first pressed the back of my hand to his bowed forehead, and then my palm to his chest before kissing my hand for a long moment. I didn't know why but the gesture made my heart skip a beat, an unknown warmth seeping into my veins.

Raising his head, he looked back into my eyes, his mismatched orbs filled with the utmost respect and affection as he replied,

"We have never...trusted anyone more"

My heart welled with unfathomable relief and joy, a wide smile making its way to my lips as my face flushed with emotion.

"That's enough for me", I replied wholeheartedly before opening my arms to him and he immediately leaned in, allowing me to wrap my arms around him. Placing his head over my chest, I hugged him close and kissed his forehead.

I faintly felt a rush of his emotions within me, and even though I couldn't pinpoint them as well as I had been able to before, I sensed enough reassurance to be reassured myself. He was okay.

"I love you so much, Zuerien, Kai", I told them caressing his hair as he encircled my waist with both hands, "Never forget it"

He exhaled a ragged breath, closing his eyes.

You truly are...our heart. In every sense, Kai and Zuerien said softly, via mindlink.

I wondered if there was more to those words than he let on, but he didn't elaborate. He just nuzzled his head against my bosom, snuggling into me. The gesture made both my heart and cheeks warm.

Within a few seconds his body grew heavier and I knew he was falling asleep. Knowing that he probably hadn't gotten much sleep in the past few days, I decided to let him nap, at least for a short while.

Quickly mindlinking Alpha Penson that Zuerien would be a little late, I pulled the covers over us before resting my chin on top of his head and gently patting his back.

A week ago I could have never, even in my wildest dreams, imagined that one day I would be with Zuerien like this. But today, I could want nothing more. Knowing that he trusted me was all I needed to know, to put my worries at ease.

It didn't matter if he couldn't tell me he loved me back, because his actions had reassured me enough. And he didn't have to immediately open up to me about his past either. There were things about mine he didn't know too. Things I didn't like to think about or remember.

But honestly, I think I was ready to talk about them now, if he was willing to listen. But he wasn't ready to tell me about his past yet, and that was okay.

Because I learned something new about him everyday, even without him saying anything. Like today, I had gained even more clarity into his human-wolf equation. They really weren't all that different at all.

Zuerien was just a calmer Kai.

And Kai was an intenser Zuerien.

And funnily enough, I got that feeling even though Zuerien seemed to lose his temper way more often than Kai did. In fact, I didn't think I had ever seen Kai lose his cool at all.

Strange...

I looked down at my quietly slumbering mate, his handsome face looking far more innocent now that he was asleep. I knew that underneath his cold exterior was a kind heard. One that loved to laugh and one that cared deeply. And I also knew that his people secretly knew that fact, which is why they adored him so much.

But...for some reason, they still feared him. Deeply. And as I lay back and stared at the ceiling above me, I couldn't help but find myself thinking,

I wonder why...

_______

My eyelids flickered open and I blinked sleepily, looking around the dimly lit room. And the first thing I noticed was the stark lack of a warm body pressed against mine.

Zuerien!

I quickly, sat up looking around the room. He wasn't here. I didn't know when he had left. I hadn't even realized when I had fallen asleep!

Oh no! I was supposed to wake him up!

I slapped my forehead in aggravation. Was there not a single thing I could do right?

Although, I was secretly happy that he may have gotten some extra sleep, it wasn't nice to keep the others waiting.

I sighed running a hand through my tangled hair before searching for a clock. It read a quarter past three, but was it AM or PM?

I slipped out of the bed and walked to the curtain, pulling it aside slightly. The sky was pitch black, still littered with clouds here and there.

So it was early in the morning, not late in the afternoon, thank God! With the unstable condition of my soul, I wouldn't put it past me to sleep through the whole morning and wake up at noon.

I wonder what time Zuerien woke up...

I felt terrible about possibly having thrown his plans off course. I wanted to mindlink him but what if he was asleep? But then, he wasn't in our room so it was possible that he was still up working. Or maybe he fell asleep somewhere else?

My thoughts were interrupted by the opening of my door and I whirled around wide-eyed to find a girl about my age peek in carefully.

"Oh my Queen!" she exclaimed the minute she saw me and she quickly closed the door behind her and walked up to me.

I had never seen her before. Usually it was Laura, the Beta female who attended to me. The girl bowed to me before asking, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, thank you", I replied, forcing an awkward smile, subconsciously crossing my arms over my chest.

Despite the late hour, she was dressed quite smart, while I stood in front of her sporting my classic bird-bedhead and drowning in a loose shirt 2 sizes too large for me.

Suzzanah, you are a mess girl, my inner 'Kai' told me, and I helplessly agreed.

She introduced herself as Helen, one of the warrior wolves of the Ashford Pack. Her title immediately made me think of my roommate Annabelle, making me smile. I quickly asked Helen where Zuerien was and she told me Zuerien, Cole, Alpha Penson, Marco and General Reginald were all awake and in a meeting downstairs. She also told me that Zuerien had informed her to let him know the minute I woke up. Typical.

