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Chapter 1 — The The New Beginnings

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…
****
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, drawling 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 mate's 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 too."
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.
A/N: This book is copyrighted and owned by the author and Government of Croatia. Author has given the rights to Bravonovel to publish it on it's site!

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Chapter 2 — Memories

Talia POV
It was a beautiful sunny day as I walked through the forest heading to meet with my new friends, Olivia, Lizzy, and Annie.
Being a white witch had its perks, and having such, our purpose is to use our magic to do good deeds.
Since the moment of the war against the evil, a dark army of the notorious demon King, Alodar, I used my powers to help Annie's Siren as she was so heartbroken by the loss of her mate, so even today, now, I am about to slowly try to heal Annie and her Siren.
The birds were happily singing from the trees all around me as the little forest animals peek their heads from their hiding as they hear me slowly approaching.
I raised my head up, smiling into the warm sun that shone down through the branches, making me inhale deeply, and taking in the sweet, fresh air.
The memories crawled back into my mind as I slowly let myself remember.
***
“Talia! Wait up!”
Laughing as I ran through the forest, hearing his footsteps follow closely behind me, the rush of excitement and joy flew through my body as I turned my head and saw Azrael chasing after me.
He reached his arms out, about to capture me, saying, “Got ya!”
Squealing I jumped ahead avoiding his arms, I looked fast around finding a near tree, running towards it as I hid behind it.
He stopped running, looking at me with a big smile on his face, placing his hands on his hips as he said, “You know you cannot outrun me.”
Giggling as I placed my hands onto the tree bark, I peeked behind the tree, saying, “Maybe, but I can always try.”
Grinning widely, he rushed towards me as I squealed out loud, pushing away from the tree.
I made two steps only and before I could make another one, his arms snaked around my waist, successfully stopping me as he lifted me up into the air.
“Az! Put me down you silly wolf.” I said to him with joy clearly showing in my voice as he gently placed my feet down onto the ground, making me turn around and face his beautiful features that were shining out with joy.
Feeling out of breath, we stood there looking at each other’s eyes as I saw his eyes fall down onto my lips, making my heart speed up its pace even faster than I could have even imagined was possible to.
Everything around us disappeared as minutes passed with us staring into each other, I saw him move closer to me, making me feel the warmth of his body as he was so close to me.
Like an invisible threat that drew us closer, his head started to lean down towards me, and I knew we were about to kiss for the very first time.
Slowly I raised my head up, feeling his breath tickling my face as my eyes closed patiently waiting to welcome what my heart’s desire was for far too long…
***
Reaching the packlands, I shook my head, trying to rid my head of the memories of the past as I slowly walked towards the old mansion.
Passing by some of the members that greeted me the moment they saw me, I reached the mansion and let myself inside just in time to meet with Olivia and Lizzy as they walked out from one of the rooms.
“Talia! You are here.” Olivia said as she rushed to me and hugged me tightly, welcoming me to her home.
“It is good to see you again, Luna.” I said, bowing my head as she nudged my shoulder saying, “Please, we are friends and as such, call me Olivia.”
I smiled at her, taking her warm words to my heart as I said, “Thank you, Olivia.”
She smiled widely looking at me as Lizzy walked towards us, smiling, “Can I greet her as well, or only you have the honors?”
Giggling, Olivia took a step back, letting Lizzy to finally hug me.
“It is good to see you, dear,” Lizzy said as she slowly backed away, still smiling.
