WARNING: THIS IS A COPYRIGHTED BOOK UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF CROATIA, OWNED BY AMANDA STEEL. INFRINGERS WILL BE DEALT WITH ACCORDINGLY. THE AUTHOR HAS GIVEN NOVELCAT THE RIGHTS TO PUBLISH THIS BOOK IN THEIR APP/WEBSITE.
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Prologue
The time of joy has fallen down upon the world.
The world of shifters that once lived for many years, under the Law that was forced upon them, forbidding them to accept the greatest gift that one shifter could receive, a gift of a mate.
The prophecy that once was for so long-awaited for, fulfilled its destiny and brought love and happiness to every shifter that are now accepting such gift, given by the Moon Goddess herself, the mating bond could be finally fully accepted, and it is all thanks to for us now known as the Alpha King Marcus and his beloved mate, Luna Queen Olivia.
The Goddess destined and chosen the two to bring back what should have never been taken away.
The two, together with the help of their friends, went through many obstacles in their journey until all together have reached their goal and brought peace to the shifter communities, uniting them all together once again in peace.
While every mate couple could display their love for each other freely and accept their bond, one had a different destiny, a destiny to help lead the ancient warriors known to all as White Moon Warriors.
The legendary one among them, known as Azrael, led alongside his friend, Alpha King Marcus, protecting his friend and his new Queen Luna Olivia, perceiving the peace, and keeping a watchful eye on the possibility of a threat that might once again rise up.
Accepting his fate to roam this world alone, Azrael’s heart feels lonely as in his heart he wishes he can share what others do. To have such great and powerful love and connection.
With such a heavy heart he accepts what he cannot have… or so he thought…
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Chapter 1:The New Beginnings
Azrael POV
The whizz of air sounded near my ear as I ducked my head down, once, twice, trying to avoid fists as they were flying towards me in fast approach.
There was an opening so moving fast I swung my fist and made a blow, drawing out a groan only to be so reckless, and got hit in the same place once again, making me groan out this time.
“Damn… Marcus!” Groaning, I said as he raised his eyebrow, looking at me for a moment.
His lips stretched in a grin as he charged at me, colliding his body with mine. We both stumbled down and fell down onto the mattress, continuing to wrestle, throwing punches into each other.
“Ahem!!” The clearing of a throat sounded once again, making Marcus and I stop our training and look up at Logan who was shaking his head with his arms crossed over his chest.
“What is it?” Marcus asked him as we untangled from each other, standing up back on our feet.
“Luna Queen has sent me to tell you both to cut your practice short and go get ready because the party will soon start,” Logan said to us, making us both groan as we would have rather trained and fought than attend parties.
Logan turned away, about to walk away, but stopping and saying, “Please don’t as she asked, I don’t want to get grilled by her nor my mate, thank you.”
Chuckling when we both heard his plea, Marcus said, “Don’t worry, we are coming.”
Logan visibly relaxed and walked away while I stood there and looked at Marcus with narrowed eyes, crossing my arms over my chest, making Marcus look at me with a questionable look, asking, “What?”
“Why the hell do I need to go there?” I said with annoyance, clearly showing in my voice.
Rolling his eyes, Marcus said, “If I have to go then you have to as well, no but’s no nothing.”
“Fine!” I said, not liking the idea to attend the party.
The reason was not the one I wanted to share with anyone out loud.
Admitting the truth, wanting it or not, it just pained me.
Yes, I was, and I am happy about my new family and friends having their mates but when you are the only one destined to live your life, forever, without someone you can fully open up to and give your heart to, to love them unconditionally, yes, that part is what crushes my heart every time I see a happy mated couple.
No one knew of my deepest desires, but I accepted my fate and am learning to live knowing that I will never have a mate.
But what if I decide to choose someone instead?
Walking side by side, Marcus and I reached the old Elder’s mansion that is now our home and the center of every shifter community. We walked inside, climbing up the stairs to go get ready for the party.
Just as I was about to go to my room, Marcus placed his hand over my shoulder, stopping me from entering my room.
I looked at him in question as he asked me, “Is everything ok?”
The confusion was written all over my face, so he tried to clarify his question, “You were in deep thoughts since we finished training and not just then, so what is going on?” he asked me.
I could see he was worried as a friend and as now my family since that is what we were now, close as two brothers, so I contemplated telling him what was on my mind recently or not.