Apparently she was responsible for seeing to all my needs until Zuerien was done with his Meeting. I felt bad that she had to stay up all night to watch over a sleeping woman, but heaven knew accidents enjoyed keeping me company and trouble considered itself by best friend, so it was definitely better than I had someone around me at all times just in case.

But since I had planned on going back to bed right away I told her she didn't need to wait here with me. Since ours was a suite, she informed me she would be in the room next to my bedroom and I could mindlink her if I needed anything. And then she took her leave.

Once she was gone, I got back into bed. I still felt tired but not tired enough to sleep anymore. I couldn't even imagine how Zuerien and the others pulled all-nighters every other day. It was exhausting just thinking about it. I got that they were Supernaturals but everyone had their limits.

Are those guys sleeping at all?

I twisted and turned in bed for a few minutes, unable to sleep because I was too worried about the guys and their work overload. I wished there was something I could do to help them, but if I went down to them now they would probably spend all their time worrying about me instead of their work.

Since I couldn't sleep, I decided to take a bath. I hadn't had the chance to take one after getting back earlier. Perhaps it would help me sleep again. The door to the bathroom that my frantic mate had uprooted this morning had very thoughtfully been fixed already, for which I was grateful. So I took a nice hot shower and changed into some warm clothes before making my way back to my bed.

I still couldn't sleep.

The time was now 3:45 AM. And with nothing to do, my mind started to wander, thinking about everything that had happened, that was happening and that would happen soon. But thinking only made me more anxious and I decided that I really needed to distract myself. I didn't want to exhaust my soul by stressing myself out.

I sighed deeply at that thought. I couldn't help but feel that right now, as I was, I was way too weak to be of any help to my friends and I hated it.

And although I still didn't regret giving up a fragment of my soul to Karina, I wished I could be stronger even without it so I wouldn't constantly be worrying everyone around me, especially Zuerien and Kai.

Speaking of Karina...

I wondered if I should try and mindlink her. But even if it worked, she would probably be asleep. Did mindlink even work in one's sleep? Deciding to give it a shot, I took a deep breath and tried to mindlink Karina.

Alpha Penson had said that now that she had a piece of my soul, it may become easier for me to mindlink her. With that in mind, I called out her name, concentrating on getting through to her. It didn't feel like the mental block was still up but even though I tried multiple times, I received no response from her.

Either mindlink didn't work in one's sleep after all or I wasn't getting through to her at all.

Sighing I stopped trying before slumping against the headboard. The fatigue I was feeling was strange, like a constant heaviness that weighed down on my body, preventing me from being my usual active self.

So this is what it feels like to be incomplete...

But then...my soul had apparently been deficient for a very long time now. Perhaps...if I had all of it, we would be able to figure out why I was such a 'strange human'. Perhaps if I regained all the lost pieces of my soul, I would be stronger, and I would be more useful to my mate and friends. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so bad about sleeping in while everyone else was working so hard.

Like Prophecy! She did her part in her own unique and amazing way, so when she slept for long hours afterwards, she deserved the rest.

The thought of Prophecy made me want to go see her. I hadn't done so all day. And it wasn't like I was going to get any sleep here anyway.

So I got off my bed and walked out the bedroom. Helen immediately stood up from the chair she had been seated on and I asked her to take me Prophecy's room. The minute we stepped out of the room, the guards stationed outside again, immediately bowed to me before standing in attention.

Was I seriously the only one asleep tonight?

As Helen led me to Prophecy's room, the two guards followed closely behind us. I wondered if so much security was necessary but then this was an All-Supernaturals Hotel so I suppose you could never be too careful.

There were guards stationed outside Prophecy's room too who also bowed deeply on seeing me. They looked so fresh and ready for action, I secretly envied their energy.

One of them opened the door for me and I thanked him before walking into the suite while Helen waited outside. She had told me that Laura was with Prophecy in her bedroom so I knocked on the bedroom door before entering.

Laura, who was seated on a chair by the bed, immediately turned around. Her eyes were glazed over but the minute she saw me, they cleared and she stood up.

"My Queen!" she said and bowed, as I walked up to her, "How can I be of service?"

"Oh, its nothing really. I just wanted to see Prophecy", I replied, both of talking in soft voices, "Your pack sure does work hard. I hope you've had some time to rest between looking out for me and Prophecy"

"Its very kind of you to worry about us, Luna", she said, "But yes, we've been resting just fine. Everyone awake right now is a part of the Night-Guard so they're used to doing night shifts"

"What about you?" I asked and she smiled shyly.

"Well, since we don't have a Luna yet, I am the highest ranking female of this pack and therefore have to handle a few extra matters and work slightly longer hours", she replied modestly, "But its nothing I can't handle. I'm happy to be of help"

I looked at her amazed. That's right, the second highest ranked female of pack so she had a lot on her shoulders too. Laura was doing a stellar job!

"I admire your dedication, Laura. You're a great Beta female", I told her making her blush.

"My Queen, thank you! I'm so honored", she said bowing again. She really seemed over the moon about the compliment.

It never failed to astound me how much they loved, admired and respected their leaders and Royals.

I smiled at her warmly before looking at Prophecy, "How is she?"

