Poison and Aftermath

*Varek*Fiona's fur shimmers away as she turns back into her human form, lying in a pool of blood. The black sheen of the poison already threads through her veins, racing up her arms, pulsing at her throat.“No,” I drop beside her. My hands shake as I press against the wound, hot blood sliding through my fingers.Lucian's body lies nearby. My wolf wants to rip him apart, but he's no longer breathing. No blood pools beneath his body, nor the few that are behind him. They're just dead. There's the scent of flint against rock, but no fire nearby. Just beyond Fiona's outstretched hand is a vial of antidote. I grab it, wrench it open, and lift her head, pouring it down her throat and coaxing her to swallow.Goddess, please, let it not be too late. The stench of Lucian's poisoned blade lingers in my nose. The scent of it was all too familiar. It was the same poison that had nearly ended me years ago. A memory flashes through my mind of cold lips whispering vows and a kiss laced with betraya

Dante's Deal

*Varek*The guards drag Cara’s husband into the hall on his knees before me. His face is pale, sweat slicking his temples. His head is bowed low with defeat, his shoulders slumped.Dante comes in just behind, looking as on edge as he had been during the siege. “I only have one question for you,” I say. “Was Cara involved?”He snarls. “Why would she be? That bitch cares no more for me than a worm. Something you know well. There was never any loyalty to me, no care.” He glares up at me. “You gave me a wife in name only. You have no idea how much you’ve humiliated me!”“You humiliate yourself,” Dante says, cocking an eyebrow. “Shut up!” He yells. “I’m still your king!”Dante laughs. “Your little crown is pretty, but that’s all.”His face turns purple as his lips pull back in an ugly sneer. “For all your hatred of King Varek, you are much alike.“Whoever said I hate him?” Dante asked, looking confused. “He’s a highhanded asshole, and you’re spineless, but that’s far from hatred.” He sha

Mate

*Fiona*The world swims around me for a moment. I pause as I get down the stairs. Anger drives me forward; all I can think about is finding my father. The guards had been nice enough to lead me down the stairs, apparently no longer afraid that I would beat them up or try to run away. The corridors are quiet and cold. I shiver but ignore it. The guards we pass are all wide-eyed. I must look ghastly, but I don’t care. The dungeons reek of damp stone, silver, and blood. The last is new from the last time I was here. The guard unlocks the heavy door that leads into the dungeons, and in the first cell, I see him. My father is barefoot, unshaven, sitting on a pile of straw.He looks up and has the nerve to look concerned. “Fiona?”“How dare you?” I hiss, crossing the distance until the iron bars are the only thing between us. The echo of my voice fills the corridor. “You greedy, self-serving idiot! Is your pride so important to get us all killed?”His expression hardens. “I did what was n

Epilogue

*Fiona*I study my reflection in the mirror. The emerald gown shimmers like a living thing, soft and lush in the morning light pouring through the windows. Varek had none so subtly hinted that he’d appreciate me in Caldara colors on our wedding day and every day. I don’t much care for the color, but knowing that I can get anything I want from Varek just for wearing green made me inclined to agree.I’m not sure when I would need the favor, probably to get him to play proper host for a little longer, but the thought made me smile. Varek had not been shy about how much he wanted me. Every chance he’d gotten these past year to push me up against a wall and kiss me breathless, he had. It was likely only the fact that he had a lot more to manage that he hadn’t coaxed me into his bed yet, or maybe he was more romantic than I thought and wanted our first time to be after we were officially married. This past year has been a whirlwind of change for Caldara. Between Varek’s ruthless practicali

All Chapters of Captured by the Cruel Alpha: Chapter 51 - Chapter 54

Poison and Aftermath

Dante's Deal

Mate

Epilogue