Deciding it would be better to leave that conversation for the next time, I said, “It is nothing, honestly.” Seeing he was about to protest I added, “I will tell you but not today, later.”
Marcus looked at me and nodded his head. We agreed to meet downstairs soon, as we are done with our preparation.
Closing the door behind me the moment I entered my room, I took the clean clothes I prepared to wear and went straight to the shower.
Hoping that the shower will not just wash off the sweat and dirt off of my body, but to also help me clear off my head from such thoughts that for some unknown reason kept haunting me for a while now.
Drying off as I finished my shower, I put my clothes on, getting ready for the party.
Taking one last look at the mirror, I stepped outside the room, walking downstairs to meet with Marcus.
Funny thing was that we both met at the staircase as we finished dressing at the same time.
The moment we walked down the stairs, we could see the hassle as Olivia was together with Lizzy assigning tasks for every free member, trying to prepare everything for the soon to begin the party.
Marcus whispered to me, “We better leave or I am sure she will assign something to us to.”
Chuckling at his silliness, the sharp tone of his mate reached our ears as she said, “Well since you so sweetly proposed it I will have to be a fool to deny you your wish, darling.”
Closing our mouths and preparing for the worst, we silently stood and waited for our task. She said, “You both can help these males with placing tables out. Secure them so they are steady this time Marcus please not like what happened the last time.”
I chuckled as Marcus said, “Well, ants are hungry too, you know.”
Olivia rolled her eyes at him and said, “Why do I even bother sometimes.”
Marcus wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him, saying, “Because you love me just as much as I love you.”
Turning my head away as I didn’t want to watch them kiss, I walked away and picked up two of the tables that Olivia wanted to be placed outside and carried them out. Soon after, Marcus joined and helped with setting everything up.
After everything was done and set, we all hid in the garden and waited for Annie and Tanner to finally join us.
Everything was silent as we waited but we thankfully didn’t need to wait for too long as 15minutes later the front door opened and we heard two familiar voices echoing inside the mansion.
“Come on, please. Just for a little.” Tanner's voice sounded as he pleaded to Annie, making me look at Marcus who shrugged his shoulders as he worriedly cast glances at Olivia who was standing next to him, biting her lip nervously.
A few moments passed before a small voice we now knew was Annie’s said, “Ok.”
Feeling relief washed over me as in the next second the sound of a switch sounded as Tanner turned the lights, making the lanterns shine above the garden as we all said in the same voice, “Surprise.”
Annie gasped as tears welled inside her eyes, making Olivia and Lizzy rush to her and hug her tight.
The sound of the front door sounded once again, and we saw James and Mandy entering the garden, followed by Talia right behind them.
Her eyes found me the moment she walked outside into the garden. She congratulated Annie for her baby shower party and walked straight towards me.
“Hey.” She greeted me with a smile as I smiled back, saying, “Hi, good to see you.”
“I know… you missed me, didn’t you?” She teased me, making me roll my eyes at her.
Offering her a drink I went to get it for her but not before I walked towards Annie who was carefully watched over by Tanner, which was nothing unusual, I hugged and kissed her cheek, saying “Congratulations Annie, you will be a wonderful mom to this little baby boy and if you will ever need help, you know all you need to do is ask and I am here for you. Happy baby shower.”
Sniffling, she wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly as she weakly said, “Thank you.”
A moment later, I went to get Talia her drink, and the party started.
Everyone was having so much fun as they were dancing and laughing and there were some funny baby shower games.
It was good to see Annie laugh even if it was just now and then, but it was a progress and we all could see that the biggest help to get her to stand back up on her feet was actually because of Tanner.
I watched from the side as children were screaming and running around, playing with each other, making me smile at them. I saw how everyone was gently rubbing Annie’s tummy when a voice started me out, shaking me out from my thoughts, saying, “Do you want one little pup of your own?”
Choking as I was having a drink of my beer, I spilled my drink down onto my shirt, coughing as I heard Talia’s words.
She laughed out loud, patting my back as I composed myself, looking at her with my narrowed eyes, asking her, “What are you trying to say, Talia?”
She reached up on her tiptoes, giving me a mischievous smile, I could feel her lips press onto mine as she just winked and walked away still laughing at my reaction.