"Oh! Uh...she's fine. I mean...I think she's fine", Laura said helplessly, "The healers said that there is nothing physically wrong with her and she is just tired from her time-travelling but...this is my first time with the Luna of Time so I'm not sure if this is normal"

I could understand that. A lot of things that were abnormal for us were still normal for Prophecy. She was just...so unique!

"Don't worry, she'll be okay", I reassured and Laura smiled.

"I do hope so", she replied, "And I also hope she wakes up soon. I'm truly looking forward to meeting her"

That makes two of us.

"You seem to be quite fond of Prophecy", I said and she nodded.

"I am! In fact, being in her presence is like a dream come true for me", she said excitedly, "Growing up, I've heard a lot of stories about the Lunas of Time before her. They never failed to leave me awestruck and I always wanted to meet her myself. And Luna Prophecy far exceeded my expectations. I've heard a lot about her teleportations and magic. And her bravery astounds me! For someone so young, she sure is inspirational"

I couldn't agree more.

The look on Laura's face as she spoke about Prophecy was one of complete wonder and excitement. And I knew a lot of other people must feel that way too, including me. Even though I had only known about her for a short while, I was already a huge fan of hers. Prophecy truly was an incredible woman.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, Luna", Laura said suddenly, "I'm blabbering. I got carried away, I apologize"

I chuckled, "Don't worry about it. Its fine", I said and she was was about to reply when her eyes suddenly glazed over again. But just a few seconds later, they returned to normal.

"I'm sorry again, about the interruption", she said and I shook my head.

"You seem busy. Is something wrong?"

"Just a small disturbance of amongst the one squadron of the Night-Patrol", she replied, "But its nothing to worry about. If I may, I'd like to just have a word with a few of my subordinates outside"

"Of course, please go ahead", I said.

She nodded, "Thank you Luna Queen. I'll be back in a minute", she said, "Please excuse me"

She then turned and quickly left the room. Laura really was quite the admirable female leader. Sweet and shy, but confident in her own unique way. She reminded me a little of Megan.

I really hoped that Cole's mate- the Royale Pack's Beta female- would be a nice person, and that she would show up soon. I could really use the company.

I turned to face the sleeping woman beside me.

Please don't teleport either of us anywhere tonight, okay Prophecy?

Taking a seat beside Prophecy's bed, I took the time to observe the younger woman. Although we still hadn't officially met- which in my opinion way was quite unbelievable and inexcusable- I had already seen her sleeping a number of times. In all honesty, she looked like an angel.

Her young face held a serene expression as she slept, blonde locks sprawled across her pillow. Her skin was smooth save for a few freckles that dotted her nose, only adding to her beauty.

She wasn't the skinniest woman, I had noticed on an earlier occasion too. Prophecy had a good amount of meat on her bones. Unlike her mother who was tall and slender, Prophecy was short and blessed with generous curves that could be the envy and lust of many. Her body was slightly on the thicker side, not obese by any means but definitely not slim. Her physique suited her very well. She also had just the tiniest amount of chubbiness to her cheeks, which made her look even younger than she was.

All in all she was quite the beauty. I could just imagine an endless line of men lining up for a chance to court her. But given how overprotective Marco could be, I doubted they would have an easy time.

Besides which I had heard that Prophecy wasn't very interested in love or finding her mate at the moment. She wasn't like Marco who argued that he didn't want his mate at all, but she wasn't exactly on the hunt for him right now either. In ways, the two cousins were alike.

Both apparent heart-breakers...and both secretly sweethearts...

Bending forward, I smiled at Prophecy's peaceful face.

"Please wake up soon Prophecy, huh?" I said softly, "I really want to meet you. Really Really."

I leaned back into my chair and was just wondering why every single light in the room was switched on when a soft knock sounded on the door and it opened. I turned around expecting Laura but my brows rose in surprise when I saw who it was.

"Alpha Ashford?"

He stopped dead in his tracks, grey eyes widening infinitesimally at the sight of me. They then shot around the room as though looking for or expecting someone else to be here before returning to me.

He gave me a curt bow, "Luna Queen", he said as he closed the door and walked up to me.

"Laura stepped outside just a second ago to take care of some disturbance in the Night-Patrol", I said.

Understanding crossed his features and he nodded once.

"Were you out on patrol?" I asked and he shook his head.

"Oh, so were you in the meeting with Zuerien and the others?"

He nodded.

"The Meeting is done then?"

He nodded again.

"So...are Zuerien and the others going to bed now?"

He shook his head.

Please just say something Ashford.

I had never felt this talkative in my entire life.

"They still have more work to do then?" I said and he nodded.

Thing with Ashford was it wasn't like he was being rude or ignoring me. It was very clear by the way he listened to everything I had to say attentively and never broke eye-contact that he was actively involved in the conversation. But since he just didn't talk, I couldn't help but feel like this wasn't a conversation but rather a monologue composed of only questions that I was presenting to the walls, the furniture and the sleeping Luna beside me.

"What about you? Are you done for the day?" I asked and he nodded again.

I sighed before turning back to Prophecy. My eyes lingered on her frame for a second before I turned back to Ashford just in time to catch his grey eyes darting away from her face to some random object on the side.

Oh?