“We saw each other a week ago and you two are sounding like we haven’t seen each other for a month at least.” I teased them in a loving way.
They laughed as Olivia said, “Well, we love it when you come to visit us.”
Lizzy was fast to add, “Oh, is it us or someone else and no, I do not mean Annie.”
Olivia giggled as Lizzy winked at me, making me roll my eyes as I was already used to them teasing me like this.
We walked together towards the now all familiar room where I knew Annie was waiting for me.
Before I opened the door, I looked at them and asked, “How is she these days?”
I could hear them both exhale while Olivia looked at me with sad eyes and said, “Sometimes she is almost like her old self, and some she just sits and looks outside the window.”
Hearing the answer, I nodded my head while Lizzy added, “But at least she is eating and sleeping normally nowadays.”
“Also, Tanner is helping a lot, and it is obvious she feels comfortable around him,” Olivia said, making Lizzy agree by nodding her head.
“Ok, well let me go inside and check her up while you two can join us soon as we finish,” I said to them as they agreed and left me to do what I came here for in the first place.
Slowly I pressed on the door handle and the soft sound of the door opening reached inside the room making me look at the corner where I found Annie, silently sitting lost in deep thoughts as she was staring outside the window.
Walking inside the room, I closed the door behind me, gently calling her name, “Annie?”
There was no response that would prove she even heard me, so I took a few steps closer to her, trying to gain her attention, “Annie?”
Slowly, she turned her head and looked my way and I could see her sad eyes that were filled with unshed tears, blinking as she tried to stop them from falling.
Rushing towards her, I held her hand in my own and said, “It is ok darling.”
“I miss him.” She barely managed to get her words out as her voice broke at the end right before her tears fell over her cheeks.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her as I let her cry into my shoulder.
I could feel her heart’s sorrow, the unbearable pain she was feeling due to the loss of her mate.
Placing my palm on her back, silently I spoke the chant, wanting to help her ease the pain from her broken heart.
“Lunae auferunt cor dolore torquerentur curare de beatitudine rursus amore implevi.”
(By the Moon, take away the pain from this tortured heart and heal it with love and fill it with happiness once again.)
I repeated the chant a few times as underneath my palm, glowed a light orange light.
Her tears stopped as I could feel her pain slowly decreasing, making me stop my chant and the glow to disappear.
Stepping away a little, I saw her tear-stained face looking at me as I wiped away the fallen tears cupping her face, saying, “I know it is hard to shake away from the pain, but you are not alone, you have all of us that are here for you and most importantly, soon you will have your little bundle of joy to love and protect. I can see that there is more for you in this life, but to welcome it into your life, you need to fight and you will see what I am saying.”
Taking in a deep breath as she rubbed her heavily pregnant belly, she looked down into it and smiled, saying, “Thank you. I will try.”
Smiling at her, I stood up, and at the same time the door opened, making us turn our heads to see who was there.
I saw Tanner entering inside as his eyes landed on me, then on Annie.
His eyes showed worry as he moved so fast, reaching her, letting his knees hit the floor as he kneeled right in front of her, cupping her face, inspecting her with a clear worry shining out from his eyes.
“Are you ok? Why were you crying? Is everything ok with the baby?” Tanner asked in concern as I was about to answer him, I noticed Annie react as she slowly raised her hand and placed it onto his cheek making him lean into her touch.
“I am fine and the baby is fine, don’t worry so much or you will get wrinkles.” She told him, giving him a small smile as I slowly walked towards the door, wanting to give these two some privacy.
Just as I walked outside the room, I saw Olivia and Lizzy standing there, watching the scene that I just witnessed.

