---
Vangelis gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Fiona's face as she lay peacefully asleep, oblivious to the storm brewing around her. His eyes flickered to the mirror, meeting Phoenix's cold, calculating gaze.
"I'm glad you came, even if the timing was... less than ideal," Vangelis said softly, pressing a lingering kiss to Fiona's forehead. "Had you been any later, it would've been too late. She'd be dead by now."
Phoenix's eyes narrowed. "You knew the risk. And yet you still chose to push it." His voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet tension in the car like a blade.
Vangelis sighed, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I couldn't resist. Her scent... her essence... It's unlike anything I've ever known. I lost myself in it."
Phoenix's gaze slid to Fiona's form, his lips curling into a smirk. "She is exquisite. But I didn't expect you to thank me for stopping you."
Vangelis chuckled, moving closer. He rested a firm hand on Phoenix's shoulder, the gesture both intimate and commanding. "Why would I be angry? You're the only one I trust with everything."
Phoenix tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "You're not concerned I've seen your bride in such a vulnerable state?"
"Not at all." Vangelis's voice lowered, his eyes gleaming with dark intent. "Because I know you, Phoenix. You'll never betray me. You'll do whatever it takes to protect me — and her."
For a moment, silence hung between them, charged with unspoken words. Then Phoenix gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Always"
"I'm supposed to do this every damn day? I'm tired," Fiona muttered, frustration dripping fro m her voice as she poured the pot of water beneath the statue of the Moon Goddess. The ritual, sacred and ancient, demanded that every female pay homage at the very dawn of the first day of the month— a duty she had grown to dislike.
Around her, most of the pack had already shifted into their wolf forms, scaling the mountain with ease. But Fiona remained bound to her human body. Having consumed the wolves' blood, her transformation was delayed until her mate marked her — only then would her true form reveal itself.
"You look weak. Weaker than I'd like," Vangelis said as he approached, offering her his hand. His tone was gentle, but there was a hint of disapproval beneath it.
Fiona's eyes flashed with defiance as she ignored his hand. "I'm not weak. Care to race me? I'll make you regret ever calling me that." A sly smirk curved her lips.
Vangelis chuckled, shaking his head. "Always so reckless."
"Relax, Fiona," Valeria said as she approached from behind, her voice calm but firm.
Fiona crossed her arms. "So? Who won?" She glanced toward the gates where Vangelis stood, watching her intently.
Valeria's expression darkened. "Don't tell me you forced yourself to morph. You know what that does to someone unmarked."
"I'm fine," Fiona snapped, brushing off their concern. Her gaze locked with Vangelis's. "And for the record, I won. Even in your form, you couldn't keep up." Her triumphant grin was almost feral.
Vangelis stepped closer, a dangerous smile playing on his lips. "Maybe. But not in bed, Sapphire."
The words hung in the air like a spark ready to ignite. Fiona's cheeks reddened as the others chuckled. Her in-laws smiled knowingly, amused by the banter. Despite her embarrassment, Fiona managed to offer a small, awkward smile in return.
As she climbed the stairs to her chambers, a sudden, searing pain tore through her body. Her vision blurred, and before she could cry out, darkness swallowed her whole.
Fiona's eyes flew open, her body jolting upright as electric currents pulsed through her veins. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she took in the glowing figure before her.
His hair floated around him as if carried by unseen winds, shimmering with power. Sparks crackled in the air, and the charge made her skin prickle.
"I'm... awake," Fiona murmured, her voice trembling as she sat up, her gaze locked on him.
Phoenix's glowing eyes softened as his hair slowly settled, falling in smooth waves down his back. "You should be more careful with how you live your life around here." His voice was calm, but there was a warning beneath his words. "You need to be bonded before using your abilities. Without that bond, any male wolf can draw from your energy. That's why you were told to remain in your normal form until you're marked."
Fiona frowned, frustration flickering across her face. "I don't understand any of this shit," she muttered, brushing a hand through her hair.
Phoenix sighed, shaking his head. "I can't believe you've made me speak more than ten sentences." His tone lightened with a trace of amusement, but it quickly faded. "Your husband will see to it. You'll be married by tomorrow, and everything will fall into place."
She raised an eyebrow. "Tomorrow?"
"Yes. And you'll be fine." Phoenix took a step back, the glow around him beginning to dim. "I have to go."
Fiona glanced down at her belly, where Phoenix's hand still rested, his fingers lightly touching her skin. She slowly placed her own hand on top of his, the touch deliberate as she turned her gaze to him, eyes narrowing in playful defiance.
Phoenix tried to pull away, but Fiona held his arm firmly, a sly smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Will you stop this madness, Sapphire?" His voice was cold, yet laced with frustration.
Fiona's lips curled. "Jade, you and your brother have something in common. Do you know who else calls me S-A-PP-H-I-RE?" She leaned in slightly, her head resting on his chest, as if teasing him with her closeness.
"I'm nothing like him, understood?" Phoenix's tone shifted, growing more intense. He shifted his body, trying to rise, but Fiona moved swiftly, grabbing him by the arm before she licked just behind his ear. "You mean... you don't want me around, do you?"
The door to the room suddenly burst open, and Vangelis rushed in, his eyes instantly locking on Fiona. In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, holding her close.
Phoenix seized the opportunity, slipping from Fiona's grasp and making his exit. But as he turned at the door, he was met with the sight of Fiona, wrapped in Vangelis' embrace, her eyes mischievously meeting his. She winked at him and blew a playful kiss.
Phoenix shook his head in disbelief, muttering under his breath as he closed the door behind him.
Vangelis, still holding Fiona, chuckled softly. "I can't believe we're marrying tomorrow." His tone was light, filled with joy.Fiona didn't respond. She didn't care about tomorrow. Her thoughts were still tangled in the storm that Phoenix had left behind.