Deciding that asking him questions that could be answered in yes or no would get me no replies whatsoever, I tried a different approach.

"So, why are you here?" I asked.

His eyes shot to me again, and I could almost see the levers turning in his head when he didn't reply immediately.

"I wanted a word with my Beta female", he finally said before looking away and an amused smile made its way to my face.

"Are all you Werewolf men such bad liars?" I asked making his brow twitch ever so slightly as he blinked quickly, a gesture that told me that he was taken aback, even though his face gave nothing away.

Oh...it seems that his eyes do all the talking for him.

I may have been over-thinking but, to me, it almost seemed like even the air in the room had suddenly grown thicker, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was because I had thrown Air-Elemental Ashford here off guard for a bit.

"Pardon?" he said looking back at me, and I giggled.

"Nothing", I said, deciding to not push his buttons, "Thank you for saving Prophecy on multiple occasions by the way. You've been a great help, Ashford"

He didn't say anything as he watched me silently for a few seconds before giving me yet another one of his infamous nods. Then he finally allowed his gaze to rest on Prophecy once more. And although his face remained a mask, giving nothing away, I didn't miss how the grey of his eyes swirled stormily when he looked at her.

His eyes really did do all the talking. Only right now I couldn't understand what they were saying.

I really need the rest of my soul back.

Deciding to not linger any longer, I stood up, grabbing his attention once more.

"I'm going back to my room now", I said, "Will you stay here?"

His eyes immediately gleamed with a strange emotion and he looked like he was about to shake his head when I quickly added, "I mean, since you wanted to see Laura"

His lips parted as though he really wanted to say something, but then they pursed again and he nodded.

I grinned, "Alright then. Come on"

He gave me a confused look.

"Out to the living room", I said, before adding, "Unless of course...you want to wait here, in the bedroom, with Prophecy...alone."

Realization flashed in his eyes which immediately shot to Prophecy again, before returning to mine just as fast. And after a nearly unnoticeable second of hesitation, he nodded brusquely and came with me, not meeting my gaze as I bit back a smile.

But just as we reached the door, a knock sounded from the other side and Laura peeked in. Her eyes widened at the sight of her Alpha.

"Alpha Ashford!" she exclaimed surprised and I didn't miss how her eyes flew from him to Luna Prophecy to me and then back to him again.

"Oh good timing Laura", I said smiling, "I was just leaving, and Alpha Ashford was waiting for you"

"For me?" she said, "I mean, of course. At your service, Alpha"

I looked back at Alpha Ashford and I could have sworn that underneath all his expressionless 'stoniness', he was actually a tad bit uncomfortable right now. His grey eyes now watched me with new-found interest and, dare I say, wariness.

"Okay then, goodnight, Ashford, Laura", I said and the former nodded while the later bowed.

Turning away, I walked out of the bedroom, happily humming to myself. Maybe I was being too nosy today, but it was turning out to be good fun.

Perhaps Ashford isn't so hard to understand after all...

Smiling to myself, I closed the Suite's main door behind me and turned around only to come pale face to chiselled chest with my pissed off looking mate.

Aiyah!

"Su-zza-naaah", he drawled out irritably and my eyes widened in alarm.

"Steroid!" I coughed out, feeling my heart rate spike, but when I noticed the guards I quickly corrected myself, "I-I mean Zuerien!"

Gosh dang it! I hadn't told him I was awake because I was going to go back to bed right away and I didn't want to disturb him. Man, he doesn't look happy.

I grinned nervously, "I-I was just about to mindlink youwoooo!"

My words turned into an alarmed shout as he scooped me off the floor and into his arms yet again.

"Zuerien! What on earth do you have against me walking?!" I cried out as he carried me back to our room, motioning for the guards the Helen to not follow.

"What on earth do you have against telling me when you wake up?!" he countered and looked away, frowning.

"I was going to go back to bed right away", I mumbled, "There's no point in unnecessarily disturbing you for that"

"It not unnecessary and its not a disturbance! How many times must I tell you this?" he asked as he walked back into our room.

"But what good will telling you do though?" I argued, "Are you maintaining a ledger of my sleep-wake cycle or something?"

"Yes!"

"Why?"

"Because I can"

"That is the worst answer ever!"

"Because I want to then"

"That's just creepy"

"I don't give a shit"

He closed the bedroom door behind us before walking to the bed and dropping me onto it softly.

"I don't want to sleep", I said, scrambling off the mattress irritably.

He blocked my way, "You don't have a choice"

"But I'm not tired!"

"You just said you were going back to sleep now!"

"I was!"

"Then sleep"

"No!"

I knew I was being childish but I couldn't help but be a little peeved at his overprotective nature sometimes. I tried to get past him and off the mattress, but he was so large that he was in the way no matter how I tried. Annoyed I stood up on the bed making his eyes widen in alarm.

"Heart! Sit down!" he said, reaching for me.

"Stop babying me!" I said, taking a hurried step away from him and immediately wobbling a little on my feet on the soft mattress.

In a flash his hands grabbed my hips and pulled me to him.

"I'm not babying you", he said, once I was steady, "But you have a seriously distressing ability to get in trouble without even trying, which is why I need to be extra careful when it comes to you, especially when you go to see Prophecy!"