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Chapter 3 — Duty

Talia POV
I looked at the two, standing there looking at Tanner and Annie as their hands were pressed right above each other's hearts.
Slowly, I turned back around as my eyes fell down onto Tanner and Annie, and I couldn't help the smile that slowly showed itself on my face.
Closing the door, I turned back to Olivia and Lizzy as they led me to the backside where a large garden was.
We sat there on the patio chairs when a young female brought out some cold lemonade and cookies.
"She was crying?" Lizzy asked the moment we were left alone.
Pouring myself some fresh lemonade, I looked at Lizzy and said, “She was.”
Olivia placed her glass on the table, looking at me as she asked, “Will she be ok?”
I was silent for a moment, thinking about what came to me on the day of the baby shower.
***
Walking away from Azrael, I could feel his eyes still following my every move as I couldn’t hold back the smile, seeing him spill his drink all over himself just because I teased him a little.
I reached to the other side, walking towards Olivia, Mandy, and Lizzy.
“What made you smile?” Mandy asked as she smiled at me, making Olivia and Lizzy turn their focus and look at me with curiosity clearly written over their faces.
I turned my head back and looked over at Azrael; I saw him wiping off his shirt, mumbling something that made Marcus laugh next to him, patting Azrael’s back as he was saying something to him.
Like he could feel my gaze on him, Azrael stopped drying off his shirt, and I saw his head look up as his eyes locked with my own.
I could feel the blush rise upon my cheeks, so I turned away fast but not fast enough as I saw him smirk at me, clearly noticing my red cheeks.
“That ass,” I mumbled to myself, completely forgetting that I was in the company of Olivia, Lizzy, and Mandy.
“Someone is shy,” Mandy said, teasing me.
Lizzy giggled, but thankfully Olivia wrapped her arm around my shoulder and said, “Ladies, please. So what if Talia is in denial about her feelings towards Azrael and we all can see how they look at each other, but let’s be nice and don’t tease her. I am sure she will admit it when she is ready to.”
Mandy and Lizzy grinned the moment Olivia finished as I stood there shocked and speechless, mouth agape.
“It is ok, they won’t tease you anymore,” Olivia said, smiling widely at me as all I could do was look at her and blink.
‘Was I really that obvious?’ I couldn’t help not to wonder to myself.
Time has passed as we were having fun.
We played games with Annie, trying to keep her spirit up, and it seemed it was working.
I couldn’t help not to notice how no matter where I would go, Azrael was always somewhere near me, not that I didn’t like that.
We stole glances a couple of times, thought the day. He even winked at me or just smirked whenever he would catch me looking his way.
The laughter was all around us as everyone was having fun.
Soon as the songs started, Marcus walked up to Olivia about to ask her for the dance only for Damon to snatch her hand, grinning at Marcus as he said, “Sorry buddy, but this is my jam. Come on, little firecracker.”
“Damon!! Stop calling me that already.” I heard Olivia say to him as they started to dance, only to get him to grin wide at her and say, “Hmm… nope, never happening. Sorry, little firecracker.”
Marcus shook his head next to me, laughing as he watched the two.
He said, “They will never change.”
I looked at him and I could see the amount of love he has for his mate and I know he lets Damon get away with these things only because of how close they got in the dark times.
“No, they will not,” I said, drinking my lemonade, smiling as we stood there and watched everyone enjoying their time.
Azrael walked towards us, offering Marcus a glass of drink as Marcus accepted it, asking him, “So, why don’t you take Talia to dance?”
Azrael looked at him, then me, and I could see he was thinking of an answer, but I beat him to it, “That would be a bad idea.”
Azrael frowned hearing my answer while Marcus looked at me with interest shining in his eyes, “Why is that?” he asked me.
Once again my cheeks reddened as I looked over at Azrael who was silent all along, so I said, “One time, a long time ago, we danced and I… well, let’s just say I don’t really know how to dance as I stomped on his feet all the time while we danced.”
Azrael, as he remembered that day, shook his head smiling, he said, “It was not that bad.”
Snorting, I answered, “I kicked you in the groin.”
Marcus burst out laughing while Azrael made a sour face, saying, “Ok, that was the only thing that was not so… nice.”
All three of us laughed as we turned our focus and watched at the crowd in front of us.
Damon was twirling Olivia as they both laughed, and it was obvious how much fun they were having.
I looked around, searching for Annie, finding her sitting down on one of the chairs as Tanner walked towards her, smiling as he said something to her.
I kept watching them and saw him helping her stand up as he led her closer to the dancing crowd and started to goof around her as he danced, making her smile at him as she watched him circling around her.
I could hear two males near from where I was standing, talking to each other as they had their eyes set on Tanner and Annie; “Seriously dude, just look at them. He has changed drastically. Since we returned from the Dark Lands, all he is doing is jumping in circles around her. Hell, she is not even his mate!”
The other male nodded his head, listening to the first one, saying, “I know, but it is his choice.”
The first one rolled his eyes, continuing on, “He doesn’t hang out anymore with us. Just yesterday I saw him deny Stacey as she stood half-naked in front of his room. Stacey dude. Who in the right mind would reject a night with her?”
Rolling my eyes as I didn’t want to hear more of their conversation, I looked once again towards Tanner and Annie, saying a silent thank you to the Goddess as I could see Annie was smiling and it was all thanks to him.
Looking up towards the clear sky, I watched at the birds flying far above when suddenly something catches my intention, making me look towards the bright, shiny light that was fast falling down from the sky.
Could it be a fallen star? I wondered.
But it was daytime, so that was not possible. Or was it?
The questions kept playing around my mind as I looked down back to the crowd when suddenly the sight before me changed and everything disappeared.
I could see a blanket spread down on the grass. A basket filled with food next to it as a female was sitting down and holding something in her arms.
I looked closer and could see that the female was no other but Annie.
She was holding a small baby, pressing it tightly into her chest. Having her eyes on her baby as she cooed at it.
Suddenly, a tall silhouette appeared and walked straight towards Annie and the baby.
I watched as her head looked up and smiled widely as the person sat down next to her, caressing the baby's cheek with his finger and I couldn’t help but to wonder who that person was.
Suddenly, like a veil was lifted, I could finally see clearly the person next to Annie, and to my surprise, I could see it was Tanner.
The three of them looked so happy, like a family, and before I could see anything more the picture disappeared making me blink my eyes, looking around feeling disoriented until I heard an unfamiliar voice reaching my ears.
“You, my child, are serving your purpose and I have heard your plea and will grant your wish, and give the one, that has lost too early and had love and happiness, brutally ripped away from her, I will grant her another chance and gave her a new path that can lead her towards the life she should have had before, but your task is not stopping here as you will need to help her get up and fight off her pain for her to be able to move on and accept the gift I am giving her once again. Go and fulfill your duty and soon enough when the time is right I will reward you.”
***

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