I looked away unhappily, knowing that in a way, he was right. He sighed.

"I ask you to tell me when you're awake because then I can come see you", he told me gently, making me turn to look at him again,"Its not a disturbance or trouble. I just...like seeing you"

His honest words made my bout of frustration quell and I exhaled heavily before placing my hands on his shoulders.

"I'm sorry for worrying you", I said, "But please don't be so paranoid, my love. I know I get into trouble a lot but living in constant fear about when something bad could suddenly happen won't help will it?"

He frowned, considering my words and I ran a hand through his hair lovingly, "If I really need help, you'll be the first person I mindlink", I assured him, "But at other times please try not to be so anxious. And don't get mad at me. I don't like it when you get mad at me"

He quickly shook his head, "I wasn't mad"

I rolled my eyes, "Oh sure! Sure you weren't mad!"

"I really wasn't!" he argued.

"I totally believe you"

He frowned before accepting, "Okay, maybe I was, a little bit"

"See!"

He sighed before looking into my eyes, "I let myself get way too carried away with worry. I'm sorry", he said and I grinned before hugging his head to my stomach.

"Its okay, Steroid", I said happily before pulling away, "By the way, what happened with the League of Magic?" I asked eagerly, "What did they say when you told them about Marco having found Megan?"

Zuerien immediately frowned, anger flashing in his eyes momentarily, and my heart sank.

"What? What happened? Did it not go well?" I asked concernedly.

"No heart, it was quite alright", he told me gently, "In fact Elder Abé and Lord Heinrich were very understanding and accommodating. They agreed to put the search on hold"

"Really!" I said relieved and he nodded, "But then, why did you frown like that when I asked you about it?"

He shook his head exasperatedly, "Well, both the men were cooperative enough but Lady Yolanda did create some trouble, as usual"

Oh no...

"But its all sorted out now, so its okay", he reassured me.

"Is Marco alright?" I asked anxiously and Zuerien nodded.

"He's...okay", he replied thoughtfully, "Still not his usual self but he'll be alright, Heart"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah", he said, "And I'm pretty sure he said he didn't want you to drain your energy worrying about him, so just relax alright? Everything's going to be okay"

Encouraged, I nodded before cocking my head to the side, "You know, I'm so used to looking up at all of you, its really strange to be looking down at you right now"

"Its weird for me too", he said, "So will you get down now. I'm worried that you will slip and fall and break something"

"You really need to do something about your wild imagination", I said, shaking my head, "But I kind of like it, being taller than you I mean. Its a nice change - quite gratifying! It makes me feel strangely...empowered"

He raised an eyebrow at me before shrugging, "I guess I don't really mind either", he said before smiling mischievously, "I have a great view"

He then pulled me down and buried his face in my bosom. I gasped in shock as he kissed the side of my breast and my face flamed in both bashfulness and desire. But just as his hands began to slip underneath my shirt a soft knock sounded on our door.

My eyes shot to the wooden door in alarm while Zuerien glared at it as though willing it and the person behind it to spontaneously combust and disappear. What I was worried about was that he was actually capable of making that scenario possible!

"If that's Cole, I really will murder him", Zuerien said.

"Alpha, Suzzanah?"

I smiled at the familiar voice, "Alpha Penson! Come in!" I called out and he opened the door.

The minute he saw me standing atop the bed and Zuerien on the floor with an arm around my thighs to keep me from falling, he bit back an amused smile.

"I seem to have interrupted...something?" he said and I shook my head while Zuerien nodded.

"Did you need something?" I asked.

"Well, I heard from one of the men outside that you were awake so I just wanted to come and see you", he said closing the door behind me and walking up to us, "Is there any particular reason why you're standing on the bed?"

"Its a temporary fetish, apparently"

"Zuerien!" I shouted appalled, slapping his shoulder, "I swear its not anything like that"

"You said its gratifying", he said.

"Not in that sense!"

Alpha Penson chuckled, "My first thought was actually that the Alpha might have come up with a theory about there being too many 'male' germs on the floor which he didn't want touching his mate"

I laughed out loud while Zuerien narrowed his eyes at Alpha Penson, "Very funny", he said as I continued to giggle.

"You're looking better, dear-one", Alpha Penson said to me and I nodded.

"I feel good!" I said.

I really was feeling quite energized now. My fatigue from earlier had dissipated too. Zuerien seemed to have that kind of an effect on me.

"Hey, I almost forgot, how long did you get to sleep earlier?" I asked Zuerien worriedly.

"About 15 minutes", he replied and I didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed.

"Is 15 minutes like the standard werewolf napping time or something?" I asked, "But oh well, I'm glad you weren't late for your meeting at least. Have you guys been sleeping at all these past few nights?"

Alpha Penson and Zuerien exchanged glances before looking back at me and replying, "Yes"

"Lies!" I exclaimed making them both smile.

"The Alpha, Cole and I haven't slept much but its only been 2 days so its nothing to worry about", Alpha Penson replied coolly.

"Two days is a lot!" I said horrified.

"Not for werewolves", Zuerien said with a shrug.

"But why don't you guys sleep though?" I asked worriedly, "Is there really so much planning required for retrieving Karina that you can't even afford a few hours of shut-eye?"

"Not exactly, Suzzanah", Alpha Penson replied, "The meeting regarding the rescue plans usually last just a couple of hours but the Alpha, Cole and I spend the rest of the time in taking care of all the other matters"

"Other matters?" I asked.

"Regarding the Kingdom as well as the Royale Empire of course", he replied, "As King, he has tons of duties he needs to fulfill towards his own pack as well as all the other packs every-day. And as CEO of a muti-million dollar company, he has tons of deals, decisions and other responsibilities he needs to take care of. And Cole and I, as his Beta and right hand man, and his adviser respectively, we have our duties cut out for us too"

I looked at them with awe-struck eyes. I had occurred to me once in a while about who was taking care of the company while all the top officials were away but I had thought they had a different team assigned to handle those affairs. To think that all this time they were taking care of all those things themselves!

They're incredible...!

"Well actually we do have a team of highly qualified and efficient officials, led by Delta Del, which handles the major affairs of the Royale Industries when we're all away", Zuerien said, having read my mind again, "So it makes things a lot easier for us. But there are some matters which can only be decided and approved by the three of us so we go through those at night. And of course the affairs of the Kingdom have to be directly overseen by us, as well as the Council Members, so Marco helps out with those. Prophecy is usually either sleeping or not around to help"

I was thoroughly overwhelmed by how hardworking all these men were. The more time I spent with them, the more I was filled with respect and adoration for them. They were truly great leaders.

"Isn't there something I can help with?" I asked, desperate to try and get some work off their hands, "I'm an employee of the Royale Industries after all. Please let me help. Even if its hard, I'll do my best!"

Both men smiled affectionately at me, "Thank you, Heart, but for now just concentrate on your health", Zuerien told me, "That's the most important thing right now"

"He's right, dear one", Alpha Penson said, "In your current condition you really shouldn't be exerting yourself anymore than you already are everyday"

"But-"

"Don't worry Suzzanah. Once your health is back to its best, you can get back to helping us all with company affairs", Alpha Penson assured me, "And well, you need to undergo considerable amount of training and studies before you are officially crowned as the Luna Queen, after which you can start helping us with the affairs of the Kingdom too"

I stared at him amazed. I had no idea I would have to undergo training, but now that I thought about it, of course it made sense. They couldn't allow just anybody with no experience or knowledge to be allowed to make important kingdom decisions.

And although I was a little bit intimidated by the idea, I was also secretly looking forward to it.

"Okay", I said nodding, "For now I'll try and give my soul as much time as possible to recuperate. But I can still do at least some work as your secretary everyday though", I told Alpha Penson.

Zuerien immediately frowned, "I really think we need to change that", he said, "If you must be a P.A, I think you should be mine"

"I disagree", Alpha Penson said, "I think she is fine being my P.A"

I cringed, "I have to agree with Alpha Penson, actually", I said sheepishly.

I didn't think we would get a lot of actual work done if we spent that much time together in the same room. I quickly shook my head, trying to clear it of all the inappropriate images of the two of us that were suddenly flashing in my mind.

Zuerien however didn't seem to like that at all as he pulled me closer, "You are mine and I want you to work with me", he said, eyes darkening.

"I'm afraid I will have to very respectfully refuse that decision, Alpha", Alpha Penson interjected.

"Why?" Zuerien asked frowning.

"Because frankly, I quite like having Suzzanah for my P.A", Alpha Penson replied, "She is a wonderful employee and I don't want to give her up to you when you have a good enough P.A already"

"You can have Matree"

"Thank you but no. I'm quite happy with Suzzanah"

"But I want her"

"My apologies"

"She is my mate!"

"And she is my daughter"

"That's not fair!"

"Alright alright, lets break this up", I said quickly intervening, "I think the lack of sleep is making all of you grouchy. I really have the urge to go around tucking all you sleep-deprived men into bed like a fleet of like babies right now"

My statement made both men smile.

"I'm sure Mr. Talon would disapprove of your sleeplessness too!" I added, changing the subject from the 'whose P.A will Suzzanah be' debate.

"Talon is actually a part of Del's team so he's working just as hard as us", Zuerien replied.

"Ugh", I sighed heavily, face-palming before gasping, "Oh! Speaking of Mr. Talon", my gaze shot to Alpha Penson, "What happened with the search for that blue-green eyed man? Did Mr. Talon find any?"

Alpha Penson smiled, "Yes he did", he replied, "Not too many but he did a good job of finding as many people as possible with the description that we gave. He sent me pictures too which I wanted to show you earlier last evening but since you were so tired I decided to wait for the morning"

"Can I see them now?" I asked excitedly, "I'm wide awake"

"So it seems", Alpha Penson said before looking at Zuerien for approval. Zuerien nodded.

"Alright then", Alpha Penson said pulling up a chair from next to the table while I and Zuerien sat down on the bed.

Alpha Penson then took out his phone and we began scrolling through the pictures Mr. Talon had painstakingly shortlisted. So far he had sent in a total of about 23 pictures but he had told Alpha Penson that he still had tons of pictures to look through and would send them in groups of twenties from now.

Most of the men in the pictures had either green or blue eyes, but not really that characteristic blue green that we were looking for which told me that the trait must be quite rare even amongst Supernaturals.

And once we had gone through them all, we exchanged dejected looks. None of them were the man I had seen.

"He's not in any of these either", I said, my shoulders slumping in disappointment.

"I don't care if he's my ancestor, this blue-green eyed guy is really starting to get on my nerves now", Zuerien said annoyed.

"Oh well, at least we know there will be more people we can look through when Talon sends me the next 20 pictures", Alpha Penson said and I nodded.

Provided he finds 20 more people that fit the description...

The thing was finding the man was only the beginning. Once we found his identity we would then have to figure out why he was appearing to me, what he had to do with that man with 'bloodied-hands' and why he was giving me these bizarre warnings.

"That's about it for now then, I guess", I said.

Both men nodded.

"Oh and also, the Overseer got back to me with a few details about Intercession's ancestor", Alpha Penson said immediately making me sit up straight again, "It wasn't the exact paragraph we were talking about at the library earlier, but he found another one in which the girl was described by the then Luna of Intercession"

"Really?" I said encouraged and he nodded.

"I'm not sure if this will help but maybe if you know what she looked like you can try and remember if you saw her in your dream about the mirrors", Alpha Penson said.

"But I didn't see any of their faces except for Emily and the Luna Ethereal", I said.

"Its okay. Maybe you'll dream about it again, who knows!" Alpha Penson said, "The Overseer told me that she was described as a rather tall and lean woman with short black hair and tan skin"

I raked my brain to try and remember if I had seen anyone in my dream who matched that description. I did remember seeing woman of different shapes, sizes and hair-colors but I hadn't had a chance to look at them all. And in all honesty, I couldn't remember if I had someone who looked like that.

"She had blue eyes", Alpha Penson added, "But most importantly, she apparently had a prominent mark or tattoo of some sort on the inside of her right wrist which was shaped like dagger"

Her wrist?

"Oh! Hey that's a great identification mark", I said, "Although I don't remember having seen anyone with that kind of a mark on their wrists, if I ever dream that dream again, I'll try to will myself to search for it, if that's possible"

Alpha Penson nodded, "Okay but most of the times you don't really have that much control on matters or surroundings in your dreams so don't be too hard on yourself if you don't remember to look for her in the dream", he told me, "Also, don't force yourself to try and dream about that particular scenario. Just let things happen as they do. But since you've had that dream twice already, I think there is a good chance that you may have it again"

I nodded, "Hopefully I will", I said.

"Alright, that's enough excitement for now. You should be getting back to bed now heart", Zuerien said.

"But I'm not sleepy anymore", I replied and he sighed.

"If only you could fall asleep like Rino", Zuerien said, "The boy goes out like a light the minute the clock hits 11:00 pm"

"Aww, its cute that you know the time so perfectly", I teased making him give me a warning look.

"Don't push it, my Luna"

I giggled, "But now that you've brought up Rino, I just remembered", I said looking back at Alpha Penson, "You were going to tell me about Rino and his stream-searching earlier"

"That's right", Alpha Penson said, "You asked if it could have something to do with his Luna"

I nodded.

"Seriously?" Zuerien asked looking surprised, "I didn't know it had anything to do with his Luna. I thought it was just him being his usual weird self"

"Everyone did", Alpha Penson said.

"So what is the whole story behind this 'stream' anyway?" I asked.

"Well as you noticed, every once in a while Rino senses a very powerful and captivating presence which to him feels like a 'stream' of fresh water, drawing him to it", Alpha Penson told me, "He told me that it appears and disappears spontaneously. He first sensed it about 6 months ago", Alpha Penson said, "When he was in New York City"

I gasped, "Of course! Rina was working in New York City before she joined the Fae Insignia 3 months ago!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, I remember you telling us about that during the Games", Alpha Penson said, "You said you were working in India at the time"

I nodded.

"When did you arrive in the States again?" he asked.

"About a week before I joined work in the Royale Industries", I replied.

"Wait. Are you trying to say that when he first sensed the stream, Rino had actually sensed Karina's presence?" Zuerien asked.

"That's a very likely presumption", Alpha Penson replied, "But he also sensed the stream in other places too following that first time in New York. He told me he sensed the stream twice in New York, once in L.A and once in Washington D.C"

"Well, Karina did travel quite a bit in her last job", I said, "Maybe that's why"

"Did she ever come back to the States after she joined the Fae Insignia?" Alpha Penson asked me and I shook my head, "I don't think so. If she did, she didn't tell me. Why?"

Alpha Penson frowned thoughtfully, "Thing is, even though the chances are quite high of this 'stream' actually being him sensing his Luna's presence, there have been one or two times when he sensed that stream in the States even during those three months when Karina had already left for Canada", he told us, "That's why I asked you if she ever came back to the States after joining work in the Fae Insignia."

Zuerien and I looked at each other confused. Suddenly we weren't so sure the stream really had to do with Rino's Luna after all.

"He did say he sensed the stream yesterday too which finally led him to Karina who was on the other side of the Northern Wall", Alpha Penson said, "So we can still be pretty positive that this really is about her. But as usual there are a few ends that don't tie up, but I think once we retrieve his Luna, everything will make sense again"

We nodded, desperately hoping he was right.

Alpha Penson bent forward and patted my head, "Don't worry too much about this, dear one", he told me, "I'm sure we'll find the answers very soon. So for now just concentrate on conserving your energy and getting as much rest as possible"

He stood up from his chair, "I'll take your leave then, Alpha, Suzzanah", he said and I nodded.

"Thank you for coming to visit, Alpha", I said and he smiled, "My pleasure"

"John, I'll join you and Cole as soon as Suzzanah falls asleep", Zuerien said and Alpha Penson nodded.

"Zuerien, you don't have to wait with me-"

One sharp look from Zuerien shut me up and I knew no amount of convincing would change his mind so instead I just decided to enjoy his presence as long as I could.

"Speaking of Cole, I don't know if its just me but I can't help but think that he's been looking a little lost in thought ever since you got back to the hotel", Alpha Penson said immediately making me frown worriedly.

"So you noticed too huh?" Zuerien said.

"Did something happen during the day?" Alpha Penson asked and Zuerien shook his head.

"He was fine all day", Zuerien told me, "I only noticed him spacing out after I came down once Suzzanah had fallen asleep earlier last night"

Come to think of it, I had noticed that he had seemed a little strange when he had stared at me by the convenience store last evening. He had appeared to be in deep thought but had quickly brushed it off as nothing the minute he had seen me notice him.

I had thought I had just been over-thinking unnecessarily. Could it be that there had been more to it after all?

"Every time Cole gets like this, I get worried", Zuerien said frowning, "He only gets lost in thought like that when something is really troubling him. And it takes a lot to finally get him to open up about it. The last time he was like that was when he found out that you were the one who had made that phone call using the landline in the staff quarters to Karina who was inside Magnifis Inc. at the time", he told me.

Oh Cole...what's bothering you now?

"Its okay, I'll ask him about it", Zuerien reassured, "So don't let it stress you out heart"

I nodded, but internally I couldn't help but worry. Out of our entire group, Cole was the one who worried about and took care of everyone, but never let anyone worry about him, even when he had something grave on his mind. He was always trying his best to keep us from stressing over things, and ended up stressed out himself.

Yet he never said a word.

I made a mental note to make sure to ask him myself tomorrow if he was really okay. I may not have the entirety of my soul but I was still pretty darn good at picking up other people's feelings. If there was something I could do to help ease Cole's worries, I wanted to do it.

Before leaving, Alpha Penson told me that they had spoken to Elder Abé about consulting a Soul Scholar. Apparently there were none in Ireland at the moment but the Elder said he could introduce us to one back in the States after we got back, which was good news.

Once he had left, even though it was already a little past 5 AM, Zuerien insisted that I sleep a little longer, and I obliged, especially because I was slowly feeling the fatigue seep back into me again. Zuerien stayed with me, hugging me close till I fell asleep that night, which surprisingly enough, was pretty soon.

Maybe I can fall asleep instantly like Rino after all...

I had a lot of things on my mind when I felt sleep take over me once again. Worries about the past, present and future occupied my mind, and I knew sleep wouldn't really quell them either. Because even in my dreams, I wasn't at peace anymore. But regardless, I welcomed them anyway. Because...

"May your dreams...tell you stories no one else can"

Emily's words echoed in my mind distinctly, reaffirming my resolve. I needed to dream, because...they would show me things I wouldn't find when I was awake.

In the big picture where everyone had their work cut out for them, this was my part. This was what I could do to help.

So as the sun slowly began to rise in the outside world, I let myself drift into the land of dreams once more. With my thoughts lingering on a dark haired, tall, slim woman with a dagger shaped tattoo on her wrist, I let my consciousness escape me once more.

And for the first time ever, I prayed not for sweet dreams, but for nightmares.

Of dark beasts...

Of broken mirrors...

And of bloodied hands.

****

Random Question of the Day: If you had a chance to spend one Night exploring either the Werewolf Side or the Shadow Side of Dublin, which one would you choose, and why? Also, what one weapon would you carry with you?

A/N (Its long again, I'm sorryyy!)

Hey guys,

I know the update is late but I'm dealing with a lot of stuff right now because of which updates will continue to be slow for a while :(

Thank you to everyone who waited patiently and re-read the first book while waiting. You guys are the best!

And to make it up to you I made sure this chapter is extra long. Hope it helped!

Onto the Chapter Discussion then.

(NOTE: I love how so many of you actively participate in these. Y'all are super sweet. Thank you!)  

How many of you expected Ashford's hotel to go up in flames, lolol?

Why is everyone so terrified of Kai?

Also, what's up with that Ashford and his surprise visit?

And when will Prophecy finally wake up?!

Cole is being strange again. What could have happened?

Will Suzzanah have the 'Mirror dream' again?

And what will happen on the 28th of July?

Lots of excitement is coming up so stay tuned.

Finally, did you like this chapter?

If you did, please do VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE!

Until next time,

All my love,

May